President’s Message

       I would like to wish everyone a terrific Thanksgiving break. We have signed a tentative agreement with the District concerning monetary issues. This is the third straight year we have

been able to work with the District for a fair

pay increase for teachers.  I anticipate seeing the

raise and the retro check before the end of the

year.

      I want to thank all of you who fought and

worked through the difficult years to get us

            to this point. It wouldn’t have happened without

you.

     I encourage members to communicate with

site and committee representatives any concerns

or questions .

                          Don Fry

CTA  Alert

(from California Educator, Oct. 2006)

     Effective January 1, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing will be requiring teachers to renew their credentials online.

      The requirement affects teachers holding clear, professional and professional clear credentials.

       The automated credentialing system [teachercred.cta.ca.gov] is intended to expedite the processing of credential documents.

       For more information, call CTC Information Services at (888)921-2682 Monday through Friday 1-4:45 p.m. or e-mail credentials@ctc.ca.gov.

Why You Should See a CALSTRS Benefits Counselor

·        Financial Planning:

Your CAlSTRS benefit will probably be a major portion of your income that you will be receiving for the rest of your life.  Do you know what your monthly benefit will be?

BTSA/PAR Committee

Our MUTA members who have been appointed to the BTSA/PAR (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment/Peer Assistance and Review) panel are: Martha Woods, Mike Schlussler, Don Hanson, and David Pummill.  Our contract directs the responsibilities of this panel which is composed of four teachers selected by MUTA and three administrators selected by the District Office.  We will be having our first meeting of the year on November 8.  If you have questions or concerns for the panel to address, please share them with a member of the committee.

Happy Thanksgiving!!         

Curriculum

The Curriculum Committee met with Lennie Tate on                               

 Wednesday, October 18.  The Committee discussed the

 following topics:

·        Standardization of instructional minutes—to

be discussed in future bargaining sessions.

·        Tutoring monies and changes in tutoring ratios

·        The need for equipment (DVD players, computers, etc. to meet the “digital path” requirement in science and social studies.

·        Interventions for math – a future possibility. Further information can be obtained by contacting  District math curriculum facilitator, Amy Stratton at 749-6903.