Welcome back! I hope all of you enjoyed the summer and are ready for the 2022-2023 school year. The CTA is excited to work with teachers and administrators this year to facilitate conversations, solve problems, and support teachers as we navigate through another year.
The CTA was busy this summer. We worked on a variety of topics and concerns and attempted to solve problems in ways that would satisfy teachers. One of the difficult parts of this job is knowing that teachers aren’t always satisfied with the results of these conversations. One example of this involves the decision to create a morning supervision rotation at the elementary level. The CTA met with district administration several times this summer in an attempt to create a plan that a) solved the complex problem of double bus routes, carpool drop off, and unsupervised students b) valued teachers’ time. Ultimately, these conversations resulted in a compromise. This is the nature of our work. The CTA must brainstorm possible solutions, point out flaws in some of the proposed solutions, and then let the decision-makers decide. While not every decision is exactly what the CTA wants, the conversations and the compromises are proof that the process works. The CTA supports the teachers, and administration listens and values the input we provide. Sometimes our input results in a decision that satisfies teachers; sometimes it doesn’t, but that will not prohibit the CTA from continuing the important work of advocating for our teachers. We have been advocating for CCS teachers since October 2013, and we will continue to support you this year.
I want to remind you that we are entering the second year of the two-year contract negotiated last year. All teachers will receive a 3% raise and eligible teachers will also receive a step increase. Please refer to the salary scale in the contract for specific dollar amounts.
I also want to remind you that our CTA membership drive will begin in September. Look for more information soon from your Building Contacts.
I am proud to serve as your CTA President. Please reach out to the CTA Board or your Building Contacts with any concerns you have. Best of luck to you this year!
Mark Wien
CTA President
