Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/2868
Tahoe-Truckee members win 12 percent increase teachers, building site representa- tives — and mothers of young chil- dren themselves. But that didn’t stop them from joining the Orga- nizing Team of the 272-member Tahoe-Truckee Education Associ- ation in early 2007 to try to rein- vigorate the local chapter. “Our first goal was to unite the S teachers,” says Bacon. “When teachers started to understand the bigger picture, that changed the direction right there.” This fall, the chapter achieved a double-digit salary increase and has just helped elect two new members to the board of trustees. Now that’s invigorating. “It’s been a huge turnaround,” Dailey says of the chapter’s new esprit de corps. “We’re really unified now.” With the support of chapter leaders and CTA staff, Bacon and Dailey began their organizing work by holding small group meetings to reconnect with teachers and get their input. Those meetings led to more in-depth discussions, in- creased communication, and ac- Members of the Tahoe- Truckee Education Associa- tion were joined by parents and students in a show of unity before a board meeting. tephanie Bacon and Suzie Dailey had enough on their plates as elementary school tivities that included picketing and a well-attended “block party” prior to a school board meeting. Because teachers frequently spend their own personal time and money on supplies and other resources, mem- bers decided to send a message by “working to the rule” and discon- tinued the popular extracurricular school field trips, which were often funded by teachers. Although Tahoe-Truckee is one of the state’s wealthier basic aid dis- tricts — deriving its revenue from higher property taxes while still re- ceiving constitutionally guaranteed state basic aid funding — educators there had seen their paychecks dwindle over the past several years as the district slipped below average in comparison to similar districts. With the union solidly behind them, however, the experienced negotiating team members were able to bargain successfully. The efforts were successful and resulted in a contract settlement that includes a 12 percent salary increase (3 percent retroactive to 2007, and 9 percent effective until 2009) — a far cry from the zero percent raise the district had offered. “What seemed to work well for us was working to the contract,” says Mike Merriman, chapter president. “It took a while to take effect, but when we quit going on unpaid field trips and put a halt to other voluntary tasks that teachers do, the community began to put pressure on the school board.” The union had also worked extensively to educate the commu- nity about the finan- cial status of the dis- Continued on page 32 Available at our 20 campuses throughout California* The competitive edge to excel Chapman University College has a distinguished reputation for educating teachers who are making a real difference in the classroom and their communities. Small classes, large vision The low student-to-faculty ratio and small classes help nurture a dynamic, rewarding relationship between instructors and students. The focus is on you as an individual, encouraging your full potential as an educator. Schedule courses to fit your lifestyle We know you have commitments outside of the classroom. Our classes are held at convenient times to accommodate your busy schedule. PAS Our Programs • California Education Credentials – Multiple Subject – Preliminary Admin. Services - Tier I – Professional Admin. Services - Tier II – Single Subject • Ed.S. School Psychology/PPS Credential • MA School Counseling/PPS Credential • MA Education – Curriculum & Instruction – Educational Leadership & Instruction – Instructional Technology – Professional Learning Community – Professional Teaching Standards – Reading • MA Teaching – Elementary Education – Secondary Education – Special Education • Special Education – MA Special Education – Special Education: Professional Learning Community – Education Specialist Credentials: Levels I & II • K-12 Extended Education – Professional Development Courses *Not all programs available at all locations. Date Clien Cont Job Size Publ Inse Education degree and credential programs are available at Chapman campuses throughout California. 866-CHAPMAN www.chapman.edu/cuc K–12 Extended Education: www.chapman.edu/exed/k-12 Chapman University is accredited by and is a member of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Teacher training and credential programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. CTA photo by Suzie Dailey