SDEA Visiting Teacher Information
Are Visiting Teachers protected by the union contract?
Yes! Visiting Teachers (VTs) are members of SDEA just like other teachers and credentialed SDUSD employees. Article 32 of the contract gives special rights to Visiting Teachers on wages, hours, job assignment, evaluations, Post and Bid access and interviews, and sick leave accrual.
How much are Visiting Teachers paid?
SDEA members bargained the highest rate of pay for substitute teachers in San Diego County. Visiting Teachers in day-to-day positions are paid at $134.64, while those in long-term assignments are paid $150.47. A long-term assignment is more than five consecutive days in a single assignment (long-term rate starts on the sixth day) or work on a continuing basis in a cluster.
Do I have the right to a prep period like other teachers?
Yes! The union contract protects Visiting Teachers’ right to a prep period. A Visiting Teacher is entitled to the prep period for the teacher who you are substituting for. You may only be required by an administrator to use your prep period to cover another teacher’s class in the case of an unforeseen emergency. If you spend more than 3 hours in one academic year performing emergency class coverage during your prep period, you have the right to extra pay. When you exceed 3 hours in the academic year, submit the information to your supervisor(s) for payment. A form is available in the Our Rights At Work section of the SDEA website to document this time.
Can Visiting Teachers accrue sick leave?
Yes, Visiting Teachers have the right to accrue sick leave. After a Visiting Teacher is hired by SDUSD in a contracted position, that accrued sick leave is available for your use.
Why does my SDUSD paycheck include a union fee deduction?
SDEA is required by law to represent and protect all certificated staff in the SDEA bargaining unit, even if those employees choose not to be members of the union. SDEA members voted to approve a rule that bargaining unit members who choose not to be members, but who receive the same union representation and protection as members, pay a “fair share” or ”agency” fee. By default Visiting Teachers pay a fair share fee, but if you want to be a full union member access to member-only privileges (see other side for details) you must complete an SDEA membership form (available on the SDEA website).
Why are Visiting Teachers joining SDEA?
Visiting Teachers are joining SDEA because we know that we are stronger when we stand together! With SDEA, Visiting Teachers have won the highest pay in San Diego County. We know that we can accomplish more than ever before in our effort to improve our jobs if we come together.
When you choose to be an SDEA member, you choose to join with over 8000 educators in San Diego to stand up for better jobs and better schools. SDEA membership includes the right to vote on the SDEA union contract and for union representatives, as well as eligibility to run for SDEA elected positions.
SDEA membership also includes several union privileges, including $1,000,000 liability insurance which protects union members while performing their job duties, discounted insurances, personal legal services, financial planning, and eligibility for union educational scholarships
How can Visiting Teachers have a voice in SDEA?
SDEA members Visiting Teachers can elect and run for SDEA, CTA and NEA offices, including SDEA Representative, SDEA Council Representative, SDEA Board of Directors, CTA State Council Delegate, NEA Rep. Assembly and AFL-CIO Delegate.