ATA Weekly

As we wrap up the second week of this school year, I wanted to take a moment to extend a warm welcome to all the new educators who have recently joined AUSD. On behalf of ATA, we are thrilled to have you on board, and I look forward to personally meeting each of you.

I encourage you to make the most of the professional development opportunities and collaboration available as ATA/CTA/NEA members. Also, make sure to check out CTA's IPD (Instruction and Professional Development) guide below, which includes valuable resources and ideas for new educators. ATA is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way in your career, and I am confident that your contributions will enrich our Association. If you haven't already, be sure to complete your ATA/CTA/NEA membership form to access the available resources and benefits. Thank you for choosing to be a part of our Association.

Lastly, don't forget to RSVP for the ATA TGIF event on September 6th. The attached flyer has all the details.

Looking forward to connecting with all of you,

Ralph Hernandez

alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com

All unit members must complete 10 hours of adjunct duties per school year. These hours were approved by ATA as part of negotiations several years ago in exchange for a two-year salary compression to our service (longevity) increments on ATA salary schedules. The purpose of these hours is to benefit students, parents, or the community and help foster a supportive and engaged learning environment.

FAQ:

Q: What are the options for fulfilling Adjunct Hours?

A: There are two options available. You can create and manage a digital platform (e.g., Google Classroom or Seesaw) OR choose from the pre-approved options jointly created by ATA/AUSD.

Q: How do I get started with my Adjunct Hours?

A: To get started, submit a form to your administrator detailing the specific hours/categories you plan to work on for the year. Please note that, despite what some site admins have shared, there are NO CAPS for any options.

Q: What should I do if I want to pursue an alternative that is not on the pre-approved list?

A: If you choose an alternative that is not on the list, you will need admin approval. If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal.

Q: What happens if I don't complete the 10 hours?

A: Completing these hours is crucial to avoid having your sick leave hours reduced. The district may dock the pay of employees who have exhausted their sick leave hours.

Q: Does my site admin get to determine how I fulfill these hours?

A: While your site admin may suggest ideas for completing the hours, ultimately, unit members have the final say.

The new BEST/HCM payroll system has been causing problems with accurately calculating withholdings for extra duty assignments or stipend pay, as mentioned in previous Blackboard Connect updates. This has led to significant reductions in income for some ATA members. ATA understands the challenges this may pose. If you are experiencing severe financial difficulties, please get in touch with Human Resources for assistance. You can also reach out to ATA for help in addressing this matter.

All employees received a district email reminding them that all online training must be completed by Friday, September 20, 2024 at 5:00pm. This training is a requirement for employment. As is the case with your TB and credentialing renewal, you must complete all training sessions by the deadline, or you cannot work and will lose pay until you do so. Should you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with HR at (626) 943-3060.

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.

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 at the District hourly rate.

Special Ed Collaboration classes

Up to (10) ten hours of voluntary collaboration/PD time are to be paid at the district hourly rate and are available for all teachers participating in collaboration classes. General Ed and special education staff members (including aides) may collaborate before or after school.

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 expanding, enhancing, and translating grade-level curriculum.

As the school year begins, I want to emphasize the importance of sharing our classroom policies and procedures regarding grading, late work, attendance, and more. It has come to my attention that some teachers have faced challenges defending their grading policies following claims from students or parents that these either never shared or were vague. To avoid any misunderstandings, I recommend the following actions:

1. Regularly communicate and reiterate these policies throughout the year to ensure that everyone is well-informed.

2. Display the policies in the classroom and on our digital platforms, such as Google Classroom or Seesaw, allowing easy access for both students and parents.

3. Utilize PowerSchool, if available, to make the policies easily accessible to all parties involved.

4. Request parent and student signatures as an acknowledgment of receipt. This will help prevent any potential discrepancies in the future.

Remember, effective communication is essential. Implementing these straightforward steps ensures everyone is knowledgeable and aligned with our classroom policies and procedures.

Attention NEW CTA Members! The Standard (Disability & Life) Enrollment Drive is underway, and you don't want to miss out on this exclusive chance to enroll or switch your coverage to THE CTA Endorsed Partner, The Standard.

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Even if you're already signed up with another carrier, you CAN switch now. No need to wait!

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- Summer Benefit (Up to $500 per week during June & July with a maximum of $4500) at no added cost

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August 26

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

August 27

- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

September 9

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

September 10

- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

September 17

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

September 24

- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

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/