ATA Weekly
October 3rd, 2025
President's Message
Standing Together, Building Power
At ATA, everything we do is rooted in one belief: our strength comes from our solidarity. When we stand together, we secure fundamental protections, meaningful benefits, and a voice that cannot be ignored.
Here are just some of the ways ATA supports and empowers you:
- Securing Benefits: We negotiate competitive salaries, quality benefits, and fair working conditions—ensuring stability and well-being for every member.
- Providing Space for Us: Our union-owned meeting space is a hub for organizing, collaboration, and community partnerships with the Alhambra Fire Department and Dream Allies.
- Defending Rights: Through the grievance process, we protect both individual members and our collective contract, making sure our agreements are honored.
- Keeping Us Informed: ATA keeps members updated on key legislation, education news, and campaigns—so we can act together when it matters most.
- Staff & Leadership Support: With a full-time President, a shared Executive Director, and staff support, ATA is always ready to answer questions, coordinate actions, and work directly with district leadership.
- Member Engagement: From site reps to the Representative Council and Board of Directors, your voice directly shapes our policies and priorities.
Our power is collective. Every member matters, every voice counts, and together, we’re a powerful force for positive change.
Ralph Hernandez
Visiting Our High Schools — Next Week We Continue at Elementary Sites!
ATA T-Shirts Are Coming Soon!
We are pleased to inform you that our new ATA t-shirts have been ordered and are anticipated to arrive within the next two weeks. This will provide an excellent opportunity for members to wear ATA blue throughout our schools, showcasing our collective solidarity.
In the meantime, we encourage you to review the attached order form to discover additional items available for purchase. Let us each take pride in our union—both on Tuesdays and every day.
October 27th PD Day – On-Campus & Self-Directed
Monday, October 27th, is a self-directed professional development day taking place on campus. Unit members are not required to attend any meetings, and contract hours will remain the same.
You may choose how to use your time, including:
- Collaborating with colleagues
- Working independently on professional tasks
- Addressing job-related responsibilities
This day is designed to provide you with the flexibility to focus on work that best supports your professional growth and benefits your students.
Stull Objectives
If you are being evaluated, you should be finalizing your objectives. Remember, it is you, not your administrator, who selects your objectives. If the administrator wants to change your objectives and you don't find the suggestions appropriate, talk with your representative or call the ATA office and we can assist you. If you and your administrator absolutely can't agree, we do have a procedure to arbitrate.
Ed Code 48910 - In-School Suspensions
Under the Ed Code 48910, teachers have the authority to suspend students from class for the day of the suspension and the following day due to specific behaviors outlined in Section 48900. When a student is suspended, teachers must promptly inform the school principal about the incident and call the parent/guardian to schedule a conference. Parent-teacher conferences should be arranged as soon as possible, with the involvement of school staff, such as a counselor or psychologist, as needed. During the suspension period, the student may not return to class without the teacher's prior consent. Additionally, students suspended from a class will not be placed in another regular class during the suspension period except in specific circumstances outlined in the policy.
It's essential to recognize that in-school suspensions are not isolated actions, but rather part of a broader progressive discipline approach. They should not be used as a first resort, except in cases of more serious infractions.
Attacks and threats Against Unit Members
As a reminder, Article XXII D.1 of the ATA contract reads:
"Whenever a unit member is attacked, assaulted, physically threatened, or menaced, the unit member will immediately report the incident to the principal or site administrator, who shall promptly report the matter to the police and to the District."
As you know, the pandemic has caused a rise in disruptive and violent behaviors by students. If a student attacks or threatens you, whether in special education or general education, you must inform your administrator immediately and complete a District Incident Report. Additionally, CTA recommends filing a police report. Filing a police report does not necessarily mean the student will be arrested; it is just that the behavior has been documented.
Apply for a CTA Conference Grant
At CTA, we are committed to supporting your professional growth and leadership journey. That's why we're excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for you to take your skills development to a new level.
We invite you to apply for our CTA Conference Grant Program.
With this grant, you'll have the chance to attend a CTA conference and gain insights from experts, network with peers, and stay updated on the latest education issues.
Grants are available for members from small chapters, new members, BIPOC members and more. Learn about the grants, review eligibility and apply at www.CTA.org/Grants
New CTA Conference!
We’re especially excited to introduce the inaugural Women’s Leadership Conference, a new event dedicated to empowering and uplifting female CTA members. This conference will focus on the issues, challenges, and opportunities most important to women in education, equipping them with the tools and strategies to thrive and grow.
With sessions centered on leadership development, career enhancement, and personal growth, the Women’s Leadership Conference will create a space for women to connect, share their stories, and build a strong, inclusive network. Attendees will gain practical skills to strengthen their leadership capacity, shape fulfilling career pathways, and make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.
Apply for a grant to attend this groundbreaking event!
Grants are available for the following CTA Conferences:
Issues Conference
Conference Date: January 16-18, 2026
Location: Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, NV
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
Good Teaching Conference - North
Conference Date: January 30 - February 1, 2026
Location: Hyatt SFO, Burlingame, CA
Application Deadline: November 10, 2025
Good Teaching Conference - South
Conference Date: March 20-22, 2026
Location: Hyatt OC, Garden Grove, CA
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
Equity & Human Rights Conference
Conference Date: March 13-15, 2026
Location: Hilton OC, Costa Mesa, CA
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
Women's Leadership Conference
Conference Date: April 10-12, 2026
Location: Marriott Hotel - Gas Lamp District, San Diego, CA
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026
If selected, the grant covers your registration and travel to the conference. Visit www.CTA.org/Grants for all the details and to apply.
Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your professional development and leadership journey. Your growth matters to us, and we believe in your potential to make a significant impact within your worksite, your local chapter and your community.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our member support team at Grants@CTA.org
Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendars
October 7
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
October 13
- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
October 14
- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
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)
Contact Us
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/