PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 11/03/25
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 11/03/25
Embedded Files
Dear CTA Members,
Congratulations
I’m inspired by how our union continues to grow which is proof that educators believe in the difference we can make when we stand together in unity. Nearly 600 new members have joined this year, and our membership density now surpasses where it was before Tallahassee ended dues deduction. This success comes from members like you reaching out, connecting, and welcoming others into our shared movement. Together, we’re building something powerful. Let’s keep it going! I encourage you to ask a colleague this week to join you in this collective effort by signing up at joinmyunion.com.
Advocating for pay increases, extended contracts, and FRS protection
Please see information below about the contract being ratified. This is a meaningful step forward for educators, even as we recognize that not everyone agreed on every detail. We respect all perspectives and appreciate the thoughtful engagement from members throughout the process. Our advocacy doesn't end with this contract though. We are continuing to push for expanded ways to increase salaries for teachers both through local efforts and in Tallahassee. On October 21st I was able to speak at the Orange County Legislative Delegation meeting and shared that we need legislators to push for the following five priorities in the next session:
First - pay educators fairly
An additional $1,000 per student each year in the Florida Education Finance Program would move Florida’s teacher salaries from the bottom to the top ten and give students the education they deserve.Second - Diversify Tourist Development Tax funding
In Orange County, we spend $55 million more on transportation and $17 million more on school safety than we get from the state. Covering those and other gaps with TDT funds would free funds to pay teachers a professional wage.Third - Assign every student a statewide ID number,
regardless of school type, to make sure funding truly follows students and prevent costly errors like the 22,000 double-counted students last year.
Fourth - identify strategies to retain current teachers
That means letting districts offer extended contracts to proven teachers, and giving local control over salary schedules, to address salary compression.And fifth - Protect the Florida Retirement System and restore Cost of Living Adjustments,
so educators can retire with dignity after a lifetime of service.
Common Final Exams (CFEs) Survey
As an art teacher, I understand the concerns many of you have shared about being evaluated on the content we actually teach. The School Board and District leadership have expressed a desire to eliminate CFEs. I've stated that CTA will not recommend a change unless members ask for it. I've also stated that any survey given needs to clearly explain how other test results like ELA are currently used with CFE scores to determine Student Learning Growth scores as some believe CFE scores alone determine SLG. That we are even in this mess where student performance on a test impacts our pay is a result of years of Tallahassee trying to blame teachers for any underperformance by students. Instead of adding pay schemes, they should just provide enough funding for public education. But these are the statutory requirements we are currently have. Your input is essential to this conversation, and I encourage every teacher in the bargaining unit to complete the survey so that your perspective is represented. See the link to the survey below.
We're here for you
Our strength comes from each and every member. This union is not separate from you, it is you. When we stand together, we have the power to create real change. And if you ever need support, CTA staff is here for you. Give us a call Monday through Friday, 8–5, at 407-298-0756 or email us at orangecta@gmail.com. We are here for you when you need us.
In Solidarity,
Clinton McCracken, Orange CTA President
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
Galadriel, The Lord of the Rings
CTA HUMANA DENTAL STILL AVAILABLE
There is still time to sign up for CTA Humana Dental.
Visit ctabenefits.com or call 305-613-5192 to enroll!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BARGAINING UPDATE
BARGAINING UPDATE
We are pleased to share that our tentative agreement has been ratified. The majority ( 91%) voted to ratify our collective bargaining agreement with the School Board of Orange County and about the same number of ballots were received as the ratification last year.
In a year when the state allocated funding sufficient for only a 0.67% raise, your CTA bargaining team successfully negotiated with the District to secure an additional $38 million in local funds, allowing us to secure a 4.01% recurring/permanent raise for Highly Effective teachers. Over the past three years, we’ve now achieved approximately 16% in recurring/permanent raises for Highly Effective teachers. These percentage-based raises, which have been a long-term priority, are helping to gradually reduce salary compression and bring greater fairness to our pay structure.
Thank you to our bargaining team for the countless hours they’ve volunteered to secure this agreement, and our expanded bargaining committee (we invited each school to have a representative on the bargaining committee this past year). Their insight, feedback, and communication with worksites have been invaluable.
Looking Ahead: Bargaining for 2026–2027 Begins
As we close one chapter, we’re already looking ahead. Bargaining for the 2026–2027 school year is just beginning, and your involvement is more important than ever.
CTA keeps a bargaining suggestion form open year-round for members of the bargaining unit to share their ideas and concerns. The deadline to submit suggestions for the 2026–2027 negotiations is December 20. The review process will begin after winter break. Any submissions received after that date will be considered for the 2027–2028 negotiations.
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, stronger together.
LABOR MANAGEMENT UPDATES:
Below are updates on some of the topics discussed during the Labor Management meetings. The committee continues to discuss other issues, and updates will be provided as they become available.
Common Final Exams (CFEs) Survey
The district is currently exploring alternatives to Common Final Exams (CFEs) in the Student Learning Growth (SLG) calculation, and your input could directly impact whether CFEs are eliminated altogether. This short survey presents two possible SLG calculation methods, and your responses will help determine the best path forward. We expect the survey to take less than five minutes to complete. All responses will be reviewed in aggregate to help guide future decisions. Click HERE to complete the survey.
Preferred Name Form
The preferred name process is handled at the school level. Once a parent submits the preferred name form, the school should notify the teacher when it has been received and processed. Teachers should not use a preferred name until confirming that the form is on file, either by checking Skyward or verifying with an administrator or school counselor.
Behavior Designee
The district confirmed in writing that the behavior designee role is voluntary. The intention is to have an expert in behavior at the school who can serve as a resource. The designee should be an individual who seeks the experience for their benefit and for the school's. Theoretically, the designee will be a staff member. The intention is that, when discussions about how to support behavior occur, there would be an expert on staff.
Computer Programs - IXL / NearPod
IXL math is approved for 6-8 math, Algebra, Geometry, and high school reading. A PTA should not purchase software, as it would not be routed through the procurement process, including any required contract or data-sharing agreements (School Board Policy JRA). Nearpod is not being blocked; however, it may still be pending a new contract and data-sharing agreement. If a purchase was not possible, the school may need to submit a software request. Currently, teachers should have access to Lumio, which may have the features they are looking for at no cost.
Skyward - Middle School Attendance
The District is unable to adjust the time for the last period of middle school to submit attendance due to the need to complete attendance within a time structure to allow for timely robocalls to parents/guardians. CTA will continue to advocate for a more reasonable solution.
CONTRACT REMINDERS
CONTRACT REMINDERS
Have a contract concern? If you are a member, contact your CTA Specialist at 407-298-0756 or orangecta@gmail.com.
REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMAL OBSERVATION: Teachers can request an additional informal observation for the first semester by December 1st. “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.” Evaluation Manual. Page 12
INFORMAL OBSERVATIONS - THANKSGIVING BREAK: “Informal observations may be conducted but shall not be counted on the student contact day immediately before Thanksgiving Break.” Evaluation Manual. Page 12
SCHEDULED HOLIDAY - NOVEMBER 21, 2025: Teachers may leave at the end of the student day on Friday, November 21, 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
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
DAY OF ACTION NOVEMBER 18: American Education Week is celebrated the week of November 17. Public schools do so much more than educate; they bring people together. That’s exactly what we want to highlight this week. Let’s shine a spotlight on our students, our educators, and the vital role our schools play in every corner of Orange County. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming days, we’ll be sharing ideas, resources, and ways you can help make this Day of Action a success as well as an exciting competition with prizes!
CENTRAL FL JOBS WITH JUSTICE MIXER: Come out to Central Florida Jobs with Justice's mixer, where queer workers can unwind, connect, and learn how CFJWJ is organizing for worker justice and queer liberation on the job. Click HERE for more info!
26TH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PARADE: Join CTA and the Central Florida AFL-CIO at the 26th Annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 8! This year, the parade will take place in Lake Nona, beginning at 11 am. Please click HERE for more information. We look forward to honoring our veterans alongside our union brothers and sisters in the Central Florida Labor Council. We hope to see you there!
EQUALITY FLORIDA QUARTERLY SERIES: Navigating Challenges & Building Support for LGBTQ in Florida Schools
Join CTA & Equality Florida for this first workshop, This will be 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: Wednesday, November 12
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: CTA Office (1020 Webster Ave, Orlando, FL 32804)
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: The goal of this session is to remind you to take care of yourself and the importance of positivity, well-being, and mental health! Join us as we create a healing space together. We will be joined by Janae Ponder to lead the session. Janae, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker based in Deltona, Florida, licensed in Florida, North Carolina, and New Hampshire. She is the founder of Life-Spire Counseling Services, LLC, a thriving mental health practice. She also leads Life-Spire Community Services, Inc., a nonprofit designed to close mental health gaps in West Volusia County through free and reduced-cost services, therapist training, and mental health advocacy.
Date: Wednesday, November 12
Time: 6 pm
Location: Virtual - Register here!
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION ZOOM 11/20: 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 11/20. (Future sessions: 12/18, 1/22, 2/26, 3/26, 4/23)
REVISED SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS 11/13: The State Board of Education will be adopting revised Social Studies standards at their next meeting on November 13. These revisions are primarily to implement a new law on the teaching of communism. If these standards are adopted as is, there will be more high school social studies standards on the history of communism (109) than there are on American history (83). Much like the African American History standards that were adopted a few years ago, these new standards on the history of communism distort history for a political agenda.
You can expect to hear a lot about these in the news in the coming weeks. Now is the time to get ahead of things. We encourage you to read the standards for yourself and to seek feedback from your social studies teachers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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!
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
Nov 4, 2025 05:30 PM
Nov 18, 2025 05:30 PM
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,
TEACHER WELLNESS SURVEY: We invite all K–12 classroom teachers to take part in a short, anonymous online survey (10–12 minutes) about educator wellness and workplace supports. Your insights will guide efforts at the school, district, and state levels to improve teacher well-being, career sustainability, and student success.
Teachers who choose to participate in a brief follow-up interview will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. Your voice matters — help ensure that educators’ perspectives lead the way in shaping supportive working and learning environments.
To participate, click the link HERE.
District Instructional Materials Reviewers Needed (Quickly!) : Wanted, teachers in the following instructional areas: K-12 Career and Technical Education, World Languages, Performing and Visual Arts, Health and Physical Education, and 6-12 Additional English Language Arts.
The state is making new instructional materials available for teachers to review for adoption for the 2026-27 school year. Teachers are wanted to serve as district reviewers of the materials submitted for all courses in each of the areas covered in the 5 subjects listed above. Time is VERY short for teachers to look over submitted materials. Please see the memo linked below for more details.
The district review period will occur from October 24, 2025, through November 7, 2025.
https://info.fldoe.org/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-10765/2025-151.pdf
November Native American Heritage Month: Share the rich legacy of Native American people
The AFT’s Share My Lesson is your go-to resource for Native American Heritage Month in November, with this free preK-12 collection of resources. Choose from lessons about Native American boarding schools, tribal sovereignty, land rights activists and more; watch video reflections from tribal citizens who are rock 'n' roll musicians; or read blog posts from enrolled teachers about what it means to be Native American today. More resources are available from the National Museum of the American Indian and from Native Land Digital, which helps you understand where Indigenous people’s territories were before colonization.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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 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
WESTPOINTE 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)
FEA, NEA, AFT benefits
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. This is a brand-new benefit, and it’s all about making YOUR life easier. Sign up here: memberassist.net
Less stress, more life. Start using MemberAssist today!
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
"Throughout our history, the labor movement has accomplished a lot. If you get weekends off or overtime pay, thank the union members who fought for those rights. None of our movement’s achievements would have happened without the effort, organization and advocacy of our brothers and sisters. But injustice still runs amok. We must look to the past not only for inspiration, but for the tools we need to continue the fight. The roots of the problems we face today can be found in our past. So can the beginnings of the solutions we need for our future. The labor history timeline highlights the key events and the people who helped bring about radical changes in the workplace and society." Click HERE for a timeline from the AFL-CIO.
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