Table of Contents
Important Dates & Land Acknowledgment
President's Message: Evaluations FAQ
Union Communication Updates
Join the SLCTA Organizing Committee!
CTA Conference Grants & Opportunities
CTA Virtual Pass, Weingarten Rights & SLCTA Swag
Disability & Life Insurance Enrollment
CalSTRS Retirement Workshop
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
October 20 at 6:00 p.m. - SLCUSD School Board meeting. (LOMS Library)
November 1 - The Standard insurance campaign begins
November 2 - SLCTA Rep Meeting
November 3 at 6:00 p.m. - SLCUSD School Board meeting (District Office- J2)
December 3 at 4:30pm - CalSTRS workshop (SLCTA office)
As we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day this October, SLCTA acknowledges that we live, work, and teach on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the yak tityu tityu yak tiłhini, Northern Chumash Tribe of San Luis Obispo County and Region.
The Tribe continues to steward and reclaim its ancestral lands, including 350 acres at the former Cayucos Abalone Farm, where it plans to restore native ecosystems, traditional foodways, and cultural practices.
We encourage members to learn more about the Tribe and support its Land Back efforts at yttnorthernchumashtribe.com.
President’s Message
Hello Educators,
We are in the long stretch between Labor Day and Veterans Day. It can certainly be a challenging month! This month, formal and informal evaluations get going.
Here’s a quick FAQ:
1.What’s the difference between a walkthrough and an informal? A walkthrough is brief, unannounced, and does not elicit scores. An informal observation is at least 20 minutes; scores are based only on observable evidence. Scores should not be given on components that were not observable during the observation. You may or may not have a follow-up discussion.
2.How can my evaluator see the unobservable elements within a domain? You can (and should!) bring artifacts to your post-observation meetings. For example, you could bring a log of your parent communication to demonstrate things you’re doing that your evaluator wouldn’t see during the observation.
3.How does an educator get moved to Track 3? After two years in SLCUSD, employees are on Track 2. An employee moves to Track 3 if they receive “Unsatisfactory” in one or more components, two or more “Basic” ratings in a domain, or a majority of “Basic” ratings overall.
Please email sanluiscoastalta@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns about how evaluations are being completed at your site.
In solidarity,
Caroline Cotta
President, San Luis Coastal Teachers Association
@slctaeducators is going public!
Our Instagram account will now function as the
place for quick bits of information, from fun videos
celebrating our sites and teachers to short blurbs
about local and statewide union work.
CONFERENCE GRANTS
(in lieu of CONFERENCE QUOTES)
Because September was a mostly conference-free month, we don’t have any quotes to share...
...but we do have some information on conference grants!
CTA Conference Incentive Grants: Invest in Your Growth!
Looking to grow professionally, strengthen your leadership skills, or connect with fellow educators? CTA Conference Incentive Grants cover conference registration and travel costs, making professional development more accessible!
Grants are available for eligible members, including new educators, BIPOC members, and members of small chapters. This year, the program has expanded to include New Educator Weekend! Upcoming Conferences & Application Deadlines:
Organizing Academy: January 15–17 | Las Vegas
Good Teaching Conference (North): February 5–7 | Burlingame
New Educator Weekend (South): February 19–21 | Costa Mesa
Apply by November 9, 2026, for the conferences above.
Equity & Human Rights Conference: March 5–7 | Santa Clara
Good Teaching Conference (South): March 12–14 | Garden Grove
Women's Leadership Conference: April 16–18 | San Diego
Apply by January 5, 2027, for the conferences above. All conferences take place in 2027. Ready to apply? Visit www.CTA.org/Grants for eligibility requirements and applications, or www.CTA.org/Conferences to explore upcoming events. Questions? Email Grants@CTA.org. Your professional growth matters. Take advantage of these opportunities to learn, connect, and lead!
CTA VIRTUAL PASS
For ANY member interested in earning university credit to move on the pay scale, or anyone interested in fantastic professional development, the CTA Virtual Pass is an easy way to get it!
September-May academic year (9 total units available): 6 free units (paid for by CTA) plus 3 optional additional member-paid units (which are $85 apiece)
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: WEINGARTEN RIGHTS(Contract Corner)
Weingarten rights allow union-represented employees to request representation during questioning that could reasonably lead to disciplinary action, whether verbal or written.
Remember: You must request representation. Administration isn't required to remind you. You may request a specific representative if available. Your representative can take notes, ask questions, and offer guidance. These rights apply to investigatory meetings, not announcements of disciplinary decisions already made.
When in doubt, speak up! Say: “I believe this meeting could lead to discipline, and request union representation before answering questions.” Your union has your back!
Click Here to be taken to the
J. Carroll website
If you’re interested in additional SLCTA
swag, like a hat, jacket, or different shirt
style, they can be ordered online
through J. Carroll and shipped directly
to you.
