PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 11/17/25
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 11/17/25
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Dear CTA Members,
GRATITUDE
During this time of Thanksgiving, I want to share how grateful I am for the dedication, compassion, and strength of our educators who make a difference every single day. Your commitment to students and to one another reflects the true spirit of community and service. On behalf of CTA leadership and our staff at CTA, we wish you a restful and joy-filled Thanksgiving surrounded by family, friends, and gratitude.
ACTION
$4.1 million. As you know, the district was recently notified they would be receiving $4.1 million in reconciliation funds. We believe the district has a responsibility to use a portion of this for teachers. Read my email to them below. If you agree, you need to act today to help make this happen. Currently only one board member has agreed with us and the Superintendent is saying NO although she also says it is up to the board. To make this happen, members will need to engage and email the board.
AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK
American Education Week is this week (11/17-11/21), and we are joining unions across Florida in celebrating why we love our public schools. At a time when public schools are under constant attack, it is more important than ever to lift up the outstanding work we do and to remind our community of the incredible educators who make OCPS schools among the best in the state. This week-long celebration is an opportunity to highlight the reasons we ❤️public schools, to stand proudly with our colleagues across Florida, and to show the community what makes our neighborhood public schools so special.
Monday: Wear your school colors and "I Love Public Schools Sticker" if you have one.
Tuesday: Why I Love My School Day (and CONTEST!) Enter comments about your school into our Padlet HERE and submit a creative video or photo about your school HERE.
Wednesday: CTA Social at Ollie's Pub in College Park 3:30-5:30.
Free drink ticket for anyone who posts a selfie with their sticker or poster!
Gift basket drawing during the event (Extra raffle ticket for bringing a non-member)
Thursday: Wear Red for Public Ed
Friday: Speak up for public schools Day!
Please take a moment to email the Orange County legislative delegation and ask them to recommit to supporting public education. Click HERE to send the email. Schools where 50% of staff send emails will receive snacks for the lounge.
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU
Every member makes our union strong. You are CTA, not just part of it, but the heart of it. Together, we have the strength to make meaningful change for ourselves, our students, and our schools. And when you need support, know that your CTA team is only a call or email away. Reach out to us at 407-298-0756 or orangecta@gmail.com.
In Solidarity,
Clinton McCracken, Orange CTA President
According to Haudenosaunee tradition, Deganawida taught that we must all work together in harmony, as the fingers of a hand.
Deganawida (Great Peacemaker, Iroquois Confederacy)
NEW "MEMBER ASSIST" NOW AVAILABLE!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EMAIL SCHOOL BOARD TODAY: $4.1 MILLION IS AT STAKE AND YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
EMAIL SCHOOL BOARD TODAY: $4.1 MILLION IS AT STAKE AND YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
OCPS is receiving $4.1 million in reconciliation funds from the state. CTA is advocating for a portion of that funding to address the loss of the retention supplement. These funds should be used to support the educators who have dedicated years of service to our students and schools.
We need your help to keep the pressure on. Click HERE to email school board members and ask them to ensure these funds are used to support you.
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FREEDOM FOUNDATION
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FREEDOM FOUNDATION
Some members have recently received anti-union propaganda in the mail again. It’s important to consider the source and question the motivation behind propaganda like this. One of the main groups targeting public employees is the Freedom Foundation, a well-funded anti-union organization that claims to “help” workers understand their rights. But make no mistake: their real goal is to weaken and dismantle unions like ours.
The Freedom Foundation campaigns are designed to convince educators and public employees to drop their union membership, cutting the funding and strength that allow us to advocate for fair pay, safe working conditions, and quality public education.
This is not a grassroots movement. The Freedom Foundation is funded by billionaire interests, including the Koch network, the DeVos family, and the Walton family (owners of Walmart). These are the same corporate forces that have spent decades trying to privatize public education, weaken worker protections, and silence collective voices.
Although their mailers and ads often use language about “freedom” or “choice,” their true objective is to reduce worker power and collective bargaining rights. Their documented positions include efforts to keep wages low, eliminate contract safeguards, and undermine public-sector unions. They have also aligned themselves with organizations that oppose women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental protections, and other policies that support working families.
Our union exists to protect fair compensation, due-process rights, and safe, equitable working conditions for all educators. The progress our members have made together at the bargaining table and the protections we’ve secured in our contract, have been possible only because educators stood together. Thanks to our collective action over the past three years, we’ve achieved real gains:
16% permanent salary increases for 90% of our bargaining unit members
Three days of paid bereavement leave
Percentage-based raises to reduce wage compression instead of the flat amounts we got for years
Three weeks of paid maternity leave
30-minute lunches
Restored planning time
Grievable pumping rights
Protections against false claims by students
Pay for all advanced degrees, and more!
These wins didn’t happen by accident, they happened because we stood together, spoke up, and took action.
So when you see anti-union messaging from the Freedom Foundation, whether in your inbox, mailbox, or online, remember: they don’t represent educators. They represent corporate interests. Their goal is to divide us and drain the power we have when we stand together. Stay informed. Stay united. Stay proud. No thanks "Freedom" Foundation. We’re union, and we’re stronger together.
BARGAINING UPDATE
BARGAINING UPDATE
Looking Ahead: Bargaining for 2026–2027 Begins
As we close one chapter, we’re already looking ahead. The bargaining process for the 2026–2027 school year is beginning, and your involvement is more important than ever.
CTA keeps a bargaining suggestion form open year-round 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:
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 the these recent meetings. We continue to discuss other issues as well, and updates will be provided as they become available.
Common Final Exams (CFEs) Survey
The survey is now closed. The results will be analyzed by the OCPS Research Department, and their findings will help guide discussions on potential alternatives to Common Final Exams (CFEs) in the Student Learning Growth (SLG) calculation. CTA will update members on any decisions that result from this process as soon as the information becomes available.
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. CTA will continue to advocate for the district to have a good plan for notifying faculty.
Behavior Designee
The district confirmed in writing that the behavior designee role is voluntary. The district intention is to have an expert in behavior at the school who can serve as a resource. They state that the designee should be an individual who seeks the experience for their benefit and for the school's and that 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. CTA’s position is firm: no educator should ever be pressured or “voluntold” into taking on extra responsibilities, and when staff choose to take on additional duties, their time, expertise, and impact must be recognized and compensated accordingly. CTA will continue to advocate for clear expectations, fair compensation, and the protection of educators’ rights, including the right to decline additional duties without pressure.
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. CTA’s position is clear: teachers must be consulted before instructional tools are changed or replaced. While the district has stated that Lumio offers the features educators are asking for, we are hearing from some teachers that this may not be the case. To advocate effectively, we need to hear from more educators with specific examples of where Lumio falls short of meeting classroom needs. Your experiences matter, and they should directly inform decisions that impact your instruction. CTA will continue to advocate for transparency, choice, and teacher voice because decisions about instructional tools should always begin with the professionals who use them every day.
Skyward - Middle School Attendance
The District has stated they are 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
AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK: American Education Week is this week, and this year, we are joining unions across Florida in celebrating why we love our public schools. At a time when public schools are under constant attack, it is more important than ever to lift up the outstanding work you do and to remind our community of the incredible educators who make OCPS schools among the best in the state. This week-long celebration is an opportunity to highlight the reasons we ❤️public schools, to stand proudly with our colleagues across Florida, and to show the community what makes our neighborhood public schools so special.
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)
EQUALITY FLORIDA QUARTERLY SERIES: Navigating Challenges & Building Support for LGBTQ in Florida Schools
Join CTA & Equality Florida for a workshop focused on supporting LGBTQ+ students and staff in Florida’s K–12 schools. Together, we will review practical classroom “do’s and don’ts” that create safe, affirming spaces for all students, and explore current trends and challenges impacting LGBTQ+ inclusion across our state. This session is designed to provide both guidance and a collaborative space where teachers, staff, and administrators can share insights, strengthen strategies, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every student and educator feels seen, respected, and supported. RSVP TODAY!
Dates: Feb 25 & May 13
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: CTA Office (1020 Webster Ave, Orlando, FL 32804)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 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,
NOVEMBER NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH: 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.
BECOME A DELEGATE TO THE NEA!: An essential part of our union’s structure is our strong connection with both of our national affiliates — the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Each summer, the NEA holds its Representative Assembly (RA) in July, bringing together elected delegates from across the country to conduct the business of the union and help shape its national priorities. CTA elects its delegates for this important body every spring, and we cover a portion of the travel costs to support our delegates’ participation. This summer, the NEA RA will take place in Denver, Colorado, over the July 4th holiday.
In alternating years, the AFT hosts a similar gathering — the AFT Convention — where delegates engage in the same vital work of setting direction and policy. Elections for AFT Convention delegates are also held in the spring preceding that summer’s event.
We encourage all members to consider running to be a delegate. It’s a rewarding and educational opportunity to connect with fellow union members from across the country and to have a direct voice in shaping the direction of our national union.
VETERANS DAY PARADE: We were proud to participate in the Orlando Veterans Day Parade alongside our sisters and brothers in labor from the Central Florida AFL-CIO. It was an honor to stand together to celebrate and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. We are grateful to all veterans for your service, sacrifice, and dedication.
CTA President Clinton McCracken was featured as a guest columnist in the Orlando Sentinel this past Friday to encourage the community to celebrate our neighborhood public schools this week and to reiterate the five points made at the recent Orange County Legislative Delegation meeting.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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!
SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS REVISED BOARD OF ED 11/13: The State Board of Education adopted revised Social Studies standards at their meeting on November 13. These revisions are primarily to implement a new law on the teaching of communism. There are now 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.
Read the FEA Press Release for information on the State Board of Education adoption of the Phoenix Declaration last week.
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) and FEA/NEA/AFT benefits
Representation when you need someone in your corner
Assistance with Evaluation system
Support network and community
Being part of the solution for change instead of passively accepting problems
2025-2026 MEMBERSHIP GOAL: Each school will increase membership by 5% and we will reach 60% in overall membership density.
CTA BENEFITS
CTA BENEFITS
NEA MEMBER BENEFITS SWEEPSTAKES: The NEA Member Benefits Annual Giveaway is back! Members can enter the Choose Your Cruise Sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4-night cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean, plus $250 in Vacation Cash. Two lucky educators will win! Entries close December 22, 2025.
MEMBER ASSIST: MemberAssist is here to handle life’s everyday headaches so you don’t have to. From the small stuff to the big stuff, we’ve got you covered:
Fixing a leaky faucet, planning a vacation, finding a doctor, booking childcare, pet care, senior care, movers, and more! How it works: Submit a request any time; no task is too big or too small. Our expert LifeConcierges handle it for you. 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
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