Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/274063
Resources for better bargaining CTA provided your bargaining teams with training and resources to prepare for the paradigm shift to bargaining proactively, and to push back on district bargaining delays. And thanks to the lessons we've learned from CTA's Quality Education Investment Act, local chapters are considering best prac- tices to consider when thinking about where to focus those dollars in ways that improve instruction and support educators. There have been impressive settlements in all corners of the state, and some teachers are seeing their first raise in years. United Teachers of Santa Clara, Montebello Teachers Association, Pierce Joint Unified Educators Association (Colusa County), and Hartnell College Faculty Association all negotiated 5 percent salary increases. El Dorado Union High School Faculty Association and Roseville Secondary Education Associ- ation earned a 5.25 percent increase retroactive to 2013, along with health care increases. Associated Teachers of Placer, Rosemead Teachers Association (Los Angeles County), and Sierra-Plumas Teachers Association nego- tiated raises of 6, 6.3 and 6.5 percent, respectively. There have been some bad actor districts (see page 37), but on average, contract settlements are coming in with about 3.5 percent salary increases to help retain teachers. For more settlements, go to cta.org/bargainingupdates. Alum Rock Educators Association Teacher Maria Ortega and her daughter, Elisa, joined more than 250 Alum Rock Union Elementary School District educators on a San Jose picket line Feb. 13 to protest the district's paltry 1.5 percent raise. Frustrated AREA members agreed to the small raise in the fall, with the understanding that both sides would meet and negotiate for an additional salary increase again in January. But the district refused to provide additional salary hikes in January, instead offering only a one-time bonus of $500. The district received $21.5 million more than expect- ed due to the state's Local Control Funding Formula. Photo by Mike Myslinski Advocacy Bargaining 38 M A R C H 2 0 1 4 When you're ready to elevate student achievement. You are ready for American Public University. With more than 90 degrees to choose from, there's almost no end to what you can learn. Pursue a respected Education degree online — at a cost that's 33% less for graduate students than the average in-state rates at public universities.* Visit StudyatAPU.com/cal-ed *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Digest of Education Statistics, 2011. We want you to make an informed decision about the university that's right for you. For more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed each program, and other important information, visit www.apus.edu/disclosure. 2014 ONLINE PROGRAMS BE ST BACHELOR'S Educator 03 Mar 2014 v2.0 int.indd 38 3/6/14 10:52 AM