ATA Weekly
May 15th, 2026
President's Message
What Happens Next Depends on What We Build Now
The next few years will test public education across California. We are already seeing the pressure points. Declining enrollment continues to impact funding. Health benefit costs continue to rise. Specialized programs are becoming more expensive to maintain and staff. District budgets are tightening, and those financial realities will shape decisions that affect educators and students alike.
That does not mean we panic. It means we prepare.
Across the state, educators have shown what strong organizing looks like. When members stay informed, engaged, and connected to one another, they are better positioned to protect working conditions, advocate for students, and respond to challenges as they arise. ATA must continue building that same capacity here.
This is a good time to get involved. Strong unions are built by members who participate, ask questions, support colleagues, and help move the work forward.
There are many ways to contribute:
• Join a committee. ATA committees focus on bargaining, organizing, grievances, political action, health benefits, membership engagement, SPED, community outreach, elections, and professional development.
• Attend meetings. Your perspective matters, especially as we prepare for the conversations ahead.
• Volunteer at events. Relationships built outside the classroom strengthen our ability to stand together when it counts.
This summer also offers an opportunity to build your skills through the California Teachers Association Summer Institute, held July 15 through July 19 at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. Workshops focus on organizing, bargaining, leadership, member engagement, and advocacy. Whether you are brand new to union work or have years of experience, you will leave with practical tools and stronger connections with educators across the state.
ATA’s strength has never come from a building or a small group of leaders. It comes from educators who stay engaged and show up for one another. The work ahead will require that from all of us.
Ralph Hernandez
Help Shape Our Contract Negotiations
In preparation for the next round of contract negotiations, the ATA Bargaining Team needs to hear from the membership. The Google Form survey below is an opportunity for members to share priorities, concerns, and ideas about the issues that most impact our working conditions. Your feedback will help guide our bargaining team and ensure that our proposals reflect the needs and experiences of our membership. Thank you for taking a few minutes to respond to the survey.
Meta Smart Glasses in the Classroom: Growing Teacher Concerns and the Need for Clear District Guidance
Unit members are increasingly encountering students using AI-enabled smart glasses and other wearable technology during the school day. These devices may include cameras, microphones, internet access, recording capabilities, and AI-assisted functions.
This issue extends far beyond typical cell phone concerns. Wearable recording devices raise legitimate questions about unauthorized recordings, student confidentiality, classroom disruptions, cyberbullying, testing security, and the privacy rights of both students and staff.
These devices also affect the classroom environment itself. Students may hesitate to participate openly if they believe they are being recorded. Staff should not be placed in the position of determining whether a device is actively recording, transmitting, or accessing AI functions during instruction.
Some families have argued that certain smart glasses function as prescription eyewear, creating additional legal and operational concerns for school staff. These situations require clear district guidance and consistent administrative support.
If you become aware of AI-enabled smart glasses or wearable recording devices being used in your classroom, document the concern and refer the student to the site administration. Staff should not independently confiscate devices or engage in prolonged disputes over enforcement.
Staff need clear district-wide guidance regarding:
• Whether these devices are permitted during instruction
• How enforcement responsibilities will be handled
• What administrative support will be provided when concerns arise
• How student and staff privacy rights will be protected
Wearable recording devices should not interfere with instruction, student privacy, or classroom safety. If the District permits limited exceptions, expectations must be clearly defined, legally compliant, and consistently enforced by administration.
Important Member Updates & Benefits
Summer Travel Plans?
CTA members get exclusive discounts on car rentals through Enterprise. Find your code at CTAMemberBenefits.org/rentalcar.
Pet Insurance Through NEA
Protect your pets like family. NEA’s Pet Insurance Program helps cover vet bills so you can focus on their care. Learn more: neamb.com/pet.
Deals on Events & Activities
From museums to mystery tours, CTA Access to Savings offers members-only discounts on fun experiences. Explore at ctamemberbenefits.org/access.
Auto Insurance That Covers Pets
California Casualty auto insurance includes pet injury protection—because pets ride too. Details at CTAMemberBenefits.org/calcas.
Changing Districts?
Your coverage with The Standard doesn’t transfer automatically. Reapply within 270 days—no health questions asked—and explore new life and disability options: standard.com/cta/newhire.
Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendars
May 19
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
August 4
- Board of Education (6 pm, Marengo West)
August 17
- Grievance (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
August 18
- ATA Board of Directors (4:00 pm, ATA Office)
August 25
- ATA 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/