President’s Message - June 2026
Serving as president of SLCTA for the past four years has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. I want to sincerely thank our members for the opportunity to lead, advocate, problem-solve, and stand alongside all of you through some incredibly challenging and important years.
Ironically, I became active in the union because I was frustrated.
Years ago, during a difficult negotiations cycle, I found myself doing what many educators do, sitting in the staff room complaining about decisions, communication, and outcomes. At some point, someone challenged me with a simple question: “Then why don’t you get involved?”
That question changed everything.
What I learned over the years is that our union is not a building, a logo on a blue shirt, or a small group of officers sitting at a bargaining table. The union is its people. Its strength comes from members who are willing to show up, ask questions, support colleagues, attend meetings, serve on committees, talk to new teachers, wear a union shirt, send an email, make a phone call, or simply offer a voice when it matters most.
In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell writes about how underdogs succeed not because they are stronger individually, but because they learn to work differently, think differently, and rely on collective courage and persistence. David did not defeat Goliath by becoming Goliath. He succeeded because he stepped forward when others would not.
That lesson matters for unions.
Our educators face enormous challenges, rising expectations, student behavior, budget shortfall, and increasing demands on educators. At times, those challenges can feel overwhelming. But again and again, I have watched SLCTA members step forward for one another, for students, and for public education. That collective willingness to act is what gives our association its power.
As I step away from this role, my hope is simple: every member finds one way each year to contribute to the association. It does not have to be a major leadership position. Sometimes the most meaningful contributions are small acts of participation that remind others they are not alone.
Attend one meeting.
Volunteer one time.
Support one colleague.
Ask one question.
Speak up once when it matters.
Because when many people each do one thing, extraordinary things become possible.
I also leave this role with tremendous confidence in the future of SLCTA. Caroline Cotta is ready to lead this association in what lies ahead. She brings thoughtfulness, integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to educators and students. Our association will be in very capable hands, and I know she will continue building on the collective strength of our membership.
Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, challenging me, and allowing me to serve this association. I will always be proud to stand with SLCTA and the educators who make this district such a special place for students and families.
In solidarity,
Phil Angel
President
San Luis Coastal Teachers Association
