ATA Weekly

Fairness and Professional Respect in Fact-Finding and Investigatory Meetings

One of the most critical aspects of our profession is the trust that exists between educators, administrators, students, and families. When a student or parent raises a concern, it’s appropriate—and necessary—for site administrators to follow up. However, the manner in which those conversations occur makes all the difference.

Lately, many educators have expressed that when called into meetings to address a complaint, they often feel as though they are “on trial” rather than being invited into a fair discussion. These meetings can be uncomfortable and even intimidating—especially when the unit member’s perspective is not sought or when assumptions are made before facts are gathered.

Our goal as a community should always be to ensure that these situations are handled with respect, balance, and transparency. A fair process not only supports due diligence but also fosters trust, collaboration, and morale. When educators feel heard and respected, they are better equipped to serve students and maintain the positive relationships that make schools thrive.

As we continue to work together to support students and families, I encourage everyone involved in these discussions to lead with empathy and balance. Begin by listening first, approach with curiosity rather than judgment, and communicate clearly that the goal is understanding and problem-solving—not fault-finding.

We all share the same mission: to create an environment where both educators and students feel supported and valued. Let’s model the professionalism and empathy we hope to see in our classrooms, even in moments of challenge.

Ralph Hernandez

alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com

At the request of our Representative Council, ATA has filed an Association Grievance with the District regarding violations of Article XII – Unit Member Work Day, Section E. The grievance cites ongoing concerns that collaboration time at multiple school sites is not being implemented as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

Specifically, the contract requires that “site staff development and collaboration shall be mutually developed by unit members and administration” and conducted in ways that “maximize the time unit members collaborate with one another.” In practice, however, many administrators have been unilaterally setting collaboration agendas and directing activities that limit teacher-to-teacher collaboration.

The grievance seeks corrective action to ensure full compliance with contractual language, including collaboratively developed agendas, maximized collaboration time, and consistent implementation across all sites.

As the process moves forward, ATA will continue to keep members updated on the status of this grievance and any outcomes that result.

This Monday, October 27, is designated as an On-Site Personal Preparation Day for all certificated staff. This is your opportunity to plan, prepare, and collaborate as you choose—there will be no mandatory meetings, trainings, or professional development scheduled.

All certificated staff are expected to be on-site for the entire workday. If you will be collaborating with colleagues at another school, please inform your site administrator.

Please remember that administrators monitor attendance for professional development/personal preparation days. Excessive absences may result in a request for a doctor's note and/or a reduction in pay. If you need to take leave for a legitimate reason and encounter any issues, please reach out to ATA.

Next week’s Board of Education meeting will include the annual employment status changes for educators advancing from temporary to probationary and from probationary to permanent. These transitions represent important professional milestones, and ATA proudly celebrates all members reaching these next steps in their careers.

If you believe your status may be changing, the Board agenda will be available on Friday, October 24, after 4:30 p.m.

For questions or clarification regarding your employment status, please get in touch with Human Resources. Members may also request ATA representation for any related discussions.

Congratulations to all who are moving forward this year!

One of our contract's most often referenced sections is Working Conditions, which can be found in Article VII, page 12. Determining whether you must fill out a work order or a 5-Day Letter can be confusing. When making that determination, consider the following:

For non-emergency issues:

Follow the protocols established at your site to submit a work order. Be sure to obtain a work order number should you need to reference it down the line. If the issue persists beyond a reasonable time, follow up with your site admin and inform your site rep. Should this not yield the appropriate, timely response, fill out a 5-Day Letter.

For emergency issues:

Immediately report issues that directly impact the safety and welfare of students and staff to your admin. If the problem is not resolved immediately, file a 5-Day Letter.

If you need help determining how to proceed, please contact your Site Rep for support or call ATA.

ATA is proud to support the incredible work happening in the LIFT Program, where students are developing real-world skills through their vocational strands every Friday morning. These services are available to all staff year-round, and every dollar earned goes directly back into the program to provide even more opportunities for student growth and independence.

Our students take great pride in their work and love connecting with staff who stop by. If you have a few minutes on a Friday morning, we encourage you to visit, make a purchase, or simply say hello. Your support makes a meaningful difference in helping our students continue to learn, grow, and thrive.

Great news! This fall, CTA members have the unique chance to enroll in CTA-endorsed Disability Insurance and up to $100,000 in Life Insurance through The Standard, without the need to answer any health questions.

This limited-time enrollment period is from October 1 to November 30, 2025, and is available to CTA members in the Southeastern Service Center, which we are a part of.

Since enrollment outside of new hire periods is rare, members who currently have coverage through another provider are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. It’s a fantastic chance to compare the costs and benefits of their existing coverage with those offered through our CTA-endorsed program.

How to Apply

There are multiple ways to apply:

• Apply online (you must be logged in to your CTA Member Benefits account to access)
• Call The Standard at 800.522.0406, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Schedule a virtual appointment with a Benefits Consultant from The Standard

October 21

- ATA Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

October 28

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

November 17

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

November 18

- Joint BOD/Rep Council (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

December 8

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

December 9

- Joint BOD/Rep Council

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

December 16

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

The Alhambra Teachers Association (ATA) 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.

Email: ataoffice3030@gmail.com
Website: www.alhambrateachers.org
Location: 3030 West Main Street, Alhambra, CA, USA
Phone: (626)289-1933
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlhambraTeachersAssociation/