Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/274063
Advocacy P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S C O T T B U S C H M A N That's because the private sector systemically eliminated defined-benefit pension plans in favor of risky 401(k) plans to reduce costs to corporate America at the expense of the Amer- ican worker. Keeping and retaining teachers Despite the shortfall, CalSTRS has been and continues to be a sound system. Until the market collapse, CalSTRS consis- tently met or exceeded its assumed rate of return. Even now, CalSTRS is 71 percent funded and has sufficient assets and projected contributions to pay benefits until 2043. CTA believes the solution needs to be fair and equitable for all educators, and that increases in educator contributions should minimize inequities between current and future educators, and should not create new, additional or unequal contribution tiers. Elk Grove Education Association President Maggie Ellis tes- tified to the Assembly Public Employees, Retirement and Social Security Committee: "We are so focused on our students. … This retirement system is about us, but it's also good for our students because it keeps good teachers in the classroom." Source: CalSTRS www.cta.org 33 M A R C H 2 0 1 4 "I have recommended many a colleague to University of San Diego, Continuing Education." CarolAnn Barr-Gutkowski, Teacher, Dearborn Public Schools Professional Growth Opportunities for K-12 Educators FEATURED COURSES EDU-X774K Developing Custom Curriculum Solutions for Your Classroom (2- 4- or 6 Units) – Online Self-Paced format for convenience and flexibility EDU-X789H "How Full is Your Bucket?" The Power of Positive Thinking in the Classroom (6 Units) – Two-Week Intensive Classroom format at eleven locations across California Graduate-Level Extension Credit Flexible course formats: Online Self-Paced, Online Fixed-Date, Independent Studies, Classroom Personalized, superior student support Affordable tuition; fee includes one free Official Transcript with each course *Continuing Education at the University of San Diego is approved to meet teaching credential requirements by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Call: (888) 983-3979 Visit: PCE.sandiego.edu ENROLL TODAY! A Reliable Source for High Quality Courses and Programs Educator 03 Mar 2014 v2.0 int.indd 33 3/6/14 10:52 AM