PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Feb 2, 2026

Dear Members,

It was great to see so many of you at our Bargaining Committee workshop this past Saturday at the CTA office! This bargaining committee is in addition to our bargaining team and provides a great way to ensure every member at every school has their voices heard in the process. If your school is not yet represented, be sure to email us your name and we'll add you to the list!

Over the past three years, we’ve made real progress because our members stood together and engaged in action. This includes 16% in raises for highly effective teachers, three weeks of paid maternity leave, all advanced degrees now recognized, three days of paid bereavement leave, winning planning time back, and much more. But we still have a long way to go. Florida ranks 50th in the nation in average teacher pay and the district is already signaling concerns about insurance funding. CTA will be bringing real solutions to the table, but bargaining isn’t won by a handful of people in a room. Bargaining wins are determined by how strongly educators across the district stand together and engage. We have an insurance workshop scheduled with the district on Feb 10, and the first two bargaining dates are Feb 17 and 20.

We also succeed more in bargaining when people join their union because there truly is strength in numbers. Every update, every action, every moment of engagement strengthens our collective power, especially in a year when Tallahassee is proposing even fewer dollars for teacher pay. We encourage each member to reach out to one colleague this week who isn’t a member yet and ask them to help strengthen our bargaining by joining at joinmyunion.com.

As you know, the district is currently going through a process to close seven of our beloved schools due to under-enrollment and has said there could be more schools next year. CTA proposed an MOU on Dec 5 to guide the closures and reappointment process. We've 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

The decline in student enrollment may be one of the many impacts of recent immigration policies, according to Florida's recent Education Estimating Conference for Pre K-12 Enrollment report:

“The widespread downward adjustment across student settings in the broader K-12 array (home, PEP, private, and district) signals that the universe of K-12 enrollment is atypically contracting.” In addition to enrollment drops, the state goes on to say that the most likely explanation for further downward shifts in programs like ESOL, Early Learning Programs, and Medicaid “is related to the chilling effects from recently implemented immigration policies.”

The alarming increase in harmful rhetoric and violence against our immigrant communities has had devastating effects in our schools and beyond. Free, public education is a constitutional right for all children in this country, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or immigration status. We are joining the call to ensure our public schools are treated as protected spaces for our students, parents, and educators. Spaces where students can learn and grow, without the monumental fear of being taken away. We stand firmly alongside our immigrant students, families, and communities at large as we navigate this uncertain time.

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

“It is not enough to be compassionate—you must act.”

Bayard Rustin

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Feb 2, 2026

BARGAINING UPDATE

BARGAINING FOR 2026-2027 BEGINS:

Thank you to every bargaining unit member who submitted a suggestion for the 2026–2027 contract negotiations. Your input has now been reviewed by the bargaining committee to identify potential articles to open and a survey is now being developed to send to the bargaining unit to help prioritize.

Please note that while the suggestion form remains open year-round, any submissions received after the December 20 deadline will be considered in the next bargaining cycle (2027-2028).

The Joint Fringe Benefits Committee met on January 13.

February 10 - School Board Insurance Workshop

Bargaining Dates:

February 17 - ELC
February 20 - CTA

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

BARGAINING COMMITTEE: Thank you to every member who signed up to serve on the CTA Bargaining Committee for the upcoming 2026–27 contract negotiations. The Bargaining Team is a small group that represents educators at the bargaining table while the Bargaining Committee is an expanded group where each of our over 200 schools are invited to have a representative. This gives each school a chance to have your voices heard and also someone who can help provide updates to all members of the bargaining unit as the process unfolds. Click HERE to join the Bargaining Committee.

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.

CFE Survey

The district is planning to send another survey to gather more responses.

Orange Center ES

CTA will be meeting with the district Feb 11 to discuss the implications for members of our bargaining unit at Orange Center ES.

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.

UNINTERRUPTED PLANNING TIME: All members of our bargaining unit (classroom and non-classroom) are entitled to an uninterrupted daily planning time unless you waive it to receive a 7th-period supplement. PLC/Common planning, IEPs, or 504 meetings should not occur during your daily uninterrupted planning time. “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. B.3.h / P. 56

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

Finding Strengths: Supporting Students with Disabilities

Participants will use the case study method to develop appropriate accommodations and modifications to support student access to grade-level academic content.

Feb 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)

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!

Date: May 13

Time: 5:00 pm

Location: CTA Office (1020 Webster Ave, Orlando, FL 32804)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

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.

CHILDREN'S WEEK: Celebration of the Hands - Sunday, February 22, 2026 - Friday, February 27, 2026, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
With the help of young children, teens, teachers, families, advocates and legislators across the state, Children's Week FL will once again create a vibrant visual of custom hand artwork! This beautiful work of art will stand as a backdrop to next year’s events, and as a daily reminder to legislators and visitors during Children’s Week, that the future of our children rests in their hands. This signature event would not have been possible without the support of Featured Partner, Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida, Inc.

You can contribute creative masterpieces for the display. Hand artwork must be mailed by February 6, 2026 to ensure it is received in time for the big event. Please click HERE to download an informational toolkit with instructions, tips, and templates. (Spanish version HERE)

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

BLACK HISTORY MONTH ART CONTEST: The CTA Minority Affairs and Human/Civil Rights Committees are honored to announce our annual Art Contest for OCPS students to celebrate Black History Month. Click HERE. Submission deadline Feb. 6, 2026.

Click to read this inspiring story about how student activists are making a difference in our community. "Clinton McCracken, president of the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association — a labor union representing roughly 13,600 teachers and school staff — told Orlando Weekly that he was proud to see students like Veras step up to support the community. 'Educators see every day how fear and uncertainty can impact students’ ability to learn and feel safe at school. Efforts that help students and families better understand their rights and access reliable information align with our shared commitment to student well-being,' McCracken said in a text message. 'It’s encouraging to see students using their voices to look out for one another.'"

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.

THE STUDENT LOAN HELP GROUP (TSLHG): The Student Loan Help Group (TSLHG) will be hosting a series of webinars throughout January, offering key insights into the latest changes in the student loan landscape, common forgiveness pitfalls, and practical strategies borrowers can use now. Each webinar will include a Q&A at the end, offering an opportunity to have all your student loan questions answered.

Thursday, January 22 at 4:00pm ET - Meeting Registration - Zoom
Tuesday, January 27 at 4:00pm ET - Meeting Registration - Zoom

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.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

CTA leadership and FEA Governance Board members from across the state will be in Tallahassee this week advocating for educators and public education. In addition, educators from around Florida are in Tallahassee every week, working alongside FEA and the AFL-CIO to advocate on behalf of all of us. Be sure to click below to learn how you can get involved and help ensure our voices are heard by the lawmakers whose decisions affect our classrooms and our lives every day.

The 2026 legislative session is three weeks in and it’s already been a busy one. Bills to address wage compression, multiyear contracts and voucher accountability have flown through the Senate. Bills that continue to add more burdens to schools, students and parents are also making their way through the system.

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 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:

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 Deep Dive on property taxes
Florida Policy Institute’s Report on property taxes
FEA’s legislative agenda

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

FEA Immigration Guidance K-12: On January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14159 Protecting the American People Against Invasion was issued by President Trump. Pursuant to this Executive Order, Department of Homeland Security issued directives rescinding Biden Administrative to thwart enforcement in or near “sensitive” areas, which includes schools. The link below provides best practice guidance for dealing with any U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) interactions at the K-12 schools. Click HERE for the FEA Immigration Guidance Document.

FEA News Release: Click HERE for a news release calling to make schools protected spaces for students so that they can learn in safe environments.

ORLANDO MLK DAY PARADE: What an incredible day celebrating community, unity, and service at the MLK Parade! We were proud to stand alongside so many neighbors, students, and educators to honor Dr. King's legacy and the ongoing work of justice, equity, and opportunity for all. Days like this remind us that the march toward justice continues, and that when we show up together, we move our community forward.

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 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
Human and Civil Rights
Minority Affairs

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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