Campaign 2018: Of Primary Importance

1. Campaign 2018: Of Primary Importance • Need a little refresher on CTA’s recommended candidates, talking points, graphics, and other helpful tools? www.cta.org/campaign.  Until next week, vote early and often! • Who wins these races and their commitment to public education will be key to providing all students with the public education they need and deserve. • Message from the President - Eric Heins October 24, 2017 Grab them by the Mid-Term

2. Campaign 2018: Of Primary Importance Absentee ballots have already started arriving in some areas. Remember, once you get yours, complete your ballot and send it in or drop it off at a location nearest you. Don’t know where to drop one off? Click here. Not sure who you want to vote for? Go to CTA.yourvoterguide.com. Simply answer a few questions and it’ll give you your own personalized recommendations including your polling place should you want to wait until June 5 to cast your vote.CTA Campaign Update May 4, 2018

3. CTA Educator-May/June 2018 The May/June 2017 issue of the California Educator focuses on charter schools. The main story, “Let’s Be Clear About Charter Schools,” examines how not all charters are created equal.  Some charters are student-centered and deserve our support. But many do not hold themselves to the same standards traditional public schools are held to, and are run by profit-driven Charter Management Organizations (CMOs) that make important decisions far from classrooms and communities.  The lack of accountability and transparency has paved the way for fraud, corruption and mistreatment of students and staff at an increasing number of corporate charter schools. The story includes:  interviews with current and former charter educators and parents;  references to recent studies and reports that document millions of taxpayer dollars wasted and mismanaged; a look at the billionaires who invest in corporate charters and fund local and national elections to advance their agenda of profiting through privatization of public education; an examination of the benefits of the unionization of charter educators, which help build the stable school communities that students deserve and gives educators a voice in decision-making without fear of retaliation. For more information, please check out https://www.cta.org/en/Issues-and-Action/Charter-Schools.aspx

4. CTA Member Benefits . CTA Member Benefits offers Services & Savings - and FUN! As a CTA member, you’re eligible for exclusive benefits. Learn about the various insurance offerings, financial programs, health services – and opportunities for FUN – that can enhance your life and career. Focusing on FUN, you can get special ticket discounts for Universal Studios, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, movies, and a whole lot more! Check your eligibility information and learn about the benefits for new members to see what’s available to you. In addition to the vast number and variety of benefits, view this special website – CTAinvest.org – where you can find investment and retirement calculators and other helpful tips and tools. Check out all the time- and money-saving products and services CTA has to offer!   Follow these steps to log in: Visit CTAMemberBenefits.org/Access Log in with your username and password   (Don’t have a log in yet? Sign up today!) Click the “Enter” button You may be prompted to enter your CTA Member ID: 0003890735 CTA Member Benefits ctamemberbenefits.org

5. my CALSTRS Check your annual progress report for CalSTRS Reports available electronically at mycalstrs.com (updates each Sept. to reflect prior year’s service credit) Wish to continue a hard copy: Contact CalSTRS 800-228-5453 to request a form. Legislative updates: https://www.cta.org/Issues-and-Action/Legislation/Capitol-News/Brief-Update-on-a-Few-Key-Bills.aspx

6. NEA Information 2018 in Minneapolis 6/30-7/5 Follow the delegates journey viahttps://ra.nea.org/