Happy 2006! Now that the fall semester is behind us, it is time to shake things up for the New Year. If you were actively involved with SCTA, then you probably had an amazing fall semester. There were numerous stimulating events that happened locally and statewide. Each event brought with it critical discussions, friendships, collaboration, fun, and not to mention tons of networking. I hope everyone had an opportunity to participate in local chapter events and the Fall Leadership Conference.

 

Furthermore, if you are a new member and this is your very first newsletter or a member that may not have had much time last semester, I encourage you to seek out your local campus chapter and get involved! As for those of you who are seasoned SCTA members, I challenge you to find those new members, as well as potential members and partner with them to share your SCTA experiences.

 

There are many resources for future educators within SCTA to assist you on your road to success. Since we are beginning a new semester, I think it is best to take this opportunity to remind active members and introduce to new members the many benefits of Student California Teachers Association. For starters, when you become a member of SCTA you are joining the only statewide organization in California for future educators.  You are a member of pre-professional association for college students with almost 1,400 members on 80 campuses across the state of California. You are also joining a group of future educators locally, statewide and nationally as a member of the National Education Association Student Program (NEA-SP). As an SCTA member you are involved with an association with unlimited potential!

 

For only $30 a year, you have many benefits, including but not limited to $1 million in liability insurance, low rates on auto, homeowners/renters and life insurance, credit union privileges, publications from SCTA, CTA and NEA (I Choose to Teach!, which you are currently reading, California Educator, and NEA TODAY), scholarships, workshops, conferences, and much more.

 

I can only assume that as a member of this great Association, you have participated in one event or another and have utilized the many benefits that are available to you. I hope that you have enjoyed your time thus far with SCTA and remember that our Association is what we make it! We must all take an active role in molding the future of this Association taking one step at a time. In closing, I hope that you are ready to tackle the new challenges of 2006. Hold on to your seats and get ready for one exhilarating year.