Our Goal Is to Help

Tragic events bring severe emotional trauma to many CTA members, the students they teach and the communities they serve. CTA has resources to assist CTA association members and staff who may have to respond to a traumatic event.

Supporting CTA Employees and Members

The “go to” for such resources is CTA’s Traumatic Events Assistance and Management (TEAM) Cadre. Comprised of regional and departmental CTA staff, they have the skills and resources needed to assist CTA employees and members.

TEAM Cadre’s Role

TEAM Cadre members are NOT first-responders and are not trained to provide psychological counseling in the aftermath of a traumatic event. They work with district managers to ensure those types of assistance are provided. Cadre members are union organizers and advocates who help make sure local CTA members are part of the solution and are at the table as decisions are made in the aftermath of an incident.

TEAM Cadre members are prepared to help CTA members and staff deal with mental and emotional trauma associated with incidents such as:

The death of a student, school or college staff member, or a community member whose death affects a significant portion of the school/college population.
Major natural disasters, environmental events, or situations that involve a threat to the physical safety of students or staff.
Situations involving a perceived threat to the emotional well-being of students or school/college staff, including incidents of hate crimes, racial unrest, bomb threats or other acts of violence.

Cadre members work with CTA staff in assessing and evaluating the situation. Following the assessment, a cadre member will provide appropriate resources and support to meet the needs of the members and CTA staff. We will provide support in the following areas:

Developing and implementing CTA member advocacy, engagement and support.
Developing and coordinating programs and resources to address the needs of CTA members.
Identifying and coordinating community services to assist CTA members.

Members: Call your local CTA staff person or TEAMCadre@cta.org.

CTA Staff: Contact your regional Cadre member or your regional manager. You can also request assistance and resources at TEAMCadre@cta.org.