PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

Urgent: RSVP HERE to attend a virtual emergency member meeting Tuesday, March 3 at 4:30pm.

The 2026 legislature is at it again with SB 1296. It looks very likely that this bill will pass, putting our union and your contract in danger. Be sure to attend this meeting because we need to share critical information about the next 8 weeks.

To avoid this union busting attempt we must have:

60% of all employees as dues paying members, and
All of the members must have a signed Membership Authorization Form (MAF) on file. For those who signed a Showing of Interest card in the past, this is a different required form for members.

The Florida Legislature hopes that by requiring more and more “hoops for our union to jump through” that we will fail. The MAF is nothing more than a political ploy - they hope that you’re not smart enough to know that it takes a lot of people, time and resources to negotiate and protect your contract.

We invite you to open your contract HERE and consider all that our members have fought for and won over the years. From duty free lunch, to daily planning time, duty hours, and recent wins like maternity leave, bereavement leave, and getting all advanced degrees recognized, our members have accomplished a lot through their union together. And as you have seen in the last week, our fights aren’t over. The district is recommending exorbitant premium increases. We are fighting for better pay and fighting against these unreasonable health insurance premium increases put on the backs of employees. We have shared several cost savings measures the district should consider first. We are bringing solutions. Without this union, the district would be able to just immediately implement whatever they want.

We must add 600 new members in the next 8 weeks and every member must sign the MAF to have their membership counted. Talk to your colleagues and friends, make sure they are members of CTA and if already a member, they have signed the authorization form. We will email the form to all members after the emergency meeting Tuesday.

We have faced challenges before. We have organized before. And we have won before. We are counting on you!

In Solidarity,

Clinton McCracken

Orange CTA President and 25 year OCPS teacher

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

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR THE URGENT MEMBER ZOOM MEETING TOMORROW, TUESDAY MARCH 3 AT 4:30PM

“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”

— Malala Yousafzai

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BARGAINING UPDATE

BARGAINING FOR 2026-2027:

We have met once for Bargaining and once for a join Fringe Benefits committee meeting. We are currently analyzing results from the bargaining survey members completed to help inform the team of their priorities. As you saw in the bargaining survey, the district is recommending outrageous increases to the cost of your healthcare. See their recommendations HERE. We are bringing cost saving solutions to look at BEFORE putting increases on the backs of employees.

The union has submitted an MOU to the District to help ensure members at Orange Center are protected. The District is currently reviewing the proposal. We will continue to keep members informed as we receive updates.

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.

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

We have now reviewed the data on the cost of the district adding maternity leave last year. Based on that review, we submitted an MOU to transition from maternity leave to parental leave. This would expand the benefit to include adoption and all parents.

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 supporting employees when situations arise. The union suggests that administrators receive training on how to support staff during emergency situations at worksites.

Skyward - Discipline Referrals

CTA is following up on concerns about discipline referrals and that not all personnel involved in the process are trained. CTA is waiting for the district to provide additional information about the training and how they are ensuring everyone is trained. 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 (MOA) to provide a clear interpretation of the contract language. Communication will be sent to administrators with expectations regarding Progress Reports due dates and meetings. CTA is waiting for the district to provide the MOA.

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. The district will provide the information once it's presented to the board.

Orange Center ES

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

Direct Deposit

The union made the request on behalf of the bargaining unit for employees to have the option to split their checks into more than one account.

Summer Days

The union asked that the summer days be allocated specifically to each group, rather than the allocation being per worksite.

11-Month Employees

The union wants to begin exploring whether some positions can move from 10 months to 11 months. The district will begin looking into the possible financial impact.

Other Items

Additional items being discussed include, but are not limited to, Targeted Schools, Social Workers' Home Visits, School Counselors' Workload, Athletic Trainers, Testing Schedules, Skyward - Middle School Attendance, CTE Advanced Degrees, and Grant Funded Positions.

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).

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: 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 3/26. (Future session: 4/23)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANTI UNION EMAIL: You may have received an email last week from a nefarious, billionaire backed group that wants to take away your contract. They are using misinformation to try and trick you and our colleagues into abandoning our Constitutional right to come together to advocate for our students and a better life. Don’t trust any group that wants to take away your right to fight for better pay, better health care and the education every student deserves. These are the same people who call a $20 per check increase in pay, “historic”. Please don’t give them your information. You never know how they will use, or misuse it. Protect yourself and protect your future.

New Members/Recruiters: We're visiting schools to talk to potential members! Bring someone to chat with us about joining. We give them a $35 gift card on the spot once they joing. They can choose among Target, Amazon, Publix, and other cards available. For most people it takes about a minute now to join as the process has become really fast. They'll list you as the recruiter and you'll receive your own $35 card via email within the next couple of weeks.

HOWARD FENNER SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE APPROACHING: 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: Student Loan Update for OCPS Educators

Don’t wait until summer to look at your student loans.

Federal changes taking effect July 1, 2026 may limit access to current income-driven repayment plans for borrowers who consolidate after that date. Since consolidations can take up to 90 days to process, members are encouraged to review their loans before March 31, 2026, especially if pursuing PSLF or holding Parent PLUS loans.

We’ve partnered with The Student Loan Help Group to offer free, confidential consultations for our members. OCPS educators also receive 10% off enrollment if additional support is needed.

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

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

GLOBAL LEARNING FELLOWSHIP 2027: The NEA Foundation's Global Learning Fellowship is now accepting applications until Monday, April 6th! This is a unique, year-long professional development opportunity for educators to help students thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. The fellowship includes:

Workshops and webinars about global competency and education
Fellows' independent study followed by group reflection and discussion
Group mentoring
A two-day conference in Washington D.C.
Completion of a capstone project incorporating one or more of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals into classroom instruction
A 10-day international field study to examine another country's education system, culture, and historical context

Please see the GLF overview with links for the application & March info sessions here, as well as application instructions 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

Orange Technical College Tour: AFT President Randi Weingarten, Secretary-Treasurer Fed Ingram, Vice President Evelyn DeJesus, and FEA President Andrew Spar, joined CTA President Clinton McCracken and CTA member Megan Oates for a visit to Orange Technical College – South Campus. All were incredibly impressed by the outstanding CTE programs and the exceptional work our teachers and students are doing every day! Special thanks to all the amazing CTA members who shared about their programs at OTC-South Campus!

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.

FEA Leadership Summit: CTA board members attended the FEA/AFT Leadership Summit in Orlando to explore innovative approaches to union leadership and collaborate on strategies to strengthen our organization, grow membership, and better serve our members.

A Legacy of Empowerment: Women’s History Lesson Plans for preK-12 Classrooms: Celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the achievements of trailblazing women all year long with this curated collection of free preK-12 Women’s History lesson plans and classroom activities. Designed to support inclusive and engaging instruction, these resources help educators explore the stories, movements and milestones that shaped history and continue to inspire change today. https://sharemylesson.com/collections/womens-history-lesson-plans

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

ATTACKS ON WORKING PEOPLE: HB 995 is the house version of the anti-worker bill (SB 1296) that would create two classes of public employees in Florida. Those who work in “public safety” would be a favored class while all other public employees would be disfavored. These bills exist to make it harder for workers in the state to have a voice in their profession, to advocate for fair pay and to fight for their benefits.

SB 1296 is currently scheduled to have its last committee stop today, Monday, March 2. Senators have been facing a lot of pressure to stand up for working people and oppose this bad bill. We hope that you’ll keep that pressure up by emailing senators and asking them to oppose HB 1296. Even better would be if you can take a few minutes and call the members of the Senate Fiscal Policy committee and demand they vote no!

WHERE CAN YOU GO TO LEARN MORE?: 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, FEA holds 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

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

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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