Welcome Back TEA!
It’s been two weeks and yet…it already feels like a few months.
Union membership, like teaching, is more than one thing, it is more than contracts and meetings—it’s about having each other’s backs, lifting up our profession, and making sure every educator is treated with dignity and respect, that our classrooms are safe and that each child may learn in the best setting because you may teach in a setting that is best for you. This year, like every year, we’ll keep pushing for fair working conditions, stronger & safer schools, and the resources our students and teachers deserve. We are thankful that you are a part of OUR UNION together!
As we move forward, don’t forget to take time for yourselves and remember to look out for each other. Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your students—caring for our colleges, looking out for one another in every way is also important. In this job, we truly need each other. There is no one who better understands the trials of being in a school all day then those that surround you. Every one of you is in a hard working position and is necessary for the movement of this district and its success. Thank you for all that you have started to do and for each and every thing you will continue to do. I am honored to work with both as a teaching peer and as a union member in this district with you.
Here’s the latest from TEA:
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Welcome New Members -
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Welcome to all new Members - Whether you are brand new to teaching, new to our district, or are just back for another new year. Welcome back and Welcome to TEA. We are so thankful that you are here and are a part of the TEA family.
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FYI - COMMUNICATION
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If you are reaching out to TEA in any fashion, whether to myself, our office, our officers or even your site reps, please use your personal email.
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Why We Use Personal Email—And Why You Should Too - Our union communicates only through personal email—never district email, never district-connected Google accounts, and definitely not on district devices. This isn’t just a habit—it’s a privacy safeguard rooted in legal precedent and plain old common sense.
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Here’s why this matters:
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District systems aren’t private. Period.
Your district email, district Google account, and anything sent from a district-issued device or using their Wi-Fi or server can be monitored, accessed by administration, or turned over in a legal or public records request. That includes union business—even if it’s between you and a trusted colleague.
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California law backs this up.
In City of San Jose v. Superior Court (2017), the California Supreme Court ruled that even messages on personal devices can be subject to disclosure if they relate to public business. So if you’re using district tools—like your school Gmail, your school-issued Chromebook, or your classroom desktop—it’s wide open.
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Union work is protected—when kept separate.
Our right to organize, speak freely, and advocate for each other depends on confidentiality and separation from districtoversight. That’s why the union uses only personal email for communication. We urge you to do the same:
✅ Use your personal email
❌ Avoid your district EMAIL/Gmail
❌ Don’t use district devices or Wi-Fi for union-related work
This isn’t paranoia—it’s protection. Keeping union business off district systems is how we defend our collective power, your privacy, and your professional boundaries.
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Update Contact Information:
- If you really want us to know how to get a hold of you, or if you have new contact information, address/ phone / email, please update your information with the TEA office (714) 505-6365 or please go HERE. We want to make sure all members are receiving all information being sent.
- To make sure that you are receiving all emails from TEA please go HERE and update. This should help us make changes for this program quicker. Make sure that your site reps have your updated information as well so that they may best reach out to you.
- Just a quick FYI - If you are new here, or want a refresher. You will get one of these updates monthly - and if there is pressing news or elections communication at that time as well. If it's an emergency - you may get a text message from me, if your cell number is on file with our office, or if I am on your campus and there is a question. All personal information is for inhouse Union use and not for any other reason, or used in any other way.
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Numbers, Hiring, Positions -
- As of this summer TUSD has done much better than we anticipated. Even with declining enrollment we were able to retain every position that we had at the last of the 2024-2025 school year. It might not be the same exact title, but we broke even with the exact number of people filling the same amount of positions as were filled last year. This is great news as the last few years we have had a narrowing of hiring.
- At the TUSD new hire event we had over 40 new hires and unlike the last few years, they are educators in every area of our profession.
Temp/Prob/Perm -
- For the first time EVER in this position we have been receiving our updates from the district HR department quickly. We normally would have to wait until all items were confirmed and paperwork would trickle over and by mid October we would know who was rehired, who was new and who may have moved sites. Because of having the information earlier it’s helping TEA to move forward on our work of where people are in the temp to probationary discussion and work.
- If you were hired this year for the first time - this is going to hopefully help you the most, eventually.
- If you are a temporary employee in year 3 or higher - this is who we are focusing on right now. We have an uncomfortably large number of employees who fall into that category. Conversations are already being had with district and school board members, but there is some other work being done at our office and it needs to be done for each member individually. That means that the over 95 of you who are currently in the position will be hearing from me personally through personal email. When you do get that email you will be asked, possibly for a second/ third time, what you have been teaching, which sites you have taught at, and for copies of your contracts. The big question you will be asked is: MAY TEA USE YOUR NAME PROCEEDING FORWARD IN THIS ENDEAVOR. Yes, we speak for members, but we also understand that some members do not feel comfortable with us using their name or working on that individualized of a campaign.
- Even if you have already given us the information, which has helped us to piece together an extensive history so far, please give us all the information again. Sometimes it is not just for the TEA office, it is being passed on to higher level CTA to help with our position.
- If the above affects you and you would like to get a head start on my reaching out to you personally, please respond HERE or by the picture below ASAP!
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Negotiations/ Budget -
- Negotiations -
- This is an exciting year and movement forward for our bargaining team. For the first time in over 8 years our WHOLE contract is open. This means that every single portion of our contract may be discussed, reviewed and negotiated.
- As with any negotiation year, we are starting first with insurance, due to the timeline of having to have that completed and ready to go by the end of the 2025 calendar year. The district insurance committee has already met several times this school year. Margie Wright from Loma Vista sits on the Insurance committee as TEA’s one vote, but Paul Tschida, myself and our CTA Staff Michael Stone all attend as well.
- We have made some changes to our negotiations team here is our current bargaining team for the coming year:
- Katie Bernal - Beckman H.S. (Sped)
- Margie Wright - Loma Vista E.S.
- Andrew Stadel/ Jordan Moe (sharing one position) - Legacy Magnet
- Katie Males - Pioneer M.S.
- Carter Mokhtari - Hewes M.S.
- Martha Farrell - Foothill H.S.
- Paul Tschida - Chair/Contract Manager - Tustin H.S.
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State/ Federal Budget
- While it was a concern during the summer - the Federal funding of schools (6.9 Billion) was frozen earlier in the Summer. Thankfully, after push back from states, including California, 6 Billion of that was released. California continues to keep pursuing to receive the total in federal funding. As does our National Union NEA.
- In the California State Budget: While this was not ideal and all funding from the Prop 98 funding that was halted last year (with work from CTA to help out the state), on top of taxes being delayed due to the LA Fires….there is some good news and good budget wins for education. To read a synopsis please go HERE.
- Gains to funding for the LCFF at the COLA level reported over 2%
- Ongoing budget and investment into California’s TK programs; ELOP (extended learning) programs and CTE programs.
- One-time Proposition 98 General Fund to provide financial assistance for teacher candidates through the new Teacher Recruitment Incentive Grant Program
- And an extension to the timeline of the existing National Board Certification Incentive Program to support National Board Certified teachers.
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS -
- KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Please remember that whether it is in the classroom, while interacting with parents, or just being on campus you do have rights.
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New Laws
- Several new California education laws will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, impacting various aspects of the educational experience with a focus on student well-being, curriculum, and facility improvements. Here's a breakdown of some key changes:
- Curriculum Changes starting this year: include a required one-semester ethnic studies course for high school students History lessons must also cover the negative consequences of Spanish colonization and the Gold Rush from Native American perspectives. In elementary, schools must assess students in kindergarten through second grade for reading difficulties.
- Active Drills: High-intensity active shooter drills and the use of prone restraints on minors in schools by law enforcement or school administrators are prohibited.
- Minimum Age of Admission to Transitional Kindergarten: Education Code § 48000 was updated to expand the age for eligibility for transitional kindergarten. Beginning this year, any child who will have their fourth birthday by September 1 shall be admitted to a transitional kindergarten program in accordance with law and district policy.
- LGBTQ+ Student Protections: The SAFETY Act (Assembly Bill 1955) prohibits schools from enacting policies that require staff to disclose a student's gender identity or sexual orientation without their consent. This aims to protect the privacy of LGBTQ+ students and prevent forced outing, says Assemblymember Chris Ward.
- School Environment: all school districts must adopt policies limiting or prohibiting student smartphone use by July 1, 2026. Dress code policies cannot discriminate based on hair texture or culturally protective hairstyles. Student board members will have expanded roles, including reviewing student expulsion cases.
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Contract -
- General information: - Our whole contract will be open this coming year. We spent time this summer reviewing the interactive bargaining survey results from sites and meetings and we have an updated
- Contract Informational Items -
- TEA Contract - Article 11 - Evaluation:
- No later than twenty (20) workdays following the commencement of duties - the immediate supervisor shall review the following materials with each unit member: Annual goals and objectives as adopted by the Board of Education; Appropriate curriculum guides; Non-instructional duties normally required to be performed by certificated personnel; California Standards for the Teaching Profession; Tools and criteria to be used in observing and evaluating the unit member.
- Everyone should be aware of their contract and the following pertains to everyone at the start of the year.
- Catastrophic Leave Open Enrollment
- If you are not sure if you are already enrolled you may contact the TEA office 714.505.6365 or the district office.
- If you have donated a day to the catastrophic leave program during a previous open enrollment, an additional donation is not required. It is one day only to pay into the program. You will not be asked for any additional days unless the pool of days ever runs low. In the decade of having this option, there has not been a need to ask for any additional days from those enrolled.
- The enrollment must be printed and delivered to the district with a wet signature. Click on the form below or GO HERE to get a copy. Copies may also be found on the TEA website - tustinea.org
- If you haven’t already enrolled, now is the time. During the open enrollment period, all unit members employed by the District are eligible to contribute to the Program provided that you will still have a minimum of nine (9) accumulated sick leave days remaining after contributing a sick leave day to the Program.
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TEA Upcoming Events -
- Open House - Come Join Us At YOUR TEA office - 4940 Irvine Blvd, Suite 205, Irvine 92620; on Thursday, September 11th - from 4:00pm - 6:00pm - there will be food and vendors and opportunity drawings. It’s a great chance to come and see your Union office as well as to speak with representatives from The Standard, California Casualty, Schools First, Member Benefits, and more…We hope to see you there! You mayRSVP HERE or press the picture above.
- Fall Fest at BJ’s will be in October - date coming soon!
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CTA Conferences -
- SPECIAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE - The CTA Special Education Conference features sessions full of strategies, insights and proven research to support you and your exceptional students. One of the most popular conferences of the year, it offers a robust program that dives into not only classroom pedagogy, but specific strategies for collaboration, communication, and successful outcomes. PRESS HERE (or the picture above) for more information.
- LGBTQ+ ISSUES - The 17th annual CTA conference addressing LGBTQ+ issues involving educators, students and the community. This conference serves as a venue to discuss and learn about a variety of topics and issues. Sessions will focus on Awareness, Capacity & Skill Building, and Taking Action & Organizing. PRESS HERE or the picture above for more information.
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Member Benefit Services -
- One of the perks of membership are the benefits that you have access to. Through our state (CTA) and national (NEA) partners we have access to a multitude of resources. Check out the member benefits webpages by clicking the pictures below:
- The Standard - For new hires and district transfers. You have a limited-time enrollment opportunity from The Standard Insurance Company to apply for CTA-endorsed Disability and CTA-endorsed Life insurance with no health questions asked.
- New hires in TUSD have a special enrollment opportunity to apply for CTA-endorsed Voluntary Disability insurance and up to $400,000 of CTA-endorsed Life insurance with no health questions asked. You must apply within 270 days of starting work.
- NOTE: Members who had coverage with The Standard at their prior district must re-apply to continue their coverage at the new school district.
- Special Enrollment Opportunity Overview
- CTA-endorsed Disability coverage to help protect paychecks Up to $400,000 of CTA-endorsed Life insurance Up to $50,000 of Life insurance for spouse/domestic partner
- Additional $5,000 of Life insurance for spouse/domestic partner and each dependent child
- Applying is easy at standard.com/cta/newhire.
- LEARN MORE HERE
 
FOR THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING TO LEAVE THE CLASSROOM SOMEDAY - IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START PLANNING: Click HERE or on the picture below to sign up and attend a workshop on CalSTRS and CTA pertaining to retirement.
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Monthly Happenings
- Children's Eye Health and Safety Month -
- NEI for Kids - National Eye Institute Website Kids section has links for kids to learn about eyes and safety with the eyes. Check it out HERE
- National Immunization Awareness Month - highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. We know that busy schedules can sometimes impact your ability to attend important appointments and receive routine vaccinations. Under the banner, 'Immunization for All is Humanly Possible', World Immunization Week 2025 aims to ensure even more children, adolescents, adults – and their communities – are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
- August 26th - Women's Equality Day
- Women’s Equality Day is an official holiday in the United States celebrated every August 26 to commemorate the day when the 19th Amendment was passed giving women the right to vote in 1920. Since 1971, the day is celebrated to remember the suffragists and their efforts as well as other women’s rights issues.
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| September is: (to get a head start)
- Library Card Sign-Up Month - Whether you are a book nerd like myself, or just like so many resources at your finger tips check out these links for the American Library Association and their theme for the Year- ONE CARD, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES - It may be small, but a library card packs a mighty punch. Take part in engaging programs like book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and lectures. Access technology, Wi-Fi, and career resources to support your goals, - It’s one card with endless possibilities!
- National Preparedness Month - Meant to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and disasters.
- 1st - Labor Day - recognized on the first Monday of September every year this holiday celebrates the hard work and accomplishments of workers in America and how they helped make our country strong and successful. It’s a day for all of us as workers.
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8th - International Literacy Day - happens around the world to remind policy-makers, practitioners, and the public of the critical importance of literacy for creating more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society. This year, International Literacy Day (ILD) will be celebrated under the theme of “Promoting literacy in the digital era.” click the picture above or go HERE to go to the UNESCO site.
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9th California Admission Day - commemorates the anniversary of the 1850 admission of California into the Union as the thirty-first state.
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15th - National Hispanic Heritage Month Begins - The theme for 2025 is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” This month is an opportunity to recognize and learn about the history, journeys, and achievements of the Hispanic and Latin American communities while spotlighting the unique voices and experiences of those who continue to pioneer change and shape the future. Click on the poster above orHERE for the poster.
- 17th - Constitution and Citizenship Day- Commemorates the formation and signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787. It is dedicated to all American citizens.
- 11th- Patriot Day - Observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, occurs on September 11 of each year in memory of the 2,977 people killed in the 2001 September 11 attacks. The flag of the United States is flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset (36 United States Code 144).
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For the first time in five years in this position - I am completely released. Last year, uncertain with the additional CTA funding I took a chance and applied for the NEA President’s release. If accepted it would work with CTA over a three year period to create, prepare and hopefully sustain this position as full time release for whomever serves as president. TEA was accepted at the end of the year - we are one of two in the state of California that will join this program and work to make this happen over the allotted three year program. Just after acceptance, CTA also projected to do their additional release for another year to help with some initiatives for the next year. We also reapplied and were granted that additional release as well. In full transparency I want members to know why I may be on campuses more, why I may be showing up and hanging out in classrooms if you say you have issues. And why I’m doing the opportunity drawing at the end of this letter. I truly love being in a classroom, as you all know teaching is not just a job it is part of who we are. So, I want the opportunity to draw myself to members. For this month I will pick winners two-ish two winners to come and help in your classroom for a few hours, take your class so you can assess, run a group, or make your copies. I will do this for my updates and I will also do it for other events. It gives me another reason to come out and be on your sites, while also helping members in a different way. If you are interested in joining the opportunity drawing for this month - please go HERE, or click the picture below, and answer the question(s) and put in your name.
 
Have a wonderful rest of your week and a great start to your first three day weekend! Here is to our labor brothers and sisters who helped to achieve the following and for whom we get to have Monday off. Please raise a glass or toast with a kind word and thank them for not just their Union path that forged what we have today, but also for the work that they did, the blood, sweat and tears (and some lives) that they gave in order to make sure that we all have: The weekend, better wages and benefits like retirement plans and health insurance, the eight-hour workday, workplace safety laws, child labor protections, and paid leave, and have also fought for broader social protections like Social Security and unemployment insurance. An SEIU group made a list with 36 things to start, there are plenty not mentioned and plenty still being worked on (like pregnancy leave for teachers….), along with one of my favorite labor posters from Ricardo Levins - Morales. Happy (early) Labor Day!
In Unity,
Lisa Hickman
President, Tustin Educators Association
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