September President's Message

Dear Members,

Happy first day of Fall.  I know this year has already had it’s fair share of challenges, I hope it has been good being back with your students.  As I have been visiting sites, it has been great to see students and educators back on campus.   

Back in Black
We are asking for all our members to wear your VTA shirts on Thursdays to support our current negotiations of our MOU and to show unity amongst us all. We are in the process of getting new shirts ordered for everyone that still needs one. Please reach out to your site rep if you would like one. 

Hopefully your site has had or is going to be having this month’s 10 minute meeting. These meetings are a great time for our membership to collaborate and bring forth site matters that may need to be addressed.  It is also a way to find out important information or opportunities that VTA has to offer.

What you should know:

• Make sure VTA has your updated contact information including personal email.  Contact your site reps, if your site does not have a rep, please contact the VTA office.
  
• Elections:  VTA needs a State Council Representative.  If you are interested in running, contact your site Rep or the VTA office. Declarations are due October 5th to the VTA office by 4pm.
  
• The Standard is offering open enrollment for disability insurance and other benefits.  Such as:
  
  • Special enrollment opportunities with no health questions asked for:
    
  • Brand new educators and ESPs for CTA Introductory Disability insurance
    
  • New Hires and District Transfers for CTA-endorsed Voluntary Disability and Life insurance
    
  • One-time Second Chance special enrollment opportunity with guaranteed enrollment and no health questions asked for eligible members who may have missed your chapter's enrollment campaign last year. Begins October 1st.
    
  • Benefit enhancement to the Student Loan Benefit
    
  • Ordering New Hire materials (no, it's not too late!)
    
  • Entering to win a $100 gift card by taking our short quiz
    

     Contact your site rep or the VTA office for more information.
Know Your Contract

• It is evaluation time.  Article 26 Evaluation Procedure has important information about evaluation timeline and procedures.
  
• Transfers are happening.  To know your rights regarding a transfer or reassignment read Article 16.  
  

Chance to Win
Last month our member winner for responding to our last President's message question was Roger Royster from Mission Vista High School.  The prize was a $25 WildWood Crossing and Cantina gift card, Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern & Grill gear, Vista Teachers Association swag, and other goodies. 
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This month’s question: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?  Your response and reply with your story will enter your name into a drawing to win a special prize. Drawing will happen on 9/30.