Why Join SDEA/CTA/NEA?
by Jim Groth, Chula Vista Educators/CTA/NEA

CTA is California's largest employee organization. With over 340,000 members CTA is California's strongest advocate for free, quality public education. In this current budget crisis, CTA is more important than ever.

Joining CTA ensures members a number of benefits.

• Legal Protection - CTA members receive legal representation during reduction in force procedures. This is especially important during this current budget crisis and the potential for lay-offs. Non-members will not be given access to CTA legal resources.
        Members also receive up to $1 million in professional liability insurance, protection of due process rights, and free legal consultations.
• Education Voice - Most educational decisions are made in Sacramento by legislators, the governor, and bureaucrats. CTA is your voice in Sacramento as a forceful advocate for public education.
• Member Rights - CTA works hard to ensure your rights are protected. A member's rights come through the contract bargaining by SDEA and through laws and education code. If a right is violated, CTA provides
  members resources to defend their rights.
• Member Communication - Members receive the California Educator and NEA Today. These monthly magazines keep members informed about trends in education. The website www.CTA.org provides daily information on education issues.
• Retirement - CTA monitors the activities of STRS and works to improve current retirement benefits.
• School Improvement - CTA has fought hard and continues to fight for legislation to improve the conditions of teaching and learning. The current fight to maintain the revenue generated by Proposition 98 is the top priority of CTA.
• Member Benefits Program - CTA membership allows members to take advantage of low rates and discounts on home loans, insur ance, merchandise, travel and legal services.

Without the strength of 340,000 members, this budget battle would be lost. Please keep updated on the latest information at CTA.org and SDEA.net.

Enjoy your spring break. The real budget battle is yet to come.

(Jim can be contacted at Jgroth@cta.org or through the SDEA office.)