September 25 SREA newsletter

Local News

Santa Rosa EA wants to hear from YOU!
The driving force behind a successful association is that member input is sought out, valued, and implemented through its programs and services. Santa Rosa EA wants YOUR input about what is important to YOU. Your feedback is vital, so please take a few minutes to complete this electronic survey.

Your Choice, Your Voice!
Are you happy with the current organization that bargains your contract?  Do you feel that your needs are addressed and you are part of the process, or are you simply told what happened and what was bargained is good for you, even if it doesn’t seem that way? If you think it’s time to make a change, you can see what it’s like to have a full service, professional organization working for you.  Complete your interest card today!

Exclusive benefits for Santa Rosa EA members
As a member, you have access to our state and national affiliate member benefit programs. We will be featuring a few each week to show how you can save money by being affiliated with FEA, NEA and AFT.  Join Santa Rosa EA and start saving today!

State News

Faculty at SCF vote to affiliate with FEA, NEA and AFT – the FIFTH association to do so this year!
Faculty members at the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota have voted to become the 10th Florida state college to unionize, according to the United Faculty of Florida. Faculty members voted 75-24 in favor of joining the union, which was certified on Monday by the Florida Public Employees Relations Committee. This is the fifth association this year to affiliate with FEA, NEA and AFT, joining the faculty at Tallahassee Community College, Calhoun County teachers, DeSoto County Education Staff Professionals and our very own Santa Rosa EA! Click HERE to learn more about the winning campaign

State Board of Education to request more school funds
The State Board of Education appears ready to request another record figure of per-student funding for public education. The increase is likely to draw some of the same complaints as it has in the past, however: While the proposed per-student spending is more than ever in raw numbers, it has not kept up with inflation since a previous high-water mark was set nearly a decade ago. A draft of the request proposes spending almost $20.9 billion in state and local tax dollars for funding public education in Florida, an increase of $721.6 million. On a per-student basis, the figure would grow from $7,183.92 to $7,359.85 next year, representing growth of almost 2.5%. Read more HERE

National News

Report: Teacher Shortage Crisis Can Be Averted by Keeping Educators in the Profession
States must address the conditions that are driving qualified teachers out of the classroom after only a few years, say experts.

Educators Look to Parents and Communities To Help Reduce Student Stress
Why are student stress levels so elevated? Schools, parents, communities, and students all play a role, and solutions depend on everyone working together.

Don’t forget: The big picture matters.