

ATA Weekly
August 18th, 2023
THE PRESIDENT"S MESSAGE
Our Association thrives on the involvement and engagement of our members. It's important that each of us recognizes how our interests and talents can contribute to the betterment of our community. Whether you choose to take on a leadership role or volunteer on a committee, your contributions are invaluable. Not only will you expand your knowledge and interests, but you will also have the opportunity to make new friends. I encourage you to consider joining one or more of our many committees, such as political action, community outreach, grievance, organizing, membership engagement, bargaining, elections, health benefits, sped, or PDC. Please don't wait to be asked - remember the Alhambra Teachers Association is you. Together, we can make a positive impact and strengthen our Association.
In addition, don't forget about our upcoming ATA Welcome Back Breakfast on August 26th. This event is open to all AUSD employees and promises to be a fantastic morning with delicious waffles and exciting giveaways. If you haven't already, please RSVP and feel free to invite your friends and family to join us.
As always, thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make a positive impact on our community and strengthen our Association.
Ralph Hernandez
ATA GENERAL ELECTION
Below you will find a link to the names of those running for the different Board of Directors positions in ATA. Voting will occur online from August 21-23, 2023. You will receive an email from SimplyVoting, our secure, hosted online elections provider. Please make sure we have your correct personal email. It's not too late for non-paying dues members to vote. Email us ASAP so we can sign you up for membership.
The announcement of results will be on August 25, 2023 via this newsletter. If a run-off election is necessary, this will be included in the announcement with a run-off election timeline.
CONTEMPLATING A CHANGE IN DISTRICT?
If you're considering resigning from the District, keeping a few things in mind is important. Alhambra USD Board Policy 4112.1 states that unit members must notify the District by June 30th if they do not plan on returning. This becomes a legal obligation that all certificated members have with AUSD.
If you are considering leaving your position to go to another district, please seek guidance from ATA before doing so. Leaving your job for another district without seeking that AUSD provide you with a proper release from your contract could lead to serious repercussions such as legal action taken against you by the District and a one-year (and in some circumstances 2-years) suspension or revocation of your credential (Ed Code § 44420).
WORK ORDER OR 5-DAY LETTER?
For non-emergency issues:
Follow the protocols established at your site to submit a work order. Be sure to obtain a work order number should you need to reference it down the line. If the issue persists beyond a reasonable time, follow up with your site admin and inform your site rep. Should this not yield the appropriate, timely response, fill out a 5-Day Letter.
For emergency issues:
Immediately report issues that directly impact the safety and welfare of students and staff to your admin. If the problem is not resolved immediately, file a 5-Day Letter.
If you need help with how to proceed, please contact your Site Rep for support.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE EXTRA DUTY PAY?
Over time, your ATA Bargaining Team has negotiated extra-duty hours for the following positions. Please review the following list and see if you qualify for these opportunities.
Educational Specialists
Educational Specialist unit members assigned to deliver Specialized Academic Instruction shall receive (50) fifty hours of extra duty pay at the District hourly rate per school year.
TK-8 Dual Immersion
Dual Immersion teachers who teach the target language portion of DI classes receive (50) fifty hours of extra duty pay at the District hourly rate yearly for expansion, enhancement, and translation of grade level curriculum.
Self-Contained Elementary Combination Classes
Unit members who volunteer or are assigned to teach self-contained, non-special education combination classes shall receive (25) twenty-five hours of extra duty pay per school year.
CalSTRS RETIREMENT WORKSHOP AT SGHS - 8/30/23
If you decide to attend, RSVP with your name and school district to ktcalstrs.com.
CTA VIRTUAL RETIREMENT WORKSHOPS
Please be sure to review the attached flyer regarding the upcoming Retirement Workshops for the 2023-24 year. These workshops will be held virtually, and it's important to note that there is a limit of 300 participants per session. To access the registration link, click here.
REGARDING STULL EVALUATION
Disability insurance helps protect your paycheck if you’re unable to work due to injury, illness (including mental health conditions and substance abuse), pregnancy or childbirth. Benefits are paid directly to you and can be used for expenses health insurance doesn’t cover. Click here for more information.
NEA NEWS
NEA MEMBER BENEFITS
October 2023 marks the end of the student loan repayment freeze, which means payments will be due for the first time since early on in the pandemic. As an NEA member, we want you to know that you have no-cost access to the NEA® Student Debt Navigator powered by Savi that can help reduce or eliminate student loan debt. How exactly does this tool help?
1. Determine your eligibility for federal programs
2. Get guidance from student loan debt relief experts
3. Access the tool for one year at no cost
Over 38,000 members have already reduced or eliminated their student debt with an average of over $36,000 of debt forgiven.
EDUCATOR GIVEAWAY
In honor of California educators, Provident Credit Union is hosting an educator appreciation giveaway. One educator will be selected to win $2,500. Submit your entries between August 1, 2023 through October 31, 2023 for your chance to win. Winner will be announced on November 8, 2023.
Entry: Each entrant is limited to one (1) entry per month, up to three (3) entries during the giveaway period.
Educator Appreciation Giveaway Official Rules
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
August 21
- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
August 22
- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
August 26
ATA Welcome Back Breakfast (9-11 am, ATA Office)
August 29
- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
September 12
- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
September 19
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
September 26
- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
CONTACT US
The Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA) exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just equitable and democratic society.
Email: ataoffice3030@gmail.com
Website: www.alhambrateachers.org
Location: 3030 West Main Street, Alhambra, CA, USA
Phone: (626)289-1933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlhambraTeachersAssociation/