PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 12/1/25
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 12/1/25
Embedded Files
Dear CTA Members,
ACTION
We’ve recently asked members to take action together, because that’s how we make a real difference in a union. The union isn’t a few staff members, an office building, or even the leadership. YOU are the union. I’m proud to share that over 1,500 of you sent messages to the School Board about the $4.1 million reconciliation funds they received and put into savings, resulting in more than a total 11,000 emails sent urging them to use even a portion of those dollars to support our teachers. The Board has not yet agreed to this, so we encourage you to email again. This shows the district and the board that our members are watching, and they're ready to take action.
We’ve also asked members to contact legislators about vouchers, the Schools of Hope crisis, co-location concerns, and the impact these policies are having on our schools. Last week, several of our local state representatives sent a joint letter to the district and School Board requesting a meeting to discuss how the district is dealing with these issues (see below). Your advocacy is being heard, and I encourage you to continue that momentum. This is the true power of unionism. We accomplish more together than any of us ever could alone.
UNDER ENROLLED SCHOOLS
As you know, seven schools have been identified by the district for possible consolidation. We have attended every community meeting and are in contact with the ARs at each affected school. While the district has said no final decision has been made, they anticipate making one by the end of January. I am also visiting each school again to ensure we’ve gathered all member questions so we can work to get clear answers. If consolidations move forward, we are advocating for a process that respects and protects our teachers. Please know your union will stand with you every step of the way.
MEMBER ASSIST
Be sure to scroll down for info on how you can get $$ for referring other CTA members to use their free Member Assist benefit! You each have a referral link you can send out that tracks back to you!
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU
You are the force behind CTA. Your voice, your action, and your solidarity are what give our union real power to create change. And if you need support along the way, your CTA team is here to back you up. Contact us anytime at 407-298-0756 or orangecta@gmail.com.
In Solidarity,
Clinton McCracken, Orange CTA President
"There’s no power greater than the power of a union when we stand together.”
Mary Harris ‘Mother’ Jones
NEW "MEMBER ASSIST" NOW AVAILABLE!
MEMBERASSIST.NET
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BARGAINING UPDATE
BARGAINING UPDATE
LOOKING AHEAD - BARGAINING FOR 2026-2027 BEGINS:
The bargaining process for the 2026–2027 school year is beginning, and your involvement is more important than ever. CTA keeps a bargaining suggestion form open year-round so members can share ideas about improving our contract. While salary and benefits are negotiated every year and remain top priorities, this form also helps us gather input on other needed contractual improvements. The deadline to submit suggestions for the 2026–2027 negotiations is December 20. After the form closes, the Bargaining Committee and Bargaining Team will work together to review and sort through all submissions, and then a member survey will be sent out so educators can prioritize the proposed contract ideas. Suggestions submitted after December 20 will be considered for the 2027–2028 cycle.
Click HERE to submit a bargaining suggestion.
Smart, strategic, and united action is making a difference. There is still work to be done, but we will meet every challenge as always, united together.
JOIN OUR BARGAINING COMMITTEE: Want a voice at the table? We’re building a site-based Bargaining Committee! In this role, you can serve as the voice of your school, ensuring all educators have a direct line into the bargaining process. Bargaining Committee members help us relay information back to worksites, gather site input on proposals, and encourage participation among your peers. No experience necessary! You can find an FAQ about this role HERE, and the sign-up link HERE.
LABOR MANAGEMENT UPDATES:
CTA President Clinton McCracken meets with District representatives monthly for a "Labor Management Committee" to advocate for members, seek clarity on topics and workplace issues. Below are updates on some of the topics discussed during these recent meetings. We continue to discuss other issues as well, and updates will be provided as they become available.
Common Final Exams (CFEs) Survey
The CFE survey closed on November 14, 2025. CTA sent the results to the district for analysis. The union will provide members with updates as soon as they are available. The School Board and District have shared their interest in eliminating CFEs and requested CTA’s input. In response, CTA committed to surveying teachers and using those results to ensure educators’ voices are heard.
Computer Programs - IXL / NearPod / Others
CTA raised concerns about removing instructional programs without teacher input. Teachers' feedback will be shared with the district. It is essential that your voice is heard and that you are not constantly placed in a position of having to learn new programs without the opportunity to provide feedback.
Progress Reports
The District reiterated that the progress report window cannot be expanded. CTA will draft an MOU proposing adjusting the language to the Wednesday when progress reports are due.
Skyward - Middle School Attendance
CTA requested that the the timeline for submitting 7th-period attendance in middle schools be adjusted (15 minutes) to provide teachers with additional time. The district will verify the request's viability and respond.
Under Enrolled Schools
CTA has made it clear to the district that educators should not be left waiting until after decisions are made about potential school closures. Teachers deserve answers now. We’ve urged the district to work with us to establish a clear, transparent plan before any final decisions on potential closures or consolidations are reached. CTA is currently reviewing all options and is preparing a possible MOU to bring forward for consideration. We are encouraging members from any of these schools to reach out to CTA with questions you have so that we can work to get you answers. We're also in the process of visiting each of these schools again so feel free to come talk with us to share your concerns.
Other Items
Additional items being discussed include but are not limited to STO schools, School Cash, vendor list, Accountability Denominator Interactive Tool, School Board Policy GBED, Sustainability Champion Program, and Maintenance Request Pilot Program. A summary of the items is not provided because the parties are having discussions and there is no information or responses to report yet.
CONTRACT REMINDERS
CONTRACT REMINDERS
TESTING SCHEDULES: After the last round of testing in September, members took action to defend our contract. Several members contacted the CTA office sharing that they had to supervise students for more than three continuous hours and/or lost their daily planning time and were not provided an alternate plan. We then asked for information from all schools and filed a class action grievance for the schools we received information from. Although the district denied this grievance at step 3, and we are now continuing to pursue it to arbitration, they did send this memo to all school administrators stating that testing schedules must adhere to our contract. The grievance was denied based on administrative claims of compliance, while educators maintain the schools have not complied.
As you know, more testing begins tomorrow. We anticipate some schools will continue to violate our contract and we remain ready to file another class action grievance on behalf of any of those schools. If your school testing schedule violates our contract language below, click HERE to fill out a form to give us information to be able to reach out and assist you. You may also reach out to us by email or phone if you prefer.
Above you will find the district memo sent November 20 to clarify to school admin that testing schedules MUST adhere to the CTA negotiated contract (click HERE to view the memo as a pdf). Teachers are entitled to daily uninterrupted planning time during testing. In addition, teachers should be provided a break after three hours of student supervision. “No teacher shall be assigned responsibility for students for more than three continuous hours." Article XIV. Duty Day. B.3.d. Page 55 - "Elementary teachers shall have an average daily planning time of 60 minutes, at least 45 of which shall be contiguous. Middle and high school teachers shall have a contiguous daily planning time equal to a student academic period or 50 minutes, whichever is less. The parties recognize that in some cases, contiguous planning time may need to be temporarily adjusted due to unanticipated circumstances. Post-secondary teachers shall have an average daily planning time of at least 50 minutes, at least 35 of which shall be contiguous." Article XIV. Duty Day. B.3.h. Page 55
SCHEDULED HOLIDAY - DECEMBER 19, 2025: Teachers may leave at the end of the student day on Friday, December 19, 2025. “On the day before a scheduled holiday, the employee duty day shall end at the close of the student day. Non-school based personnel may leave 30 minutes before the end of their regular day. If the day before the Winter and/or Spring Holiday period for school based teachers is a non-student contact day, it shall be 6.5 hours in length. ” Article XIV. Duty Day. G. Page 57
Have a contract concern? If you are a member, contact your CTA Specialist at 407-298-0756 or orangecta@gmail.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION ZOOM 12/18: We're excited to continue our new monthly Zoom series for our newest members! These sessions cover everything you need to know to get connected and empowered, including how to navigate our website, where to find your contract, who your AR is, ways we can support you, and ways you can help strengthen your union. Orientations will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5pm except November and December, when they'll be the third Thursday. New members can RSVP HERE for our next session on 12/18. (Future sessions: 12/18, 1/22, 2/26, 3/26, 4/23)
EQUALITY FLORIDA QUARTERLY SERIES: Navigating Challenges & Building Support for LGBTQ in Florida Schools
Join CTA & Equality Florida for a workshop focused on supporting LGBTQ+ students and staff in Florida’s K–12 schools. Together, we will review practical classroom “do’s and don’ts” that create safe, affirming spaces for all students, and explore current trends and challenges impacting LGBTQ+ inclusion across our state. This session is designed to provide both guidance and a collaborative space where teachers, staff, and administrators can share insights, strengthen strategies, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every student and educator feels seen, respected, and supported. RSVP TODAY!
Dates: Feb 25 & May 13
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: CTA Office (1020 Webster Ave, Orlando, FL 32804)
FYRE HOLIDAY PARTY DEC. 17: Join us for a night of festive fun!
The Orange CTA FYRE Holiday Party is happening December 17th, 6–7 PM at The Reindeer Room. Expect food, drinks, prizes, and great company — all wrapped up in holiday cheer!
A bit about FYRE (Florida's Young Remarkable Educators): Founded by the Florida Education Association to engage and empower early-career educators, FYRE connects members to the union’s values of integrity, advocacy, respect and empowerment through training, collaboration and leadership opportunities. 808 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
RSVP at tinyurl.com/fyreholidayparty
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WHAT EDUCATORS SHOULD KNOW: PROFESSIONAL DEGREES
Many teachers are sharing concerns that recent changes to what is considered a "Professional Degree" is disrespectful and undervalues the importance of the teaching profession. The Department of Education has recently stipulated that a “professional degree” is a technical federal classification used to determine which programs qualify for higher loan limits.
Background: What HR1 Changed
This past summer, Congress passed HR1 (formerly “OBBB”), a law that includes changes to federal student loans for graduate students. Currently, graduate students can borrow up to the full cost of attendance, but beginning July 1, new limits will go into effect:
Master’s + PhD programs: $20,000 per year; $100,000 lifetime
Professional Degree programs (as defined in federal data systems, such as Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, etc.): $50,000 per year; $200,000 lifetime
Why This Matters for Teachers?
Many educators rely on graduate degrees for certification or career advancement. Lower federal loan limits may push teachers toward higher-interest private loans, especially for higher-cost programs.
Where Things Stand Now?
The U.S. Department of Education is currently going through negotiated rulemaking to define which degrees qualify as “professional.” While negotiators expanded the definition slightly, they cannot change the loan caps themselves, which were set by HR1.
What’s Next?
What’s Next?
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is expected in early 2026. That will be the time for educators to submit comments and make their voices heard. The union will provide guidance and opportunities for member action when the comment period opens.
AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK: Thank you so much to everyone who participated in celebrating American Education Week with us! We saw an incredible turnout from educators across the district, from proudly repping school colors to taking action by emailing school board members by the thousands! Thank you all for showing out and demonstrating what it truly means to be #PublicSchoolProud!
Didn't get a chance to email the School Board about the $4.1 million in reconciliation funds? You can easily send an automatic email now, urging them to use a portion of these funds to support educators by clicking HERE.
HOWARD FENNER SCHOLARSHIP NOW OPEN: We are now accepting Howard Fenner Scholarship applications! Each year, we are thrilled to offer this scholarship to graduating high school seniors who are children of CTA members. A small portion of our members' dues is set aside to fund this scholarship. For those wishing to apply, please see the scholarship application HERE on our website.
EDUCATORS WARN OF POSSIBLE RISKS OF SCRAPPING VACCINE MANDATES: CTA Member Sheryl Posey was recently interviewed for an AFT story about vaccines in Florida. "Florida could soon become the first state in the nation to eliminate all vaccine requirements, including those that protect children attending public schools. The proposal would undo decades of proven public health safeguards and, according to educators and health experts, open the door to the return of measles, mumps, polio and chickenpox which can cause serious illness, disability and even death. Read the full article HERE.
From the article: "Sheryl Posey, a school psychologist with 24 years of experience, knows the stakes better than most. Posey, who is a member of the Florida Education Association, works with students who have complex needs and rely on consistent medical protection in order to safely attend school.
'I work with kids with special needs, and a lot of them are medically fragile,' she says. 'When you’re talking about rolling back vaccines, you’re talking about impacting children who are already predisposed to certain conditions. While some people say, ‘It’s just a cough,’ to these kids it could mean a hospital stay. It could mean weeks out of school.'
And the risks don’t stop at school. Many of Posey’s students live in multigenerational households. 'While kids might not get that sick,' she says, 'it could really impact grandparents or others living in the home.'
She says schools across Florida have not fully recovered from the surge in truancy that followed the pandemic. Chronic absenteeism, a key predictor of dropping out, remains far higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Posey sees the proposal as a step backward.
'They’re going to end up causing kids to have more days out, days they cannot afford to lose,' she says. Missing school means slipping in reading and math, struggling to catch up, and, for too many, eventually giving up. 'We still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. Rolling back vaccine requirements will make that worse.'"
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
BECOME A DELEGATE TO THE NEA!: An essential part of our union’s structure is our strong connection with both of our national affiliates — the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Each summer, the NEA holds its Representative Assembly (RA) in July, bringing together elected delegates from across the country to conduct the business of the union and help shape its national priorities. CTA elects its delegates for this important body every spring, and we cover a portion of the travel costs to support our delegates’ participation. This summer, the NEA RA will take place in Denver, Colorado, over the July 4th holiday.
In alternating years, the AFT hosts a similar gathering — the AFT Convention — where delegates engage in the same vital work of setting direction and policy. Elections for AFT Convention delegates are also held in the spring preceding that summer’s event.
We encourage all members to consider running to be a delegate. It’s a rewarding and educational opportunity to connect with fellow union members from across the country and to have a direct voice in shaping the direction of our national union.
CTA Members Gail and Justin Chase and CTA President Clinton McCracken share with Sentinel Columnist Scott Maxwell that the state should provide more funding for all teachers to include increasing supplements for the many hours of extra duties teachers perform.
POWER HOUR: Join FEA and other members from around the state online for legislative updates throughout the next legislative session. This is a way to keep informed of any potential legislation that could affect us in public education. Sign up for the next Power Hours
Dec 2, 2025 05:30 PM
Dec 9, 2025 05:30 PM
Jan 13, 2026 05:30 PM
Jan 20, 2026 05:30 PM
Jan 27, 2026 05:30 PM
Feb 3, 2026 05:30 PM
Feb 10, 2026 05:30 PM
Feb 17, 2026 05:30 PM
Feb 24, 2026 05:30 PM
Mar 3, 2026 05:30 PM
Mar 10, 2026 05:30 PM
Mar 17, 2026 05:30 PM
Watch committee meetings and other public meetings at The Florida Channel. Other links shared in previous Power Hours:
State Board of Education Rule on Schools of Hope (adopted 9/25/2025)
Our Kids attend Wilkinson Elementary in Sarasota. We'll fight hard to save it
Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) Report where you can see how much “vacant” space there is for each school in the state,
Guest column in the Orlando Sentinel by CTA President Clinton McCracken to encourage the community to celebrate our neighborhood public schools last week and to reiterate the five points made at the recent Orange County Legislative Delegation meeting.
FOOD DRIVE: Join CTA in supporting local families in need! We are collecting donations of non-perishable food, toiletries, and other essentials at our CTA office. Donations will be delivered weekly to local food pantries and other community organizations. If you’d like to donate, please stop by our office anytime Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. Some ARs are also collecting donations at their worksites. We will be picking these up as needed. Donations will be accepted on an ongoing basis. We hope you will join us in our efforts to aid and uplift those in our community who need it most! Please share this with anyone who may be interested in donating!
INFO FOR NEW MEMBERS Did you help someone join CTA this month? Share the information in this graphic with them to ensure they have everything they need. We also email this to them, but we ask you to give them a heads up in case they overlook the email.
CTA COMMITTEES: Interested in becoming more involved with your union? We invite members to sign up for the committees listed below! This is a great way to connect, organize, and build solidarity with other members. Committees meet monthly on Zoom. Sign up HERE and we'll reach out with more information.
FYRE (Florida Young Remarkable Educators): FYRE continuously engages and empowers diverse teams of early career educators through training, collaboration, networking and opportunities to experience their union in action — giving a voice to new members with which to advocate for their students, their union and their profession.
Government Relations
Howard Fenner Scholarship
Marion Cannon Scholarship
Ulysses Floyd Scholarship
Human and Civil Rights
Minority Affairs
GRIEVANCES: We’re actively pursuing multiple contract violations around the district. Over the past 50 years, educators have fought hard to win a contract that protects our rights, and it’s our responsibility to defend it whenever those rights are ignored or violated. Members have stepped up to stand together, and below are just a few examples of where your union is getting results recently. If you believe your contract is being violated, call us right away so we can answer your questions and discuss whether to pursue the situation.
NEW DIGITAL MEMBER GUIDE: We are excited to share your new 2025-2026 Member Guide school year is now digital. Live links are embedded throughout the guide to help you access the information you need. Find information on Union Benefits, Calendar, Contract FAQs, Bargaining, Social Media Info, Ways to Get Involved, Association Rep Info, CTA Board Info, and more!
MEMBERS ONLY FACEBOOK GROUP: Remember that our members-only Facebook Group is the ONLY group affiliated with your Union. Be sure you are getting accurate information when asking questions online. We have seen inaccurate information in other places. Also, while anonymous posting is currently an option, remember that CTA staff are unable to fix any concerns when they’re posted in the group. For assistance from staff, you must email or call the office. We often see contract violations in comments but can’t file a grievance to resolve it if you don’t contact us directly. You can also file a class action grievance and remain anonymous, but again, that must be done by contacting the office.
CTA MEMBERSHIP GROWTH - STRENGTHENING YOUR UNION
CTA MEMBERSHIP GROWTH - STRENGTHENING YOUR UNION
CTA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: All members will receive $35 for every new member that signs up and lists you as the recruiter when they join. All new members also receive $35 when they are fully connected for dues payments. Be on the lookout for an email from "Toasty" as the e-gift card does expire within 30 days.
SCHOOL VISITS/CONGRATULATIONS!: We are visiting several schools each week to check in and offer support, answer questions, and help sign up new members to strengthen our union at your worksite. We also have schools with a membership density above 80% and want to wish you a huge congratulations! This happens when members talk to colleagues about why they are members and encourage them to join with us in our fight for a better life. We'd also like to congratulate worksites that have reached 60% density! You can find these schools below.
Worksites Above 80% Density
AZALEA PARK ELEMENTARY
CONWAY MIDDLE
ECCLESTON ELEMENTARY
HOWARD MIDDLE
INDEPENDENCE ELEMENTARY
MEADOW WOODS ELEMENTARY
METROWEST ELEMENTARY
MILLENNIA GARDENS ELEMENTARY
PINELOCH ELEMENTARY
SUNRIDGE ELEMENTARY
VISTA POINTE ELEMENTARY
SHARE WITH NONMEMBERS-TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN
YOU ARE THE STRENGTH OF YOUR UNION!
We can accomplish more together than all alone
Stronger collective bargaining power to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions
Contract support for grievance process to protect your rights
Free Professional Development
Amplify your voice for pro-public education policies
CTA members-only benefits (like our new Dental/Vision plans) and FEA/NEA/AFT benefits
Representation when you need someone in your corner
Assistance with Evaluation system
Support network and community
Being part of the solution for change instead of passively accepting problems
2025-2026 MEMBERSHIP GOAL: Each school will increase membership by 5% and we will reach 60% in overall membership density.
CTA BENEFITS
CTA BENEFITS
NEA MEMBER BENEFITS SWEEPSTAKES: The NEA Member Benefits Annual Giveaway is back! Members can enter the Choose Your Cruise Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4-night cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean, plus $250 in Vacation Cash. Two lucky educators will win! Entries close December 22, 2025.
MEMBER ASSIST: MemberAssist is here to handle life’s everyday headaches so you don’t have to. From the small stuff to the big stuff, we’ve got you covered: Fixing a leaky faucet, planning a vacation, finding a doctor, booking childcare, pet care, senior care, movers, and more! How it works: Submit a request any time; no task is too big or too small. Our expert LifeConcierges handle it for you. Sign up here: memberassist.net Less stress, more life. Start using MemberAssist today!
Already a member? Join the MemberAssist referral program. Every time a colleague signs up with your referral link, you score guaranteed rewards, no luck, no drawings, just real perks for spreading the word. Sign up here: https://app.getoveralls.com/dashboard
NEW CTA DENTAL/VISION: NEW Optional CTA Member Benefits Are Here! — available to members at special rates. Visit ctabenefits.com or call 305-613-5192 to enroll. Optional benefits include:
CTA MEMBERS SAVING THOUSANDS!: Don't miss out on your chance to save significantly on your homeowners insurance. We have many members who are saving thousands each year currently.
Contact ctabenefits.com or call 305-613-5192 to enroll. Optional benefits include:
Dental & Vision
Aflac (Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, BenExtend)
Disability Insurance
Life and Long-Term Care
Cosmetic/elective coverage (fertility, weight loss, medspa, and more)
Legal Protection & ID Theft
Pet Insurance
Auto & Home Insurance
ONLINE COURSES FOR EDUCATORS: As a new school year starts, FEA has partnered with Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and VESi to offer members an annual subscription, which allows you to complete up to 9 semester hours online non-matriculated graduate (transcript) credit for $275, with no additional costs. This is an exclusive offer for FEA members.
FEA members can access 35 online courses covering topics like building school communities, student behavior, classroom management, elementary/secondary math concepts, reading & writing, and more. You can learn online are your own pace and from the convenience of your own home!
You must be an FEA member to be eligible for this course subscription program. You may access the registration page by logging in to the FEA member side of the website, which will provide additional information about this benefits program.
Other benefits through CTA include:
THE NEA TRAVEL PROGRAM: This is a free benefit for NEA members. Receive exclusive deals and discounts, saving you up to 60% on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. Plus earn NEA Travel Dollars to use like cash along the way and help you save even more (1 credit = 1 USD). New to the program? Enroll for free today and earn $500 Travel Dollars on NEA! Valid for one year and replenished annually.
SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION: Thinking about retirement, but not sure if the Florida Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) is the right fit for you? DROP allows employees in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) to keep working while continuing to build their retirement benefits. This webinar will cover:
How to determine the income you'll need for retirement
Options for replacing income in retirement
Understanding DROP, how to qualify, and more
To learn more and register, visit invest.suncoast.com/events
LABOR MOVEMENT HISTORY
LABOR MOVEMENT HISTORY
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