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Click to view an 8 minute recorded version of the presentation about Article X-Evaluations given at the July 16 bargaining session: https://youtu.be/DMLz1mbHQpY
Dear Educators,
Please see yesterday’s Bargaining Update and a Clarification below
We remain committed to reaching an agreement by the start of the school year and CTA presented several counter proposals today with that goal in mind. We signed two tentative agreements that include improving communications during emergencies and clarifications on remote work for teachers who prepare 504s or IEPs.
However, we are still waiting for a definitive salary proposal from the district. They expect to present an economic package during the next bargaining session on July 29.
Today, several teachers again expressed concern about the district’s evaluation proposal, which would give the superintendent unchecked control to change any aspect of our evaluations. The district could change cut scores, observations, and your right to reschedule an observation without our agreement.
Earlier this week, teachers made a presentation to the district explaining serious concerns with the superintendent’s efforts to take total control over our evaluations. The next day, instead of addressing teachers’ concerns, the district for the first time announced that there would be changes to your evaluations starting this school year that were never bargained over or agreed upon by teachers. While some of the changes appear beneficial, the bottom line is that the district’s proposal does not end there–the superintendent continues to insist on the unchecked authority to make further changes that could hurt teachers and our pay. We are still in the process of reviewing the changes to evaluations that were already made without your agreement and in violation of your contract.
We know you are concerned about the district’s proposals and we can make a difference in these negotiations when we stand strong together! The next bargaining session is July 29th, 9am at the CTA office at 1020 Webster St., Orlando, 32804. RSVP HERE and let us know if you will be joining to hear the district’s salary proposal. Your presence makes a difference!
Clarification from OCPS News You Can Use
Timeline
- January 18
- From the NYCU: Senior Executive Director of Professional Learning Leigh Ann Bradshaw and Director of Evaluation Systems Betsy Leis met with CTA President Clinton McCracken and Maribel Rigsby at the CTA office to discuss an upcoming collaboration meeting on changes to the Instructional Personnel Evaluation System.
- What the NYCU omits: The meeting was set up to discuss how we can better address evaluation concerns with the Evaluation Department. Teachers were experiencing issues because the Evaluation Department was unable to discuss concerns directly with principals like they were able to in the past. They were now having to call the Principal Leader and then wait to see if they took action. That process was not working. This meeting clarified that the Evaluation Department could again communicate directly with Principals. The upcoming workgroup meeting was also brought up although it wasn’t the reason for this meeting.
- January 31
- From the NYCU: A collaboration meeting was held, including Evaluation work-group members, the CTA President (via Zoom), and additional teachers and administrators.
- What the NYCU omits: There have been several occasions where Clinton McCracken shared with district leadership that we should make evaluations better for teachers. CTA did not agree on any of these meetings to waive teachers’ contractual rights.
- March 8
- The District submitted proposed revisions to the Instructional Personnel Evaluation System to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE).
- CTA was not notified this was submitted until July 17, 2024.
- May 6
- The District received feedback from FDOE requiring revisions to the proposed system.
- CTA was not notified this was submitted until July 17, 2024.
- June 7
- The District submitted revisions based on feedback from the state on May 6 and June 6.
- CTA was not notified this was submitted until July 17, 2024.
- July 3
- The District received approval for the Instructional Personnel Evaluation System.
- The district notified CTA on July 17, 2024.
OCPS Instructional Evaluation Work Group
On Monday, January 29 CTA received an email to participate in the OCPS Instructional Evaluation Work Group. The meeting was held on January 31, 2024. Present at the meeting were the members of the CTA appeals committee and other employees invited by the district. During the meeting the district-guided discussion was around having less observations and to simplify the Deliberate Practice process. There was no indication that this meant changes to the system, the removal of your rights or changes that would be implemented during the 2024-2025 school year. CTA learned about the changes and implementation date yesterday July 17, 2024.
Why does CTA oppose the district’s evaluation proposal?
CTA does agree that one less observation and simplifying the Deliberate Practice process are beneficial to teachers. However, the district wants to remove all provisions in Article X that guarantees teachers rights. A few examples are:
- The ability to request an additional informal observation
- Requiring administrators to provide comments for low ratings
- The ability to request a meeting when receiving low ratings
- Not having an observation the day before the Winter Break
- The right to have a different administrator to complete an additional informal
- And so much more. See their proposal with strikethroughs HERE
While we understand this will still be in place for the upcoming year, by removing them from the contract the district is taking full control. They can make changes and remove rights without YOUR voice. They can change the cut scores if they want, affecting YOUR possible salary increase. CTA is fighting not because we oppose having one less observation, CTA is fighting for YOUR future rights and the impact these changes might have on future salary increases. As we’ve shared at the table, our contract exists into the future even after current district leadership and School Board have moved on.
The district is trying to remove your evaluation rights. Imagine how they would act without a union holding them accountable! Not a member yet? Join us today! tinyurl.com/joinmyunion
Why join your union?
- Collective Power: We are stronger when we stand together. When people join together and engage in a process to change things, they can win. Active membership matters. This is the number one reason for joining. Your voice is amplified and we build power together. Instead of standing on the sidelines you can be part of the solution to make things better! We are thousands standing strong together and with every new member we are even stronger.
- Professional Development: Access a range of workshops and resources aimed at enhancing your teaching skills and career growth.
- Support Network: Connect with fellow educators, share experiences, and build a supportive community both professionally and personally.
- Legal Assistance/Representation: We are here for you on work-related legal matters when you need someone in your corner.
- Member Benefits: Enjoy various discounts and perks available exclusively to union members.
- And so much more!
