Chuck Fanning has information about a Christian Teachers' Union.
He'll arrange a meeting with a representative out to discuss options.
Please contact him for further information, date, etc. at cfanning@fjuhsd.net
In a nutshell: If you choose to leave CTA, you can get a significant rebate on your dues, and become a "non-active" member of CTA. CTU will collect a smaller dues amount and provide the legal insurance you will no longer get from CTA. It should not change your benefits, but you will no longer be able to vote on CTA issues.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
My open letter to CTA and Pres. David Sanchez
President Sanchez,
After weeks of spending my time and money to support Yes on Prop 8, I am furious that the California Teachers’ Association has donated $1,000,000 in opposition. These are my dues you have spent to negate my hard work. CTA’s mandate as a public organization is to promote issues of teacher and student welfare, not to issue edicts on personal morality.
As an English teacher, I often meet with parents who have concerns about the values presented in a recommended book. Perhaps also in opposition to CTA policy, I do not believe that my post-grad degree endowed me with omniscience; thus, in matters of moral upbringing, I defer to the family’s values. CTA, however, dares to attempt to define morality for me, for my students, and ultimately for all families in the state.
I am also concerned that since curriculum in CA is standards-based, a new definition of marriage, will inevitably force the revision of CA Curriculum Standards—at the very least in the areas of Health and PE. What will happen to a Health teacher who, in all good conscience, cannot teach a curriculum that advocates same-sex marriage as equal to traditional marriage? Sadly, the only answer from the No on Prop 8 supporters is: “Teachers choose to work in the public sector; if they don't like it, they should find another job.” Will CTA protect the rights of a teacher whose career is jeopardized by the union’s own advocacy?
CTA’s political positions are often controversial; usually, however, some justification can be found based on teachers’ or children’s welfare. This issue supports neither. For CTA to define morality is unconscionable. I do not promote my personal beliefs in the classroom; neither should my union presume to “represent” me in the media. Proposition 8 is a moral issue and not within the purview of the school system or CTA.
This time, CTA has overstepped the bounds and taken a political stand to promote an agenda that will eventually rewrite curriculum. How do I go about “opting out?”
After weeks of spending my time and money to support Yes on Prop 8, I am furious that the California Teachers’ Association has donated $1,000,000 in opposition. These are my dues you have spent to negate my hard work. CTA’s mandate as a public organization is to promote issues of teacher and student welfare, not to issue edicts on personal morality.
As an English teacher, I often meet with parents who have concerns about the values presented in a recommended book. Perhaps also in opposition to CTA policy, I do not believe that my post-grad degree endowed me with omniscience; thus, in matters of moral upbringing, I defer to the family’s values. CTA, however, dares to attempt to define morality for me, for my students, and ultimately for all families in the state.
I am also concerned that since curriculum in CA is standards-based, a new definition of marriage, will inevitably force the revision of CA Curriculum Standards—at the very least in the areas of Health and PE. What will happen to a Health teacher who, in all good conscience, cannot teach a curriculum that advocates same-sex marriage as equal to traditional marriage? Sadly, the only answer from the No on Prop 8 supporters is: “Teachers choose to work in the public sector; if they don't like it, they should find another job.” Will CTA protect the rights of a teacher whose career is jeopardized by the union’s own advocacy?
CTA’s political positions are often controversial; usually, however, some justification can be found based on teachers’ or children’s welfare. This issue supports neither. For CTA to define morality is unconscionable. I do not promote my personal beliefs in the classroom; neither should my union presume to “represent” me in the media. Proposition 8 is a moral issue and not within the purview of the school system or CTA.
This time, CTA has overstepped the bounds and taken a political stand to promote an agenda that will eventually rewrite curriculum. How do I go about “opting out?”
Welcome!
As I was sending out that huge email with information I may want to refer to again, I suddenly thought...why not create a blog? This way, I can keep updates as I run into information, and you can come check at your convenience.
Many of us will be teachers at a single school, but I'm hoping that since we all face many of the same issues--especially with CTA at the moment--that what is posted and discussed her will prove useful to most CA teachers.
Please let me know what you think and when you comment, if I don't know you personally, please identify your school district. I'd love to know how far this spreads!
Many of us will be teachers at a single school, but I'm hoping that since we all face many of the same issues--especially with CTA at the moment--that what is posted and discussed her will prove useful to most CA teachers.
Please let me know what you think and when you comment, if I don't know you personally, please identify your school district. I'd love to know how far this spreads!
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