How do I become a teacher in California?
Answer – The California Department of Education and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing are two good starting points. You can also check state colleges and universities for information on their teacher education programs.
What is the California Teachers Association all about?
Answer – CTA is the largest labor union in the state of California. CTA represents education employees working in public school districts, community colleges and public universities. Check the About CTA section to learn more of what CTA is all about.
What are the benefits of CTA membership?
Answer – In addition to being part of one of the most influential organizations in California, as a CTA member you have access to benefits and programs designed to enhance your financial security, health and lifestyle. Check the Why Join section to learn more about the benefits of CTA membership.
How do I become a member?
Answer – By completing a special online form, we can determine your membership eligibility, local association affiliation and dues level. Check the How to Join section to access the form.
How are policy decisions made at CTA?
Answer – CTA’s legislative and policy-making body is the State Council of Education – a delegation of more than 700 teachers elected by their local chapters to represent their colleagues and promote and advance public education. State Council establishes policies, including adopting positions on pending legislation, after extensive debate. As a CTA member, you can access the CTA members-only website and learn more about this democratic process.
Where do I find information on CTA’s position on various educational issues?
Answer – CTA takes official positions on a wide variety of issues. Those positions on the issues are developed after much study and debate by CTA’s policy-making body, the State Council of Education. Check the Issues in Education section to learn more about CTA’s positions on the issues.
Is there a section on the website where families can get tips to help their children learn?
Answer – Families generally want to be involved with their kids’ education and CTA provides a wealth of resources to help, including the popular Education Begins at Home: Seven Tips to Help Your Child Learn brochure in a variety of languages. Check the Family Involvement section to learn about the other resources CTA has to offer.
What is CTA’s relationship with the National Education Association?
Answer – CTA is the state affiliate of the nation’s largest labor union, the 3.2 million-member National Education Association (NEA). Check the NEA website for information on NEA and its programs.
I want to place an ad on the CTA website – what are your advertising rates and policies?
Answer – Averaging more than 350,000 page views per month, the CTA website is viewed daily by classroom teachers, school board members, principals, superintendents, school psychologists and counselors, librarians, curriculum specialists, higher education personnel, students, retired teachers and California legislators, as well as the general public. Check our Advertising section for information, rates and policies.
If your question was not answered above, e-mail the CTA webmaster.
