Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/81027
YOUR VOICE. OUR UNION. OUR FUTURE. What do you want your CTA to look like in five years? CTA is embarking on a strategic planning process to answer that question for current and future members. Every "sacred cow" will be scrutinized, says the CTA Board member representing higher education, Theresa Montaño, of the first meeting of the CTA Strategic Planning Committee on Aug. 18. "People were very honest about the changes and directions our organization should move, because it's not just CTA, it's about public education and the role CTA plays in saving public education in California." "It's time to look at what we do and how we do it," says CTA President Dean Vogel. "It's time to hold on to what's working and not be afraid to cast away what's not — even if it means doing things differently than we've always done them." CTA hired the Labor IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT CTA, IT'S ABOUT PUBLIC EDUCATION AND THE ROLE CTA PLAYS IN SAVING PUBLIC EDUCATION. Education Research Cen- ter at the University of Oregon to help facilitate this planning process. They are recognized for their expertise in strategic planning and for their work with labor unions across the country. Expect to hear more about CTA's strategic plan. "Be prepared to be asked to participate because everyone has a role in this, especially if you want a strong union that will help you in your classroom and help you advocate for our students," says CTA Board member and elementary teacher Elana Davidson. The process will create more effective relationships with communi- ty allies, refine CTA's public image, set priorities, and focus resources, in line with the theme: "Your Voice. Our Union. Our Future." The first meeting did NOT include the "usual suspects," says CTA Board member and bilingual education teacher David Goldberg. "Many rank and file members representing every level of our organization were there, plus people who are committed to doing the work. Sub- stantive change takes focused and strategic work." "I ask you to be part of this conversation," Vogel says. "Building this strategic plan is our opportunity to embrace new ideas, engage new members, and build the CTA we all want, the CTA our members want, for our future." "Professors at La Verne Credentials and Certificates Multiple and Single Subject Administrative Services CTEL Education Counseling/PPS School Psychology/PPS Special Education: Mild/Moderate Reading and Language Arts Child Life Specialist New Learning Technology Bachelors Liberal Studies Child Development CCTC and NCATE approved Masters Educational Leadeship School Counseling School Psychology Special Education Reading Special Emphasis Child Life Child Development Doctoral Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.) WASC accredited Contact for more information: College of Education and Organizational Leadership 1950 Third Street La Verne, CA 91750 laverne.edu 877-GO-TO-ULV degreeinfo@laverne.edu Cynthia Noriega B.S. Child Development 2012 U.S. News & World Report and Forbes Magazine 2011-2012 Head Start/Preschool Teacher Plaza de la Raza September 2012 www.cta.org 25 are wonderful!"