Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/859531
School Safety an Issue for Fresno Teachers In June, the Fresno Teachers Association (FTA) and Fresno Unified School District met but failed to reach agreement on a new contract. "Fresno Unified failed their students and teach- ers by choosing to ignore key issues in bargaining, including class size, special education, and safety and discipline," FTA President Tish Rice told the Fresno Bee after the meeting. Recently, incidents of student attacks on teachers have raised concerns about school safety. The district has proposed contract language that says teachers should immediately inform their supervisors of violent incidents, and supervisors and teachers together should notify the police. In 2014, Fresno schools were among the first in the state to adopt restorative justice practices as a disci- plinary approach. While FTA and CTA support such practices, teachers have raised concerns about the program's efficacy and whether educators have had ade- quate training. FTA and the district have been negotiating for months and are headed to mediation. Manteca Gets Agreement In June, the Manteca Educators Association (MEA) and Manteca Unified School District reached a ten- tative agreement that extends the contract for three years. MEA members approved the agreement July 13, and the district accepted it July 18. The new contract includes an agreement to create a certificated nursing incentive program that allows qualified school nurses to apply for a $10,000 loan to be applied to the cost of clearing their California School Nurse Services Credential. It also includes increases in salary and benefits, as well as an increase in pay for adjunct duties and coaching stipends. MEA President Ericka Meadows is proud of educators' dedication and persistence. The process "has definitely solidified our unity, which is evident in their support of all of the organizing events we've been doing for the last several months," Meadows says. "Our educators have been committed to coming together and standing up for a fair contract." By Cynthia Menzel, Mike Myslinski and Ed Sibby. #OurVoiceAtTheTable 57 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 017 21593 Now enrolling for three start dates throughout the year. Apply by November 10 and join us this spring! apu.edu/education Strong Leaders Transform Schools At the growing Eastvale STEM Academy, high school students build knowledge in medical science and engineering within an innovative learning community guided by Kim Lu Lawe's leadership and vision. Azusa Pacific's School of Education prepares educators like Kim to see and cultivate the potential in every student. Graduates go on to make a lasting difference as creative, collaborative professionals and dedicated advocates for those they serve. Advance your calling with a master's or doctoral degree, credential, or certificate from a top Christian university and join a mentoring community of educators who will help you make an even greater impact. Programs available online and at locations throughout Southern California 6 Eastvale STEM Academy, Medical Biology Class, Director: Kim Lu Lawe, Ed.D. '16 School of Education