New Members

Congratulations on your new job and new membership in ASTA!  Navigating your benefits from both the district and ASTA/CTA/NEA can be overwhelming, and we are here to help!  Your Site Reps are a great resource at your school site.  The Executive Board is also ready and willing to answer questions and help in any way we can.

Here's what every new member needs to know:
Know Your Contract
  • Read your contract so you know your contractual rights. You can also email the Bargaining Chair with questions and concerns.
  • ​If you believe your administrator is not following the contract, reach out to your site representative - they are here to help you with concerns or issues you are having at your site.  
Paychecks
  • Review your first paycheck!  Sign into the OCDE Employee Information System to see your paystub.
  • Make sure you are on the right place in the Salary Schedule. You can view the Salary Schedules here.
  • Familiarize yourself with Employer Paid Benefits (Health Benefits) and Voluntary Employee Deductions (403b Plan) 
  • ​If you have any questions regarding your paycheck, you can contact your payroll specialist: 
                  Payroll Supervisor: Darryl Felder        Phone: (714) 999-5693       Email: [email protected]
Retirement
As a California educator, you are a member of the largest U.S. teachers' retirement fund and one of the largest pension systems in the country. From day one you want to make sure you are building for retirement. Your STRS Contributions will be reflected on your paystubs.  ​
  • ASTA recommends you set up a 403(b)/457 plan.  Do some research on the differences between the plans utilizing CTAInvest.org
  • We also suggest you request a copy of our district's 403(b) plan document and/or 457 plan information, including a summary of the plan provisions such as loans, transfers, exchanges and any fees.
  • Be sure to get the list of approved vendors for both ongoing contributions and exchanges.
  • Ask for enrollment forms and any associated paperwork
Absences
  • If you are planning a Leave of Absence, make sure you understand what your rights are, according to the contract, for taking leave. You can review the article in the contract here. 
  • Familiarize yourself with SmartFind Express and know how to code your absence.  
  • When you take a leave, you want to make sure you don't lose any of your membership benefits. Make sure you follow the steps to keep your benefits active.  
Member Benefits and Privileges
When you join ASTA, you are also joining CTA and NEA! Upon enrollment you will get a CTA card in your mailbox. You can contact the ASTA office to find out what your CTA number is if you haven't received your CTA card.
Make Your Voice Heard
Our priority is to communicate important events, information, and issues with you in many ways:
  • Open emails whenever the subject has ASTA Weekly Update in it. It's always an email from the ASTA President.
  • Like our Anaheim Secondary Teachers Association Facebook page and join the ASTA Anaheim Teacher Group, which is a private group just for us. 
  • Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.​
We also want to hear from you! 
  • Complete the Bargaining Surveys you receive from us. We use the results to prioritize our negotiation strategy.
  • You have a voice when it comes to voting in officers and site representatives. Make sure you take your time to vote.
  • Email us! We would love to hear from you.