SLCTA Newsletter - September 2026 — San Luis Coastal TA

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

October 6 at 6:00 p.m. SLCUSD School Board meeting (District Office - J2)

October 20 at 6:00 p.m. SLCUSD School Board meeting. (LOMS Library)

We asked our Executive Board to choose one word for this school year’s union work. Here’s what they had to say!

Updates to Union Communication

One key area for growth identified in last year’s “State of the Union” survey was communication. It’s not that we aren’t communicating as a union; we just may not be communicating as effectively as we could, and your Executive Board owns that very real fact. As such, we’ll be introducing some new ways to communicate and stay connected in the coming months.

@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 QUOTES

“The Presidents Conference was a great kickoff to this new role and adventure. It was great to

network with other presidents from our area, and I was really inspired by the leaders from other

towns and cities who worked diligently to organize and achieve impressive gains for their local

associations.”

Caroline Cotta, President | Los Osos Middle School

“Everyone should attend the CTA Summer Institute at least once. With a wide variety of engaging strands, it’s a great opportunity to learn, share experiences, build connections, and experience the power of solidarity with educators from across California.
I attended the teaching and learning strand, and it did not disappoint! Every speaker was engaging and knowledgeable, and I even learned a new term: CBL, or community-based learning.
The five-day experience is immersive and family-friendly, with approachable CTA leaders and activities like family movie nights. I hope everyone gets the opportunity to attend; it’s an incredible experience filled with learning, connection, and inspiration.”

— Cathy Ahearn, 4-6 member-at-large | Teach Elementary School

“Attending the 2026 CTA Summer Institute was an inspiring experience that gave me the opportunity to connect with educators from across California and learn new ways to strengthen union engagement and advocate for better pay and benefits. I especially enjoyed the practical classroom strategies and learning activities that I can bring back to my students. The most meaningful experience was a Q&A session with José Anzaldo and his teacher, Oscar Ramos, from the documentary “East of Salinas”, whose story was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a dedicated teacher can have on a student’s life. I left the institute feeling reenergized, connected, and motivated to continue growing as an educator and advocate for my colleagues and students, both in my classroom and within our union.”

— Tyler Peck-Burnett, newly elected CTA State Council Delegate | Laguna Middle School

“This summer was a whirlwind of union work, from the final State Council meeting of the year as your delegate for the SLO-1 region to the annual NEA Representative Assembly as a California delegate. I also had the opportunity to return to Summer Institute and attend the Presidents Conference.
The through-line of each experience was solidarity: we are stronger when we fight together, and when we fight, we win. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen alone.
It takes dedicated, hardworking change makers organizing together to win gains both big and small.”

— Kevin Laffin, Vice President, CTA State Council Delegate and NEA RA California Delegate | Laguna Middle School

CTA VIRTUAL PASS

For ANY member interested in earning university credit to move on the payscale, or anyone interested in fantastic professional development, the CTA Virtual Pass is an easy way to get it!

September-May academic year period (9 total units available): 6 free units (paid for by CTA) plus 3 optional additional member-paid units (which are $85 apiece)

Click HERE for more information.

CONTRACT CORNER

Article XI: Transfer Procedures

B.3: If a teacher is required and directed by the district to move at the same site outside the duty day, the District will compensate for 16 hours at the teacher hourly rate.