ASTA Welcomes New Teachers

By Matt Corcoran

ASTA Communications Director

ANAHEIM -- On Monday, October 15, the Anaheim Secondary Teachers Association welcomed first-year AUHSD educators to New Teacher Orientation at the ASTA Offices.

Members of the executive board, including President Grant Schuster, Vice President James Goran, and CTA Staff Lisa Eck provided new teachers with valuable information on the district evaluation process, disciplinary action, personnel files, and more.

“It’s important for new teachers to understand the level of support they have,” Schuster said. “Not just from their local ASTA association, but from CTA as well.”

First-year teachers from Anaheim, Magnolia, Brookhurst, Dale, and South were treated to dinner as they looked over the current contract and had the opportunity to ask questions about the issues which matter most to new educators in the district.

“This was a great opportunity to see what benefits we have as new teachers,” special education math teacher Mark Lopez said. “It gives us a chance to find out the benefits that we’re paying for and the issues that ASTA has fought for.”

Veteran ASTA members understand the importance of establishing relationships with younger teachers as we look to build upon the strength of our association and provide the best possible education for our students.

"It's important that our association members, new and veteran, know the power of their membership,” Director-at-Large Ian Sabala said. “From the contract to accessing key information online, having that knowledge will hopefully alleviate some concerns and allow our members to focus on their students and classrooms."

Also in attendance were ASTA Treasurer Geoff Morganstern, Secretary Juan Alvarez, Director-at-Large Matt Majewski, and CTA State Council Representative Ryan Ruelas.