PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

A very concerning bill, SB 1296, has been heard in its first committee in Tallahassee. If this bill passes it will be very difficult for public sector unions to survive.

This bill would require teachers’ unions (and other public sector unions except police and fire) that are below 60% membership density to win a recertification vote by securing support from 50% plus one of the entire bargaining unit — not just those who vote. To put that in perspective, 28% of the nearly 14,000 educators in our bargaining unit stamped and mailed a ballot in our last recertification election (electronic voting isn't allowed). If this becomes law and if we don't meet that threshold of votes, the union would be decertified and we would lose our contract.

To avoid a recertification election, we must reach 60% membership density by April 30th.

This is an all-hands-on-deck moment.

There are two things that must happen.

First, every member must sign a Membership Authorization Form (MAF). As a result of SB 1746 from the 2024 Legislative Session, in order to avoid a recertification election, a bargaining unit must have:

at least 60% of all employees paying dues AND
have collected Membership Authorization Forms from at least 60% of the employees.

We held an emergency CTA Exec Board meeting last week and an Association Rep Summit last night to explain the implications of SB 1296. ARs are being asked to host a meeting at their worksite to explain the threat we are under and then we will email the MAF to members at that worksite with the member name/info already filled in. Members will need to type in their full name and date on the first page of the MAF and email it back to CTA at orangecta@gmail.com (some ARs have asked to use the paper version instead which is fine, but members only need to sign one form). It is important that all three pages of the MAF are included. We have until April 30th to get an MAF from every member in order for their membership to be counted toward our 60% membership density requirement.

Second, each member must talk to at least one potential member this week and ask them to join. We need colleagues to get off the sidelines and stand with us — to protect our union and contract. We need to add approximately 600 new members before April 30th to reach 60% and avoid a recertification election. They can join at joincta.com.

We will host a virtual Q/A each Tuesday from 4:30-5:00pm, beginning March10. Register here!

Bargaining

Monday was our first bargaining session. Below you will find my opening statement. The district requested for the session scheduled for this Friday to be changed to a joint Fringe Benefits Committee meeting to discuss health insurance.

Over the past three years, we’ve made meaningful progress because members stood united and took action. Together, we secured 16% raises for highly effective teachers, three weeks of paid maternity leave, recognition for all advanced degrees, three days of paid bereavement leave, restored planning time, and more. Those victories didn’t happen by accident — they happened because educators engaged.

But our work is far from finished. Florida still ranks 50th in the nation in average teacher pay, and the district is signaling increases to insurance premiums. CTA is bringing real solutions to the conversation about healthcare, but let’s be clear: contracts aren’t won by a handful of people sitting in a room. They’re won by the strength and solidarity of educators across the district.

Bargaining outcomes are determined by how firmly we stand together — and how willing we are to engage.

School Closings

As you know, the district is currently going through a process to close seven of our schools due to under-enrollment and has said there could be more schools next year as they anticipate another 5,000 students to not show up in August. CTA proposed an MOU on Dec 5 to guide the closures and reappointment process. We reached an agreement with the district that provides:

Placements for both CC/PSC and Annual teachers at the closing schools
New one week window just for all Annual non-reappointed teachers throughout the district to interview
3 extra optional paid days for displaced teachers from closed schools
1 extra optional paid day for all teachers at receiving schools

Let’s move forward together, strong, united, and ready to make a difference for our schools. Contact us at 407-298-0756 or orangecta@gmail.com.

In Solidarity,

Clinton McCracken

Orange CTA President and 25 year OCPS teacher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinton.mccracken/
Instagram: @clinton_mccracken

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BARGAINING UPDATE

BARGAINING FOR 2026-2027:

The bargaining survey is open but will be closing February 22. Please take a moment to complete this important form so your voice is included in setting our bargaining priorities. Click HERE for the survey

Earlier this year, the bargaining suggestion form was open to members districtwide. After reviewing those submissions, the expanded Bargaining Committee met to identify common themes and determine which contract articles to consider opening. The committee will continue meeting after each bargaining session to receive updates and provide feedback to the bargaining team.

If your school is not yet represented on the Bargaining Committee, we encourage you to ensure representation. Click HERE to participate.

February 17 - Bargaining at ELC
February 20 - Joint Fringe Benefits Committee at CTA (Originally scheduled as bargaining, now a Fringe meeting)

Additional updates will be shared as they become available. Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we move forward together.

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.

Parental Leave

As you know, we secured three weeks of maternity leave and committed to continuing discussions on a path toward full parental leave. At our most recent Labor Management meeting, CTA began discussions on implementing full parental leave. The conversation will continue at the February meeting, with the expectation that the district will bring data to discuss.

Positive Pathways

CTA raised concerns about a situation at the school and how it was handled. The union expressed concerns about the training administrators receive on how to support employees when situations arise.

Skyward - Discipline Referrals

CTA is following up on concerns about discipline referrals and that not all personnel involved in the process are trained. CTA will send additional details to the district to get more information. Members of the bargaining unit having issues with the referrals may email us at orangecta@gmail.com.

Progress Report

The parties agreed to draft a Memorandum of Agreement to provide a clear interpretation of the contract language. Communication will be sent to administrators with expectations regarding Progress Reports due dates and meetings.

Construction / Renovations

CTA requested an updated list of schools under renovation/construction, or those that will be going into renovation/construction. The union also discussed the issue with playgrounds in elementary schools.

Orange Center ES

CTA presented an MOU to the district on February 17, and we are waiting for the district's response.

Other Items

Additional items being discussed include, but are not limited to, Targeted Schools. Computer Programs, Skyward - Middle School Attendance, CTE Advanced Degrees, and PDIS Access.

CONTRACT REMINDERS

2025 - 2026 CONTRACT: The CTA 2025–2026 Contract is now available HERE. Although the overall agreement runs from 2024–2027, we negotiate wages, insurance, and select articles each year. This contract is a formal agreement between the district and the union, and every school and administrator is obligated to honor it. When violations happen, CTA is ready to stand with our members and enforce the contract to protect your rights. This isn’t a set of suggestions, it’s a binding, enforceable document that exists because CTA exists and because members fought for these rights over the years in the bargaining process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMAL OBSERVATION: Teachers have the right to request an additional informal observation by April 1st. The request can be made to have the observation performed by a different administrator. In addition, teachers can request an additional informal to rate only the Deliberate Practice element. "An additional informal observation may be conducted each semester upon request from the teacher. The teacher must request the additional Informal observation for the first semester by December 1 and for the second semester by April 1. Teachers may request the additional informal observation to be completed by another trained administrator. This additional observation shall be calculated in the Instructional Practice Score and/or Deliberate Practice Score as provided elsewhere in this contract.” - Evaluation Manual / P. 12

Have a contract concern? If you are a member, contact your CTA Specialist at 407-298-0756 or orangecta@gmail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CTA PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: Join us at one of our upcoming Professional Development opportunities! You receive a substitute provided by the district and a TDY day (this does NOT count against your personal leave).

UDL: Universal Design for Learning Framework and Guidelines

Are you looking for ways to: design lessons that meet students where they are in the learning process? Anticipate and reduce barriers for students to achieve rigorous goals? Use students’ strengths and interests to drive instruction? Then join us for our next Professional Development course. This interactive module is based on the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) Universal Design for Learning Framework and Guidelines. Participants will build an understanding of neuroscience as a foundation for educating the whole child and designing instruction to best meet the needs of diverse learners.

Feb 27-28 Registration HERE

Thinking Mathematics: Reimagining How Students Learn, Understand, and Love Math

How do students really learn mathematics—and how can we help every learner see themselves as a capable math thinker? Thinking Mathematics is a dynamic training for those who want to deepen conceptual understanding, strengthen student discourse, and build joyful, rigorous math classrooms. Educators will leave with renewed confidence, concrete strategies, and a fresh perspective on how to make mathematics meaningful, accessible, and empowering for every student. This session will be valuable for math interventionists, instructional coaches, and general and special educators in grades 3–8.

March 6-7 Registration HERE

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION ZOOM 2/26: 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. New members can RSVP HERE for our next session on 2/26. (Future sessions: 3/26, 4/23)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE STUDENT LOAN HELP GROUP: We are partnering with The Student Loan Help Group to help educators better understand federal student loan repayment and forgiveness programs, including PSLF.

Educators can access free, confidential one-on-one consultations to review their student loan situation. As part of this partnership, educators are also eligible for 10% off enrollment if they choose to continue with personalized support.

👉 Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/thestudentloanhelpgroup/phone-consultation

👉 Learn more and explore resources: https://linktr.ee/tslhg

AFT Share My Lesson Resources

Welcome to this updated Share My Lesson collection of Black history resources for educators. While Black History Month in February offers a dedicated opportunity to reflect on the achievements and experiences of Black Americans, Black history is not confined to a single month. It is a rich, ongoing story that deserves exploration and integration throughout the school year.

Black history encompasses the contributions, struggles, innovations, and leadership of African Americans across generations. From labor and civil rights to science, politics, education, and the arts, Black Americans have played a central role in shaping the United States and the world. Teaching Black history helps students better understand the past while fostering meaningful conversations about identity, equity, justice, and civic responsibility.

The celebration of Black History Month traces back to 1926, when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to ensure the achievements of Black Americans were recognized and taught in schools. He chose February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass—two figures closely associated with the fight for freedom and equality.

In 1976, the observance expanded into Black History Month, creating a broader platform to elevate stories that had long been overlooked or excluded from traditional curricula. While February remains an important time for focused learning, integrating Black history throughout the year supports a more complete and accurate understanding of American history.

This Share My Lesson collection offers free, educator-created Black history teaching resources to support meaningful instruction at every grade level. You’ll find lesson plans, classroom activities, blogs, multimedia resources, and free professional development webinars designed to help you teach Black history with depth, relevance, and confidence—during Black History Month and beyond.

By embedding Black history across the curriculum, educators empower students to engage critically with the past, recognize the impact of African Americans on society, and appreciate the ongoing struggles and triumphs that continue to shape our world. Together, we can ensure Black history is not treated as a single unit or month—but as an essential, continuous part of our shared educational journey.

AI Convening: This free FEA event is likely to be held at our very own Lake Buena Vista HS! There are a limited spots available and other FEA locals have members signing up. Don't miss your chance for this engaging, one-day in-person AI Professional Learning Convening designed specifically for educators who want to better understand how artificial intelligence is transforming teaching and learning.

AI Is Changing the World is a hands-on training that will explore the responsible use of AI in education, with a strong focus on student privacy, data security, and equity. Participants will also learn how AI can support lesson planning, differentiate instruction for diverse learners, increase student engagement, and streamline daily tasks.

Saturday, February 28

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Orlando Area TBD

Lunch will be provided

Through interactive activities and practical demonstrations, you will leave with actionable strategies and ready-to-use resources you can immediately apply in your classroom and school community.

PEOPLEONE HEALTH: 💚 Important: If you sign up, don’t forget to schedule your first appointment to establish care. Memberships without a first visit will be canceled.

PeopleOne Health Care gives you unlimited access to:

✔️ Primary care providers
✔️ Health coaches
✔️ Registered dietitians
✔️ Social workers

With a little planning and the right support, you can enjoy the season and feel your best through it all.

Your care team is just a click away. Let them help lighten the load so you can focus on what really matters.

👉 https://more.peopleonehealth.com/ocps

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. APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 11, 2026 – 5:00 P.M.

STUDENT DEBT AND LOAN FORGIVENESS: Public Service Loan Forgiveness is a federal program for people who work full time in the public sector or for certain nonprofit organizations. It can lead to borrowers having their remaining federal student loan balance forgiven after 120 qualifying payments. Almost every AFT member is eligible for this program! Check aft.org/pslf for more information.

40-HOUR READING/ESE RECERTIFICATION COURSE FOR MEMBERS: FEA PD is excited to announce that we will be holding our first participant version of the 40-hour Reading/ESE Recertification Course starting January 2026. We will be accepting 50 registrations for this course. All others will be put on a waitlist. This 40-hour Reading/ESE course was created to fulfill the Florida statute requirement for renewal or reinstatement of a professional certificate under rule 6A-4.0051. Participants must hold a professional certificate to enroll in this course.

Click here to register for the course! Registration link contains more course information.

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. If you believe your contract is being violated, call us right away so we can answer your questions and discuss how to pursue a resolution.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2026: From February 23–27, 2026, we’re proud to join schools, districts, educators, families, and public education advocates nationwide in celebrating Public Schools Week 2026 (#PSW26).

This year’s theme—“Building Stronger, Fairer, and More Resilient Public Education Systems”—highlights the essential role public schools play in strengthening communities, expanding opportunity, and preparing every learner to thrive. Throughout the week, we’ll spotlight the people, partnerships, and practices that help public schools meet today’s challenges while preparing kids for their best future. Each day of Public Schools Week focuses on a key pillar:

Monday: Building a Stronger, Fairer, and More Resilient Public Education System
Tuesday: Boosting Teaching and Learning, Building Brighter Futures
Wednesday: Strong Leaders, Strong Schools
Thursday: Partnering with Families and Communities to Power Learning
Friday: Supporting and Empowering Educators

We invite everyone to engage in messaging throughout the week—and to lean in even more on the days that resonate most with your school, district, or organization. Together, we can elevate our local public schools and celebrate the work happening in classrooms and communities every day.

State Board of Education: The State Board of Education will meet this Friday, February 20 in Key West. Items on the agenda include revising a rule related to charter school co-location as well as updating social studies standards. More information on the State Board meeting can be found here.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

TAKE ACTION TODAY: SB 1296 is an attempt to silence the voices of public sector workers in Florida who advocate for positive change for their students, themselves and their communities.

This bill moves the state in the wrong direction. It silences teachers, education staff professionals, nurses, sanitation workers, emergency dispatchers and many other working people whose sacrifices keep Florida safe and prosperous.

At a time when childcare, rent, property insurance and groceries are going up at the same time that public education budgets are being slashed, neighborhood public schools are closing, and Florida teachers are #50 in the nation in average pay while, this bill will spend millions of dollars undermining workers, teachers and education staff professionals even further instead of providing them the support they need and that parents want them to have.

Let the members of the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee know you oppose this bill and want them to oppose it, too! The bill could be heard in the committee on Tuesday, February 24.

Please consider customizing your letter to make it even more impactful.

When you press SUBMIT, your email will automatically be sent to the members of the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee. The commitee members are listed below:

Sen. Joe Gruters, Chair (R-Sarasota)
Sen. Rosalind Osgood, Vice Chair (D-Ft. Lauderdale)
Sen. Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee)
Sen. Bryan Avila (R-Miami Springs)
Sen. Mack Bernard (D-West Palm Beach)
Sen. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton)
Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis (D-Orlando)
Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island)
Sen. Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland)
Sen. Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami)
Sen. Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville)
Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Crestview)
Sen. Shevrin ''Shev'' Jones (D-Miami Gardens)
Sen. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach)
Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R-Melbourne)
Sen. Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples)
Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Miami)
Sen. Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee)
Sen. Keith Truenow (R-Tavares)
Sen. Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville)

https://secure.ngpvan.com/8Rb6HrtN-UCjXbPhBR-S-Q2?ms=pwrhr

BILLS WE'RE WATCHING...

WHERE CAN YOU GO TO LEARN MORE?: There’s a lot more to say about the goings on in the legislature than will fit in this eAdvocate and during session, things tend to change fast. If you want to be fully informed, be sure to sign up for FEA’s Frontline Newsletter for all the latest updates on what’s happening.

Also, each Tuesday night during the legislative session, we hold a Power Hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m. EST. This is a time where public education advocates from around the state come together to receive updates, ask questions and take collective action to strengthen public schools. Register for Power Hour here.

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

Feb 24, 2026 05:30 PM
Mar 3, 2026 05:30 PM
Mar 10, 2026 05:30 PM
Mar 17, 2026 05:30 PM

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE: Watch committee meetings and other public meetings at The Florida Channel. Other links shared in previous Power Hours:

Find your legislators
State Board of Education Rule on Schools of Hope (adopted 9/25/2025)
Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) Report where you can see how much “vacant” space there is for each school in the state,
FEA’s legislative agenda

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Congratulations to all Teachers of the Year across the district! We were honored to spend a beautiful evening at the Stellar Awards celebrating the incredible work educators do every day, recognizing each school’s Teacher of the Year and the outstanding finalists.

Congratulations to Alexandra Figueroa on being named the OCPS Teacher of the Year! We are inspired by every one of you, and our students and community are truly lucky to have such dedicated educators.

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 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.

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

CTA BENEFITS

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

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 (Humana) & 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

FEA BENEFITS: You must be an FEA member to be eligible. Access the registration page by logging in to the FEA member side of the website.

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

CTA SOCIAL MEDIA: Click to join the CTA Members FB group (the only official CTA FB Group). “Like” CTA’s public FB Page HERE to see posts in your feed. Follow Instagram, Threads, Bluesky @orangecta. 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.

FREE CTA MEMBER T-SHIRT: Members click HERE to order your T-Shirt if you haven’t yet received one.

LABOR MOVEMENT HISTORY

Did you know as a member of CTA you are also a member of the Florida Education Association (FEA), the National Education Association (NEA, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), and the AFL-CIO? Click HERE for a history of FEA. Click HERE for a labor history timeline from the AFL-CIO.

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