Blog

Job Posting

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:05:06 GMT

HCTA Professional Learning Center, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high quality professional development for educators and education support professionals, has a job opening for a Building Superintendent.

The building superintendent will be responsible for the upkeep and security of the HCTA Professional Learning Center located at 3102 N. Habana Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604. The incumbent will ensure compliance with public safety ordinances, ensure that the building and grounds are kept clean and presentable, handle routine maintenance and coordinate with office manager(s) to schedule any repairs or maintenance that need to be done by outside contractors.

Applicants should submit their resume via email to communications@hillsboroughcta.org by the close of business on May 21st, 2013.

Building Superintendent Job Description

ESE Exemption Transfer Period

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:43:07 GMT

Hillsborough CTA has proposed the following exemptions, which the district has agreed to. In consideration of our significant need for ESE teachers, the following exemptions this transfer period (May 1 -May 22) will be allowed for voluntary transfer with ESE content areas. The two bullets below are the exemptions along with definitions and examples to assist.

1. All permanent, eligible, certified ESE teachers may seek voluntary transfer May 1 - May 22 to any ESE position not in his/her current primary ESE assignment. Transfer may occur at any level at any site as long as he/she holds all required certification for the position being offered.

Any Level as defined as:
• Elementary may seek transfer in Middle or High
• Middle may seek transfer in Elementary or High
• High may seek transfer in Elementary or Middle

Examples of cross level ESE movement:
• Example: Elementary MH teacher holds certification in Elementary Ed and VE may transfer to a 6th grade co-teach ESE position.
• Example: High School ESE teacher who holds certifications in Math 6-12, Social Studies 5-9, and VE MAY transfer to Middle School VE w/Math co-teach and self-contained.

2. All permanent, eligible, certified general education teachers who currently hold ESE certification may seek transfer May 1 - May 22 to any ESE position at any level at any site as long as he/she holds all required certification for the position being offered.

Any Level as defined as:
• Elementary may seek transfer in Middle or High
• Middle may seek transfer in Elementary or High
• High may seek transfer in Elementary or Middle

Examples of General Education cross over to ESE:
• Example: High School math teacher who holds math certification and ESE certification may transfer to middle school Math VE position.
• Example: Elementary teacher who holds English, Elementary Ed, Reading Endorsed and ESE certification may transfer to an Elementary EMH self-contained position.

In addition, teachers who are permanent, eligible via screening and certification, may voluntary transfer through May 22 for Non-Classroom Instructional positions (Resource teachers, Site Based Academic Coaches, Drop Out Prevention and etc.) that will be available for the 13-14 school year. Example: A math teacher at Franklin who is permanent, certified, and has a passing screening score for Math coach, may seek transfer to a Math Coach position at Liberty Middle School. These screened positions are considered “Quasi promotion” .

A resource teacher may transfer to another resource position as long as they have been previously screened for that specific position and fully certified in that content area. A resource teacher, at this time, may not seek transfer to a site based classroom position.

Florida Budget - Teacher Salary Increase

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:09:13 GMT

FEA worked diligently working to ensure that the language related to the increase made it as flexible as possible for school districts to work with. Based on the final language, each district can use current evaluation plans and data to determine how the money is distributed and to whom it will be distributed. The next step will be to address this during our collective bargaining sessions with the school district this summer. We will provide updates as we move forward with this process. Below are the key portions of language in the bill regarding this:

Language added to the Education Conforming Bill SB 1514:
Item 10 (Salary Increase proviso in SB 1500) Notwithstanding the distribution provisions in the salary increase portion of the proviso following Specific Appropriation 87 contained in Senate Bill 1500, enacted during the 2013 regular session of the Florida Legislature, a district school board or charter school board may distribute salary increases at any time before June 2014, in conformance with requirements of the proviso or board-approved evaluation plan, and as negotiated with collective bargaining units and educators, as appropriate.

The language referenced above provides further direction concerning the distribution and decision-making required for the original proviso language set forth here:
From the funds in specific appropriation 87, $480,000,000 is provided for salary increases, plus related benefits for FICA and FRS, for all full-time kindergarten through grade 12 instructional personnel as defined in section 1012.01(2)(a)-(d), Florida Statutes, excluding substitute teachers. In addition, funds are provided for salary increases for all full-time instructional personnel of prekindergarten exceptional students funded through the FEFP. Each district school board and charter school board shall develop and approve a plan for providing the salary increases. The plan shall: (1) ensure that salary increases for full-time classroom teachers are based on student achievement and performance (e.g. FCAT scores, Advanced Placement exam scores, Industry Certifications, SAT and ACT scores); and (2) identify the performance metrics that will be used for instructional personnel who are not full-time classroom teachers. Each board shall vote on the plan and affirm that it is based on student performance. A copy of the plan must be submitted to the Commissioner of Education, and the State Board of Education must confirm that the plan is based on student performance before the local boards can distribute the funds to their instructional personnel. The district may submit its plan as early as possible, and the State Board must act on it within 15 days of receipt. These funds shall be used only to provide salary increases and related benefits for eligible full-time instructional personnel.

From the funds provided in Specific Appropriation 7 and 87, $75,000,000 shall be provided to school districts for wireless connectivity at each school site. The Department of Education shall provide the wireless specifications for school sites on or before August 1, 2013. A minimum of $200,000 shall be provided to each district. School districts that meet or exceed school site wireless connectivity at all school sites within the district can expend these funds according to the district’s board-approved technology plan.

Parent Trigger Bill Dies on the Senate Floor

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:08:39 GMT

Thanks to the united efforts of educators, unions, parents and parent groups, the “Parent Trigger” bill has died with a tie vote on the Florida Senate floor.

Thank you all for once again supporting advocacy efforts for public education and proving that when we stand united we can make a difference!

NEA & FEA - Federal Lawsuit Over Florida’s Teacher Evaluation Procedure

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:58:01 GMT

Monday, February 15, 2013

The National Education Association (NEA) and the Florida Education Association (FEA) filed a federal lawsuit today challenging the evaluation of teachers based on the standardized test scores of students they do not teach or based on subjects they do not teach. The lawsuit was filed in the District Court of the United States for the Northern District of Florida, Gainesville Division.

The lawsuit contends that teachers’ evaluations based on the test scores of students they do not teach or based on subjects they do no teach violate the equal protection and due process clauses of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It asserts that the Legislature enacted legislation that was unconstitutional when it passed SB 736, which substantially changed wages, employment contracts, performance evaluations, promotions and workforce reduction provisions that had been previously negotiated between teachers and local school districts, and seeks to invalidate the evaluation provisions of SB 736.

The full impact of this lawsuit, related to the use of VAM, will not be clear until the case is over. We will provide ongoing details as the case progresses.

For additional information regarding the details of the lawsuit, please go to:

NEA and FEA Lawsuit Against SB 736

If you have any questions, please send an email to Communications@HillsboroughCTA.org.

HCTA Members - Deals & Discounts

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:45:08 GMT

Get a $500 My Mortgage Gift award through Union Plus® Mortgage from Wells Fargo!

Union Plus Mortgage program is now provided through Wells Fargo and still provides union families unique advantages:
• $500 My Mortgage Gift award from Wells Fargo after you close on your loan if you use Wells Fargo Home Mortgage to finance your mortgage!
• Special hardship assistance with your mortgage in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment, or strike/lockout available through Union Plus mortgage assistance.
• $500 Union Plus First-Time Home Award for eligible first-time buyers (available only to active and retired union members) available through the Union Plus program
• Mortgages available to active/retired union members, their parents and children

LEARN MORE NOW | CALL 1 -866-802-7307

If you closed on your current mortgage prior to February 28, 2013, and have any questions, please call 1-800-848-9136 for assistance.

Hillsborough Alliance for Public Schools

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:18:30 GMT

The Hillsborough Alliance for Public Schools is a committee of community members working to cultivate a common voice in support of our public schools. Hillsborough CTA is proud to be a partner in their efforts to improve support for our schools and our educators.

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Urgent Action Needed: Help Us Protect Retirement!

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:31:18 GMT

The House Government Operations Subcommittee is scheduled to consider committee bill, GVOPS 13-01, tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. that would close the traditional pension plan under the Florida Retirement System. The bill would force all new hires in government agencies participating in the FRS to rely on a 401k-style investment plan. Such a move virtually guarantees an immediate increase in cost and could weaken the retirement system for current employees as well.

This proposal would:
• Place all state employees hired after January 1st, 2014 in a defined-contribution plan (Investment or sometimes referred to as 401(K) plans) instead of the defined-benefit plan that most state workers currently join.
• Close the Senior Management Optional Annuity Program effective January 1st, 2014 (only 30 enrollees statewide).
• Expand investment options to include an employee directed option (brokerage account).
• Eliminate the option to apply for disability benefits under the pension plan for new enrollees effective January 1st, 2014.

Just last week, Committee chairman Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) indicated the committee would wait for an actuarial assessment that would show both the short term and long term costs of making these changes before moving ahead with the proposal. Now, he apparently plans to force committee members to vote on it without knowing its full cost.

We urge you to take a moment tonight to call or email these committee members (listed below) and tell them they were not sent to Tallahassee to be a rubber stamp! It is irresponsible to cast a vote on such a drastic proposal without at least knowing how much it will cost taxpayers and our hard working members! Tell them to vote NO on ANY changes to the retirement system until they have all the information. If you do not have a local legislator on the committee, please contact the committee chair.

House Government Operations Committee:
Committee Chairman:
Brodeur, Jason T. (R-Sanford) - District Phone: (407) 302-4800 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5028 - Email: jason.brodeur@myfloridahouse.gov

Committee Members:
Ahern, Larry (R-St. Petersburg) - District Phone: (727) 545-6421 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5066 - Email: larry.ahern@myfloridahouse.gov
Artiles, Frank (R-Miami) - District Phone: (305) 252-4300 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5118 - Email: frank.artiles@myfloridahouse.gov
Campbell, Daphne (D-Miami Shores) - District Phone: (305) 795-1210 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5108 - Email: daphne.campbell@myfloridahouse.gov
Combee, Neil (R-Auburndale) - District Phone: (863) 968-5666 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5039 - Email: neil.combee@myfloridahouse.gov
Cummings, W. Travis (R-Orange Park) - District Phone: (904) 278-5761 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5018 - Email: travis.cummings@myfloridahouse.gov
Fresen, Erik (R-Miami) - District Phone: (305) 663-2011 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5114 - Email: erik.fresen@myfloridahouse.gov
Fullwood, Reggie (D- Jacksonville) - District Phone: (904) 353-2180 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5013 - Email: reggie.fullwood@myfloridahouse.gov
O’Toole, Marlene (R-The Villages) - District Phone: (352) 315-4445 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5033 - Email: marlene.otoole@myfloridahouse.gov
Rangel, Ricardo (D-Kissimmee) - District Phone: (407) 518-0043 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5043 - Email: ricardo.rangel@myfloridahouse.gov
Raulerson, Daniel D. (R-Plant City) - District Phone: (813) 757-9110 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5058 - Email: dan.raulerson@myfloridahouse.gov
Slosberg, Irving ‘‘Irv’’ (D-Delray Beach) - District Phone: (561) 496-5940 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5091 - Email: irving.slosberg@myfloridahouse.gov
Workman, Ritch (R-Melbourne) - District Phone: (321) 757-7019 - Tallahassee Phone: (850) 717-5052 - Email: ritch.workman@myfloridahouse.gov

Sample phone message:
As a legislator, you have a responsibility to cast an informed vote. I am urging you to vote NO on ANY changes to the retirement system until you have all the information. Please don’t be a rubber stamp for a bill that will likely cost Florida taxpayers more and deliver less!

Sample email message:
As a Legislator, you have a responsibility to make an informed decision. Please do not rubberstamp changes to the Florida Retirement System before you even know what it will cost taxpayers or working families. According to the committee chairman, an actuarial study is being performed and any action should wait until it is finished.

Great Deals for Filing Your Taxes!

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:50:16 GMT

Membership entitles you to special economic benefits!

FEA Locals own Creative Benefits for Educators and have partnered with Jackson Hewitt Tax Service to provide you quality customer service, privacy, up-to-date tax knowledge, professionally trained and tested preparers, all credits and deductions you earned, plus additional cost savings.

You have three ways to save! FEA MEMBERS save at Jackson Hewitt offices and online – use one of the coupons (below) best for you to either save 20% on tax preparation at a nearby office; switch from another tax preparation service to save $50 over last year’s filing fee; or save 25% online with online filing code.

To print the coupon, locate offices nearest you, file online, utilize numerous tax tools and learn helpful tips, please visit members’ user-friendly website at www.JacksonHewitt.com/FEA. There are seven offices in the Tampa area to serve you – plus, there are additional locations nearby for your convenience.

FEA-R Grant Winners!

sue.morgan@floridaea.org (HillsboroughCTA) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:16:27 GMT

Message from Carl Crosson, District Director, FEA-R

Congratulations to the winners of the FEA-R Grants!

Unfortunately, we were only funded for two grants from FEA-R (FEA-Retired). However, in order to select even more than the FEA-R funded, we at the local retired union, HEA-R (Hillsborough Educators Association-Retired) voted to fund four more! Therefore we will be awarding a total of six grants!!

The winners have all been notified and will receive their grant money when we receive the checks from FEA-R. These are due to arrive the middle of February.

The winners are:
• Carlton Russell at Spoto High School
• Carol Townsend at Alafia Elementary School
• Melissa Youngberg at McLane Middle School
• Kim Kearney at Northwest Elementary School
• Aimee Ballans at Strawberry Crest High School
• Marie Hickman at Leto High School

Congratulations to all of our winners!