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President's Message
It happens every year in early July as I am savoring the summer days. During a routine stop at my local discount center, I am totally blindsided by the grand unveiling of the fully stocked school supply aisle. Maybe it’s just me, but are the spotlights, musical fanfares and confetti really necessary? Seeing the mountainous display of notebook filler paper is the most disconcerting to me as I know, full well, that every last page will have to be graded! A couple of weeks later, when the initial shock wears off, I have to admit that a spark of excitement begins to ignite. I find myself dropping by the school building more and more and staying a little longer each time. How will I arrange my room this year? When will I get a glimpse of the master schedule, my duty roster, and those highly anticipated “preliminary” class lists? Yes, this is the stuff teachers live for in late July and early August. Even though I have been in regular contact with my co-workers during the summer, the prospect of reconnecting with them on a daily basis is something I eagerly anticipate. As an educator, the beginning of school is an exciting time for me. Even though the specifics may be different for you, I firmly believe that the vast majority of educators feel a similar sense of enthusiasm or they would not be in this profession.
I definitely felt that excitement as a first year teacher over 20 years ago. I was a newly married, recent college graduate beginning my career the very year that the Texas Legislature had passed the biggest teacher pay increase ever. The first day of inservice arrived with the usual fanfare and motivational messages. Later, the principal called on representatives from each teacher organization to give a brief talk. I knew the importance of choosing and joining a professional association so I listened intently during each presentation. All these years later, I still remember the details of one speech and it may surprise you which one I recall so vividly. A very nice lady who appeared to be a veteran teacher stood up and said that we should consider joining the “Cadillac” of organizations. She informed us that paying much more in membership dues was definitely worth it, although I didn’t quite understand what the specific benefits were. In fact, I couldn’t really identify any “options” worth paying for in the higher priced group. At the end of that day, she and I were leaving the parking lot at the same time. After exchanging goodbyes, I noticed that she got into a fancy Cadillac and drove away. I looked at my older model Honda Civic which had been serving me well for several years. It had been affordable to purchase, got excellent gas mileage, was extremely reliable, and it was a good looking car as well. In fact, my father had helped me get it before I left for college and I knew the high standards he maintained in selecting a vehicle for his little girl! My car might not have been a Cadillac, but it was exactly what I needed.
That evening, I carefully looked at the materials distributed by each of the teacher organizations. I was definitely not a math major, but quickly observed that there was indeed a major cost difference among the organizations and the higher end pricing was easy to spot. I consider myself a smart shopper and I had already learned that if a person wanted to spend more money, in almost any area, you usually could. My husband and I were a young couple just starting out and there was no way we would be opting for the most expensive goods and services anywhere, including the grocery store, the housing market or my teacher organization dues. The next brochure offered a more reasonable rate, but I noticed this group accepted administrators and a number of other school personnel who were not directly involved in instruction. I found that puzzling and wondered how one association could best serve the needs of such a very diverse group. Then there was the Texas Classroom Teachers Association. The more I learned about this organization, the more it stood out in every way. Not only were the dues very affordable, but the advantages and services were clearly superior. The next morning, I turned in my TCTA membership application and, in all honesty, it had been a very easy decision. All these years later, I also see that my choice to join TCTA was a very wise decision.
What about that dependable Honda Civic I used to drive? It remained reliable until we traded it in on the day before I gave birth to our first child, who needed room for a car seat, stroller, diaper bag, playpen . . . I think you get the idea. With the passing of time, my husband and I became the proud parents of three more children and a small car simply would not work for us anymore. Now, I drive a much bigger and more costly vehicle because it is what our family needs.
I upgraded with my vehicle, but what about the affordable teacher organization I had joined many years ago? Did I look for a way to improve in that department as well? No, because upgrading from TCTA is not possible at any price. TCTA is the same highly dependable model I chose in 1984, but the 2006 version is sleek and fully loaded with everything I need today. The continued growth and success of our organization does not surprise me in the least, because so many teachers make the educated choice. Considering TCTA’s solid reputation in the legislative and education communities, top notch advocacy, teacher liability insurance which is second to none, convenient online continuing education courses offered at no cost, members-only discounts, and much more, TCTA is definitely hitting on all cylinders.
Looking back on that first day of inservice so long ago, I realize time has taught me a few things since then. First of all, Cadillacs are really nice. Secondly, I think the “Cadillac concept” has more to do with the quality of what you get than with the amount you pay. Finally, I know without a doubt that I have been in the real Cadillac all along. During this membership season, don’t let your colleagues get “taken for a ride” in some stripped down model by paying too much or by getting too little. TCTA is fully loaded and it is all you need.
The Classroom Teacher, Fall 2006
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THE CLASSROOM TEACHER (ISSN-0279-2494) is the official publication of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA), providing news and opinions in the interest of education excellence. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the publisher’s permission. The views and opinions contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Copyright © 2006. Publication schedule is quarterly. Annual membership dues for TCTA are $110, $5 of which is allocated to a one-year subscription to THE CLASSROOM TEACHER. Subscriptions for nonmembers are available for $10 per year.
