Winter Wonders
BPTA Newsletter - Winter 2025
Dear BPTA Members,
Happy New Year! As we begin 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible strides we’ve made as a union and to highlight some exciting developments within our leadership team.
First, I’d like to thank Megan Vanderwest, our Special Education Bargaining Alternate, for her dedication and hard work. Megan’s advocacy for Special Education staff ensures that we address the unique challenges faced by our colleagues in this vital area. Her contributions to the association are already proving invaluable, and we’re grateful to have her expertise serving our members.
I also want to welcome Vanessa Gomez, our Middle School Bargaining Alternate, who has stepped into this role with enthusiasm and commitment. Vanessa’s strong voice and dedication to middle school educators and the students they serve will be crucial as we work toward securing better terms for all our members in the upcoming negotiations.
At the same time, we are still actively seeking an additional Elementary Bargaining Team Member as well as an Elementary Bargaining Team Alternate to join our team. If you are passionate about advocating for the needs of our elementary school members and want to have an impact on our bargaining efforts, we encourage you to get in touch with your BPTA Executive Board. Your voice is essential as we continue working toward the best possible outcomes for all members.
I also want to take a moment to thank all of our members for their support and dedication in helping to pass Measure M. Your time, efforts, and advocacy made all the difference in securing the funding our schools desperately need for much-needed structural improvements. This victory will have a lasting impact on the learning environment for our students and will enhance the safety and functionality of our schools for years to come. Your commitment to our schools and students is truly appreciated, and we are grateful for your continued engagement.
As we continue our work, I’d like to remind everyone of the importance of reporting any threats or assaults made by students or parents. Your safety is a top priority, and it’s crucial that incidents of this nature are reported promptly to the appropriate authorities. Reporting ensures that the situation is documented and addressed, providing you with the protection and support you need. Steps for reporting will be outlined later in the newsletter under the "Know Your Rights" section, so please make sure to review those guidelines carefully. Together, we can ensure that all members are treated with respect and that our working environments are safe and conducive to learning.
Before we broke for winter, I also sent out a FAQ sheet regarding the steps to suspend students from your classrooms. The sheet includes detailed instructions and the required district form to ensure you have what you need in case of incidents that warrant suspension. I encourage all members to download both the FAQ sheet and the suspension form and keep them handy. This will allow you to respond quickly and efficiently when such situations arise, with all the necessary documentation in hand.
Additionally, I want to remind everyone of the valuable member benefits available to you—from free movie tickets to discounts on travel. These perks are a great way to save and enjoy life outside of work, and I encourage you to take full advantage of them. Our union is committed to supporting you, not just in the workplace but in your personal well-being as well.
Finally, please don’t forget our Discipline Presentation on January 15. This session will provide important insights into navigating workplace discipline and protecting your rights. It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss, and I highly encourage all members to attend. This is an invaluable resource to ensure that you are informed and supported in any situation that may arise.
Thank you for your continued commitment and solidarity. With your support and engagement, we are poised to make 2025 a year of even greater progress for our union. Let’s continue to work together and make a lasting impact for our members, our schools, and the students we serve.
In solidarity,
Carol Bright
President, BPTA
A little tidbit about guest speaker, Brian Eldridge... Former BP Teacher’s Unexpected Career Path
Has there been a journey in your life that has ended up somewhere you could never have expected, and you are really grateful you got there? If you’ve got a minute I’d like to share a journey of my own.
This journey starts a few years after having graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in Finance. I know that’s kind of specific, but stick with me. I’m sitting at my desk, in an office building in Cypress, looking at my veteran colleagues and pondering. Is my chosen destiny like theirs, to be chained to this desk shuffling papers all day until I retire or die? There is no life here, no inspiration, no purpose. That is when I decided to become a teacher.
Fast forward through my credential program, student teaching, and getting hired during the summer of 1999 to teach at Gilbert, years later transferring to Emery. Toward the end of my first year, Cindy Sweet, did what all union people do and asked me to help her with a small task. She wanted help during BPTA elections. At that point the only thing I knew about unions was they were bad for business, but help Cindy? That I would do. I needed to be a Rep. but she promised I wouldn’t need to stick my neck out. She kept her word. During that year I learned unions were indeed bad for business. Well, bad for businesses that didn’t treat their workers with dignity and respect. While a Rep., Cindy learned I had a degree in Finance (there it is!) so asked me to be Treasurer the following year. At that point I still hadn’t learned to say “no”, so I agreed.
If I had learned anything about the value of BPTA while a Rep., it was times a hundred once I was Treasurer and part of the BPTA Executive Board. The more I learned about what our union was capable of when we as individuals take active roles in it, the more interested I became. In addition to doing more with BPTA, which led to me eventually becoming BPTA President, I also got involved with our local collective (NOCUT), and at the county (OSCC), state (CTA), and national levels (NEA).
In 2016 I was one of only four educators statewide accepted into CTA’s Professional Staff Intern Program. A year later I applied for and was offered a full-time job with CTA as a Primary Contact Staff (PCS) in their Murrieta office supporting the unions in Temecula, Lake Elsinore, and Julian. In 2020 I transferred to CTA’s office in Orange. There I support eight chapters around the county. Beginning next school year I will have the added responsibility of supporting CTA’s county level organization, the Orange Service Center Council (OSCC).
So, there it is. There is my unexpected journey. From being down on unions, to helping a colleague, to Treasurer, union President, and finally, working for the second-largest state teachers union in the country. (If you are wondering, New York has the largest.) And I am so grateful I ended up here, helping local unions and educators everyday.
~ Brian Eldridge
The Calm App
Stressed out from the demands of the start of the school year? Members have access to the Calm App, download for free and start receiving the calming benefits today!
Find out more about how this member perk can help you at CTA member benefits.
Movie Ticket Discounts!
Say hello to savings on movie magic! As a member of the CTA, you can enjoy up to 25% off movie tickets from Cinemark, Regal Cinemas, and AMC Theatres. Affordable and unforgettable movie nights await at CTA Access to Savings!
MB4U Sessions
Tune in every first Tuesday of the Month at 4:00 pm PSD to learn more about your menber benefits featuring some of your favorite CTA partners!
January 7, 2025: Calm
February 4, 2025: Disaster Relief Fund
March 4, 2025: NEA Student Loans
April 1, 2025: Leader Resources
May 6, 2025: Provident Credit Union
Click here to register.
Christina Beltran - Bargaining Team Chair
Site Location: Gilbert Elementary
School Assignment: RSP
Christina Beltran joined the Bargaining Team during the 2022-2023 school year and quickly became an integral part of the group. This past summer, she attended the California Teachers Association Summer Institute, where she completed the five-day Essential Bargaining Skills training (July 24–July 28).
With previous experience on the Bargaining Team in her former district, Christina brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and effective communication skills to the table (pun intended!). We are fortunate to have her dedication and leadership advocating for our members.
Kristin Sherman - Bargaining Team Member
Site Location: Pendleton Elementary
School Assignment: Instructional Coach
Kristin Sherman has been a dedicated member of the Bargaining Team for over 10 years, navigating even the challenging COVID years with resilience and expertise. Known for her articulate communication, deep understanding of the contract, and wealth of knowledge, Kristin is highly respected by both BPTA and the district.
This past summer, Kristin attended the California Teachers Association Summer Institute, where she completed the five-day Essential Bargaining Skills training (July 24–July 28). Her ability to think outside the box and critically analyze proposals and counters is invaluable in advocating for all members. BPTA is truly fortunate to have Kristin's passion and expertise on the team!
Rachel Rathjen - Bargaining Team Member
Site Location: Buena Park Middle School
School Assignment: School Psychologist
"I am a new member of our BPTA bargaining team and have been warmly welcomed by the knowledgeable team. As a School Psychologist, I bring unique perspectives on school systems, staff and student needs, special education, behavior, and mental health. In my 6 years with BPSD, I have supported all school sites, making connections with the wonderful staff along the way. I am also proud to be a voice for the diverse roles that make up our membership and excited to support you in a new way. In my free time, I spend time with my family enjoying live music, road trips, and playing with my dogs."
Jodie Wackerman - Bargaining Team Member
Site Location: Buena Park Middle School
School Assignment: 7th & 8th Grade PE Teacher
"BPTA members, this is my 11th year as a union rep and my 15th year of teaching in the Buena Park School District. I have served BPTA as the Secretary, NOCUT Rep, and various other committees. I am new to the BPTA bargaining team and am enjoying learning this new position. I started out teaching math at Buena Park Junior High and then switched to PE when that position became available. It has been a pleasure serving the members of BPTA and I look forward to continuing to build a strong and united Bargaining Team for all members."
Although new to the Bargaining Team, Jodie Wackerman brings a wealth of experience and dedication to serving our members. Her contributions include serving on the Executive Board, acting as a NOCUT representative, working as a site rep, and so much more. Her dedication and hard work were recently recognized with the prestigious WHO Award.
This past summer, Jodie attended the California Teachers Association Summer Institute, where she completed the five-day Essential Bargaining Skills training (July 24–July 28). With her many years of service, we are excited to have her passion and expertise on the team!
Mike Casper - Bargaining Team Member
Site Location: Beatty Middle School
School Assignment: 7th & 8th Grade Math
"My name is Michael Casper and I have been a math teacher with Buena Park School District for 28 years. My first 23 years was at BPJH now Buena Park Middle School and I am presently at Beatty Middle School teaching 7th and 8th grade Math. I have been a member of the Buena Park Teacher’s Association Bargaining Team since 2023. It has been a pleasure to work with the BPTA Bargaining Team for the past two years. I appreciate all of our member’s hard work and dedication to the teaching profession. Thank you for the opportunity to bargain for our BPTA members."
Mike Casper joins the Bargaining Team with a strong passion for ensuring that teachers are valued and appreciated. Mike brings a fresh perspective and analytical approach to the team. We're thrilled to have his dedication and enthusiasm advocating for our members!
Vanessa Gomez - Bargaining Team Alternate
Site Location: Buena Park Middle School
School Assignment: 8th Grade US History
"Hi everyone! My name is Vanessa Gomez. I have 18 years of experience teaching middle school, in which 16 have been at Buena Park Middle School. During this time, I’ve taught 7th grade World History, 8th grade U.S. History, SEI History, Speech and Debate, and Academic Pentathlon. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising, going to Disneyland and watching soccer. I am super excited to get more involved with BPTA with this opportunity as a middle school alternate for the bargaining team."
Megan Vanderwest - Bargaining Team Alternate
Site Location: Buena Park Middle School
School Assignment: RSP
"I have been teaching in the district for over 9 years. I started teaching as a general education teacher in the upper grades at Corey Elementary School and then at Whitaker Elementary School. At my time at Corey, I was the technology lead. I then earned my education specialist credential and have been teaching at Buena Park Middle School starting out as a 6th grade SDC teacher and now as a rsp teacher. I have experience on our school's CAST team as well as PBIS lead to help support MTSS at our school site. In my free time, I love to travel and spend time with my husband and two kids."
