August 17, 2020 (BROOKSVILLE) -- As we begin this unprecedented journey embarking on the 2020-2021 school year, I just wanted to say welcome back and thank you to all Hernando County educators. Welcome Back from a summer dominated by social distancing and the inability to travel and see loved ones. Thank you to all of you who have reached out to HCTA with your questions and concerns. HCTA has diligently tried to respond with information and compassion knowing this has been a very difficult and anxiety provoking summer.
As we all return to our schools and classrooms things will look very different. Classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, school buses will be adhering to the District’s reopening plan safety protocols. Parents will have three academic platform options for their children and teachers are rising to the face the challenge of delivering quality instruction in all three academic modes. HCTA has been working very hard throughout the summer to ensure the safety of our members, staff and students as we reopen. Teachers want to return to their classrooms, to pick up where they left off in March, to see the smiling faces of their students, to be able to have conversations with fellow colleagues- but we must embrace our new normal and be vigilant in facing the threat of COVID in our schools. This summer HCTA opened new lines of communication to our members through email, text messaging and a Virtual Town Hall to address many of the concerns expressed by our members.
As always HCTA is in constant communication with the District voicing your opinions and concerns while defending member rights. This has been evident as the HCTA Bargaining Team has been meeting with the District throughout the whole summer, on issues related to COVID and the impact the pandemic has had on our Contract and working conditions, these conversations are still ongoing.
Your HCTA Membership Committee is very excited about our 2020 Membership Plan. For the first time you may now go to the HCTA website and complete an electronic membership form. HCTA has tapped into PD programs being offered to members from our state organization FEA and our two National Affiliates NEA and AFT. Look for information on the NEA Blended Learning Educational Program which HCTA received a grant to deliver to our members this year.
HCTA will be advertising monthly a specific Creative Benefit, these member benefits come to you as part of your membership. There are many benefit programs that offer considerable monetary savings that are available to members only.
Lastly, we are stronger together, we can create change as we stand together. It is critical as we start the new school year for every one of you to reach out to the new hires at your school and talk about what membership in HCTA has done for you, share your story of engagement, be an advocate for your professional organization. Again, Welcome to a new school year stay safe and always remember you are making a difference in students' lives every day!
Respectfully and in Solidarity,
Vince La Borante
President HCTA and
Your HCTA Executive Board