focuson educators focus on educators is an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CT A/NEA www.peateachers.org California Teachers Association Statement of Mission The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society. JUNE 2012 Volume XXI Number 10In this Issue President’s Message & Informational Items… …..pgs. 1-4 WHO Award…..…………p.3 2012 Retirees………..… p.5 Day of Teacher Photos......p.6 Site Rep. Recognition…..p.7 PEA Calendar…….... ….The Last Page Thank you to all who contributed in any way shape or form to the ratification of our contract. The Organizing Team led by Shelly Bascomb did an outstanding job of getting the troops together to make their point. I hope you participated in the school board presentations, rallies and grade- ins? It is nice that this time we never had to get desperate which in turn would have caused us to be angry and resentful towards the district. Although our pay increase wasn’t as much as we would have liked it was enough to make us feel appreciated and respected. I would also like to thank the bargaining team for their many long and frustrating hours meeting with the district. There were even two all-nighters. They were truly a team and they analyzed every strategy we could use to get to our common goal. Our bargaining chair, Dawn Cova, kept us abreast of the situation and presented a strong leadership role in meeting with the districts bargaining chair. Last, but not least, I would like to thankRosemary Louissaint our CTA advisor for her determination and force of will to get us the best contract we could get at this time. She is a force to be reckoned with and I am glad she is on our side. Now we can enjoy the fruits of so many of our members’ labor. And I do hope those of you who didn’t do a darn thing remember those words: That by the work ofmany of your associates we ALL get to reap the benefits. Please thank those members at your site who put in the effort. In three years when we have to do this again I hope EVERY PEA member will put forth the effort to get a great settlement. It is not by the hand of the President or the bargaining team that a great contract is achieved it is by the collective efforts of the association – YOU – that we can achieve the best for all. It is such a pleasure to be working in Pittsburg and to be working with some great teaching professionals. Now it is time to take a much needed Summer breather and re-energize yourselves to get back in the saddle again in August. Have a great break. Wag More and Bark Less Chris Coan, President PA
