ATA Weekly

Learning Walks: An Opportunity to Share Your Needs

Administrators have begun discussing upcoming “Learning Walks,” designed to enhance our shared understanding of effective instruction across the district. At some sites, the rollout has come across as more evaluative, creating a divisive tone rather than the intended collaborative purpose. Learning Walks should be supportive, not punitive, and approached as opportunities for honest dialogue and partnership.

With site administrators, district directors, and possibly members of the Executive Cabinet participating, your perspective is critical. During these walkthroughs, administrators will likely focus on lessons aligned with standards, use of district-adopted curriculum, intentional differentiation, and ongoing checks for understanding. While important, these elements capture only a fraction of what classrooms require. Teachers also balance UDL, small-group instruction, project-based learning, anti-bias curricula, SEL, assessments, and the realities of increasingly inclusive classrooms. A brief visit cannot capture all of this work or the broader conditions that support strong instruction.

Administrators may visit classrooms at any time, so it is crucial to provide context and clearly communicate your needs. A short visit will not reveal missing materials, limited prep time, staffing shortages, or initiative overload—but you can. Speaking up about these realities is not complaining; it is essential professional insight that leadership needs to understand the full picture.

For Learning Walks to be meaningful, reflection cannot stop at the classroom door. Instruction depends on systems—and those systems are shaped at the district level. Leaders must also examine conditions that affect teaching: manageable class sizes, consistent intervention and behavior support, realistic initiative loads, and the resources and time needed to implement district goals effectively.

Our classrooms are joyful, complex, demanding, and inspiring environments. Leaders must recognize all aspects—the successes, challenges, and realities—to fully understand the requirements of teaching today. When we speak openly and collectively, we give the district the insight it needs to build the conditions where great teaching can thrive.

Ralph Hernandez

alhambrateacherspresident@gmail.com

Thank you to everyone who has already signed the petition to extend Proposition 55! Your support is essential in protecting our classrooms, programs, and the resources our students rely on every day. If you haven’t signed yet, now is the time—every signature counts toward placing this critical measure on the 2026 ballot.

We are excited to recognize the first sites to reach 85% participation, which will enjoy a special breakfast or lunch provided by ATA:

- Emery Park (Elem) – 100%

- LIFT (Specials) – 100%

- Mark Keppel (HS) – 85%

Congratulations also to the following sites that have reached the 85% threshold:

- Ramona – 91%

- Garfield – 100%

- Monterey Highlands - 100%

These results show the power of our collective effort. Let’s build on this momentum by signing the petition and encouraging your colleagues to do the same. Every conversation, every signature helps protect the funding that supports smaller class sizes, robust programs, and the educators who make a difference every day.

Insurance billing mistakes are more common than you might expect. One of the most frequent errors is applying deductible amounts to preventive services, which should be fully covered. If you receive a bill that seems incorrect, hold off on making an immediate payment. Instead, reach out to Angie Heredia in the AUSD Risk Management Division at (626) 943-6585 or via email at heredia_angie@ausd.us to discuss your claim. A quick call or email to Angie could save you both money and hassle.

Familiarizing yourself with your contract, especially regarding salary changes resulting from completed coursework, is essential. When the application for reclassification has been properly submitted, official transcripts have been received and verified by the District, reclassification shall take place in the following manner:

1) If your transcripts are received and verified within six months of the course completion date, the District will reclassify you effective the first full pay period following the course completion date.

2) If your transcripts are received and verified within one year of course completion, you may receive up to six months' retroactive pay. (Article XXVI, Section 5 B. p. 77)

Moreover, to advance to the next step on the salary schedule, you must serve at least 50% of a full-time assignment for at least 75% of the required workdays. This provision can be challenging for parents who take time off to bond with their babies and may miss the requirement by a few days. For classroom teachers, 75% of the school year is 139 days (75% of 185), while Counselors and other specialized positions must fulfill 75% of the required workdays. (Definitions -p. 1; and Article XXVI Section 4-p.76)

Deadline: February 6, 2026

The CTA Scholarships offer scholarships in the following categories. Scholarship fundsmust be used for education-related expenses only.

Dependent Children

This program offers up to 56 scholarships of up to $5,000 each to a dependent child of an active member of CTA, CTA/NEA-Retired or a deceased CTA member and be claimed as a dependent on the member's current year'sIRS form.

Dependent Children in Honor of Del A. Weber

This program offers one scholarship of up to $5,000 to a dependent child attending continuation high school/alternative education program.

Members

This program offers up to 10 scholarships of up to $3,000 each to active members of CTA (including members working on an emergency credential).

CTA Aspiring Educators (CTA-AE) in Honor of L. Gordon Bittle Memorial

This program offers up to three scholarships of up to $5,000 each to active members of CTA-AE pursuing a career in public education.

Click here to learn more.

December 8

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

December 9

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

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

December 16

- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)

January 5

- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

January 6

- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)

January 13

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

- 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/