Beaumont Teachers Association’s history, mission statement, and description of what all positions of responsibility held within the union do.
Our History
Our union was formed in the early seventies when Governor Jerry Brown signed the EERA into law (http://www.perb.ca.gov/laws/eera.asp). Unions exist to protect the rights of workers, focusing on collective bargaining and working conditions. A strong, united union will ensure solid working conditions, fair treatment of employees, and a competitive salary and benefits package. Beyond this, our affiliate, CTA, offers a wide array of trainings for our members that are enlightening and inspirational. BTA encourages all members to take advantage of these trainings and to truly become a part of what is means to be a member of a union. United we stand..
Our Mission
To educate, collaborate and celebrate our wonderfully, talented teachers and all of the unique talents each one of you brings to the profession. We would like to engage your minds, encourage your creativity and empower you to teach the way you know how to teach. Together we can make a difference for each other, for our students and for the future of education.
Description of Union Positions
BTA Executive Board Officers
President
Chief Executive Officer of our organization. Responsible for making sure that all operations are running smoothly and that we represent our members fairly and effectively. Encourager, organizer, visionary, spokesperson.
1st Vice President
Supports the President in his or her absence. Our current 1st VP is an excellent writer and editor, helps with editing communications and sits on the BTA Negotiations team.
2nd Vice President
Responsible for communication with committee chairs, making sure that all committees are up and running and doing what they were formed to do. Supports the President and 1st VP as needed.
Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer of our organization. Responsible for all of the finances. Keeps the books balanced, verifies receipts, reimburses members for expenses incurred. Busy and detail oriented job.
Secretary
Keeps minutes of all of the BTA meetings. Responsible for communications for the Association. Very busy record keeper and information organizer.
BTA Committees
Bargaining Committee
This five-person committee is composed of BTA members appointed by the Executive Board to represent BTA in negotiations with BUSD officials. The committee is responsible for negotiating the certified bargaining agreement, which covers working hours and conditions, salary and fringe benefits, and other employment matters that affect credentialed employees. The committee is also responsible for negotiating memoranda of understanding when waivers to the contract are necessary for BTA members to perform their professional duties.
Grievance Committee
This committee is formed of BTA members who volunteer their expertise and knowledge of the certified bargaining agreement and state and federal labor laws. Committee members work with both individual members as well as BTA site representatives to provide them with information and assistance when possible violations of the contract or labor laws occur.
Healthcare Committee
This committee is composed of BTA members who volunteer their time and expertise in health care related matters to research and provide recommendations to BTA regarding health care plans, premiums, and benefits.
BTA Representatives
Representatives are elected for two year terms by the BTA members of a school site. The number of representatives varies according to the number of bargaining unit members at a site, but the usual ratio is one representative for every 15 BTA members. Representatives are responsible for providing information and assistance to members at their site. They also serve on the BTA Representative Council, where they meet monthly to discuss and decide the policies and positions the union adopts.
