# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Representing for Ocoee High School…we are #ReclaimingOurTime!

# data[].attributes.body
As a veteran teacher,I deserve more than a 2.25% increase.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
My life has revolved around OCPS since 1997.  My husband is a school teacher, and I have two boys who attend OCPS schools.   But teaching obligations should not take away family time.  I should not have to spend weekends planning and grading papers because I am not provided the time needed during my contract hours.  Over the years, I have seen OCPS demand more of its teachers without compensation in terms of salary and time.

# data[].attributes.body
We deserve representation and no more gutting our contract!! Love CTA!

# data[].attributes.body
As a 20 year teacher I deserve more than a 2.25% increase.

# data[].attributes.body
I deserve a salary that matches my years of experience and the cost of living in Orlando.

# data[].attributes.body
We need our planning time everyday. Now the district is making us use 2 planning periods for AP and Principal led PLCs. We need enough money so that we don’t have to work 2nd jobs. We are the worst in the nation! Is OCPS not embarrassed?!? We are the laughing stock of the country! Where teachers are well-paid, students perform better.

# data[].attributes.body
We are so underpaid. OCPS needs to do better.

# data[].attributes.body
We deserve better, OCPS! Teachers are professionals, many with advanced degrees, and we cannot support ourselves, let alone our families, on our extremely poor salaries. We work MANY hours unpaid for this district and never get any type of reward- financial or otherwise. Please start giving us the pay and the respect we deserve!

# data[].attributes.body
I deserve more than 2.25% as a dedicated ESE veteran teacher.

# data[].attributes.body
It’s. Time. For. A. LIVING. Wage. For too long, teachers have been thrown kibble and been expected to be satisfied. Talk is cheap. Show us respect; show us the money.

# data[].attributes.body
First year teacher salary compared to 23 years of teaching experience…it’s nearly the same salary. Happy for new teachers, but why are veteran teachers always getting the short end of the stick?

# data[].attributes.body
We deserve fair wages, regular cola raises, uninterrupted planning time, and good working conditions. In the 6 days I have been in my room, only 1 has been with air conditioning and that was mediocre at best. The constant “we are an A school district” posts, calls, and billboards seem wonderful to the public. The board needs to remember how they got that A! The hard working, dedicated teachers within the district, the classified staff. I don’t see OCPS leadership helping at these schools with vacancies, or getting their facilities up to par for conducive working environments. Pay us better and recognize the professionals that put in the hard work to make you, the board and those is the cooper tower look good!

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers should be respected and paid as a professional. We teach future doctors, lawyers, scientists and astronaut.

# data[].attributes.body
Every year the bargaining process is the same. I’ve been with OCPS for over 10 years, if anything it’s gotten worse. OCPS pleads poverty every year, it takes months…..or an entire school year to reach agreement.

To top it off, everyone is getting more added to their plates. Budget cuts this year are causing teachers to have multiple roles and responsibilities, that do not add much in the way of extra pay. Nothing gets removed from our plates and we have to fight for scraps in pay.

I love working with students but I am looking into new careers because I struggle to make ends meet as a single Mom.

We deserve better!

# data[].attributes.body
We deserve to recieve the same level of care that we dedicate our students to every day!

# data[].attributes.body
Azalea Park wants the best for our teachers and our students. Make our salary better!!!

# data[].attributes.body
We are a dying breed. We need compensation and respect that allows us to flourish so we can keep cultivating the next generation!

# data[].attributes.body
We deserve so much more OCPS!

# data[].attributes.body
A Yale University research study found that "raising base pay for effective teachers, a simpler solution, deepens student learning and keeps good teachers on the job" (Biasi, 2024).

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Teachers in public education are the cornerstones of democracy, molding today’s students , regardless of income or background,  into intelligent citizens. Collective bargaining is the truest form of democracy,  allowing the voices of the governed to be heard and their needs addressed. To deny any of these is to spit upon the principles on which our society was founded. 

# data[].attributes.body
I put a lot in , and I should get a livable wage back!

# data[].attributes.body
I should not have to choose between spending time with my husband and daughter and finding side jobs in order to keep my family afloat. Let’s see Dr. Vazquez and the school board live off a first year teacher’s salary in THIS economy. My rent is more than one paycheck and I have a good deal for where I live!

# data[].attributes.body
I try to stay as late as I can to get everything done but eventually have to leave to work my 2nd job and can still barely afford to support my family. I love this job but I don't know, financially, how much longer I can keep going.

# data[].attributes.body
We work without Wi-Fi. We work without AC. We work without enough seats. We work in dirty rooms. We work with insane class sizes. We work without maternity leave. We work during pandemics. We never stop working. You would have nothing to celebrate or brag about, if we stopped working. There'd be no publicity stunts to make you feel good. Stop forgetting where you came from. We got you the A. I give you, OCPS, an F. Pay us competitively. You could not do what we do. If you want the best, stop offering your worst.

# data[].attributes.body
How many PDs have we had where we are taught Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs? Reading through other comments, I am saddened by the amount of teachers sharing housing instability, food insecurity, burnout from volunteering their labor outside of contact hours or carrying a burden of working two jobs. I know too many teachers struggling with their mental and/or physical health due to these egregious injustices

OCPS, remember "I Do, We Do, You Do"? In this case, OCPS is the "I" & teachers are the other part of the "We" & "You". Model Maslow's Hierarchy for us because we need you to show up for us, as we do for our students. We need you to love us, as we do our students. WE NEED YOU TO BUILD US UP, JUST AS WE DO WHEN WE FOLLOW MASLOW'S HIERARCHY TO MEET OUR STUDENTS WHERE THEY'RE AT, EVEN TO OUR OWN DETERMENT.

If you're not motivated to do it for us, then do it FOR OUR STUDENTS WHO SHOWED UP TO EARN OCPS THAT "A" by ensuring they continue to have teachers who can focus on prioritizing students' needs.

It may seem like our evaluations & wages are issues of "Esteem", but it's actually about "Physiological Needs," and "Safety" so we can get back to "Love and Belonging," "Esteem," and "Fulfillment."

Remember the Golden Rule, treat others as you would want them to treat you. I promise teachers will give back what they get by lovingly pouring it back into our communities.

# data[].attributes.body
School Staff standing strong!!

# data[].attributes.body
We work hard, we go above and beyond, we take our job home with us, we spend our paychecks on our kids, we LOVE wholeheartedly. Value us, we are teachers and proud of what we do! Our salary should reflect the love and effort we pour into our profession! Together we are strong!!! ❤️

# data[].attributes.body
The thing I hope for the most with my students is that they and their families have good lives. I try to inspire them to be excited about their future. It is hard to devote that energy when I am uncertain about mine. Pay us enough so that we can continue to be passionate about what we do.

# data[].attributes.body
Last years raise was to make up for the the lack of raises in previous years. To claim that part of it was for this year is insulting. The school board and superintendent BRAG about how they were taking care of their teachers last year by the "historical raise." Never did they say 3% of that 9% is for next year. You have insulted us once again

# data[].attributes.body
I came to the teaching profession with 15 years of journalism experience. Now, I teach writing to high school students. Treat me like the professional I am.

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers can only be highly effective if they don’t need to worry about their financial situation. I have two sisters who teach abroad, they make more money than me, and get paid over summer. Should I relocate and teach my kids online? That’s what we are considering as a family if our financial situation continues to limit getting basic necessities for our family.

People are leaving this noble profession as the pressure continues to rise and the income is almost stagnant ….

# data[].attributes.body
We put in on average 15 to 30 hours pro bono per month. We purchase items to support our students because its not provided by the district. What kind of a price cap is justly put on such devoted educators? What do you feel is our worth that we need to have CTA support to prove our quality.

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers have enough against them. Stop this madness!

# data[].attributes.body
Teaching is the wellspring from which all other professions grow. To invest and demonstrate value in teachers feds that wellspring for the future growth of our students.

# data[].attributes.body
Why wouldn't OCPS want teachers to collaborate on the evaluation process? Isn't that what One Ocps is about...working together for success? Something that is tied to our pay should NOT be non-negotiable!

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers are the backbone of the district. We are dedicated to our students and educated professionals. Why are we not able take vacations or buy a home on our current salary? It’s because the District won’t pay us a living wage. If the District is going to put up billboards bragging about being an “A” District then the teachers should be paid for the work. We deserve better! Stronger together!

# data[].attributes.body
We deserve more Orange County Public Schools!

# data[].attributes.body
The District acts like last year's raise was a gift. It was simply a first step in making FL teacher's salaries fair and competitive. If Florida Dept of Ed and OCPS has any sense and wants quality teachers = minimum 6% raise.

gift.

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers should not live paycheck to paycheck. We are educated professionals who deserve a living wage! 2.25% doesn't do nearly enough to bridge the gap.

# data[].attributes.body
We deserve better! Don’t let the county treat us without the respect we deserve!!

# data[].attributes.body
Stronger together! Thank you CTA for not giving up. As an educator with over 20 years of experience and two masters degrees, I should be able to afford to buy a home at this stage in my life, but here I continue to live paycheck to paycheck praying my rent doesn't increase again as I continue to show up and give everything I've got to my students!

# data[].attributes.body
I met up with my friend this summer. We graduated on the same day. She stayed in the North East. She makes twice as much as me.

# data[].attributes.body
OCPS teachers can't afford to become homeowners in the county we serve.

# data[].attributes.body
I am changing lives every day through music. I am worth more than what OCPS thinks I am. As a product of OCPS, I know we are better than this and our county needs to do better, just like other large counties have been without this kind of hostility from their districts. OCPS may not act like it, but we should all be on the same team because we determining what our future community looks like. Do we want future Orange County to be divisive or do we want our community to be better?

# data[].attributes.body
“ Teaching is not a service, profession or a job. It’s a pillar of society “ -unknown

# data[].attributes.body
I absolutely deserve to be paid more than the meager increase that’s being offered. There’re times that I want to support my students by attending their performances or competitions; however, I can’t because I have to work a second job just to be able to afford cost of living.

We are more than teachers! Sometimes, we are our students’ only support outside of the classroom. Give us what we deserve so that we can afford to do our jobs.

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers should not have to worry about how they're going to pay their bills every month. We are the ones that are teaching our future leaders. Show us that you value what we do for them.

# data[].attributes.body
Dedicated 28 year veteran fighting to be treated with the respect and living wage that every other college educated employee receives.

# data[].attributes.body
In five short months my lease is up (non renewable) and I don’t have any housing options due to my low salary. Been teaching in OCPS for 23 years, and I’m living paycheck to paycheck. At this point in my career I should be thriving, not merely surviving. I don’t want to leave OCPS but it’s getting to the point where I can’t afford not to.

# data[].attributes.body
Last year my rent was almost one whole paycheck. I had to take out cash advances for gas for my car and food for my kids waiting for the next pay check. This month my rent is increasing 7.5%. It will take more than one paycheck just to keep a roof over my family's head. I am a highly effective teacher, but still need two jobs to provide for my family. We deserve a living wage. We are stronger together.

# data[].attributes.body
Stronger together!

# data[].attributes.body
Being a teacher should not be such an awful financial burden.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
I don’t want to miss out on more time with my grand-baby, nieces, and family because I have to work a 2nd job. I don’t want to rely on loans to get me through to the next payday. I want to be able to give my students everything they deserve without being so stressed, exhausted, and overworked. Teachers are doing their part, CTA is fighting for us. Now it’s time for you to shine and do the right thing. Put teachers and students FIRST! #StandWithCTA #StrongerTogether

# data[].attributes.body
I love my students, I love teaching and apparently I’m pretty good at it? I would hate to have to leave due to salary constraints when/if my special needs son needs therapy/treatments I can already barely afford. If WE earned the district an A then WE deserve an appropriate raise.

# data[].attributes.body
When we stand together we are united, and we make sure that no one gets taken advantage of. CTA keep it up!

# data[].attributes.body
We are stronger together!

# data[].attributes.body
Students need and deserve well-paid teachers! Make education a worthwhile profession for all.

# data[].attributes.body
I am not a robot. Students are not numbers. Education is not a business. Education is enlightenment. Students are the future. I am an intelligent, multifaceted, professional, that engages, teaches, and inspires my students with diverse lessons that meet their needs daily. I deserve EVERYTHING and MORE than what is requested at bargaining.

# data[].attributes.body
Strength in numbers!

# data[].attributes.body
Historic raise with percentages! Fighting for a living wagw!

# data[].attributes.body
I love standing together with my Union to protect teacher’s rights.

# data[].attributes.body
Together we are stronger!

# data[].attributes.body
United we stand and together we will never fall.

# data[].attributes.body
I deserve a livable wage that means I don’t have to take out loans or work multiple jobs to pay the bills and rent!

# data[].attributes.body
I want my basic needs met so I can focus on my purpose… helping my students become good people.

# data[].attributes.body
When We Stand Together, We Succeed Together!

# data[].attributes.body
ARs Unite! I'm so happy to work with Brianna again. We both believe in a living wage and feeling respected and appreciated by the BOSS. It's important that the contract language continues to protect our evaluations so that we can be acknowledged and rewarded far the hard work we do, the same as every other profession!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything 

# data[].attributes.body
I am UNION STRONG!💪🏾

# data[].attributes.body
Bargaining matters to me because a better future for her matters so much! #strongertogether

# data[].attributes.body
Standing Together vs Standing Alone(CTA)

# data[].attributes.body
I want to be able to send my child to soccer, take him on vacation, and spend time with him. He shouldn't have to miss out, because I'm not valued or respected as a teacher!

# data[].attributes.body
Training to rage against the machine for pay raises that reflect the cost of living and consistent requirements of our evaluation system.

# data[].attributes.body
We deserve raises. This will help start a family my husband and I want. (Lauren Podguski)

# data[].attributes.body
My husband and I want to start a family! (Lauren Podguski)

# data[].attributes.body
We are stronger together!!!

# data[].attributes.body
Stronger Together! We need the financial security to be able to afford to live in the communities we serve!

# data[].attributes.body
There’s Power in Unity

# data[].attributes.body
I fight for the teenagers who sit in these seats. If teachers’ rights are taken away, the future students lose in the end.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
We want to be treated like the professionals we are. 

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
A selfie while wearing a red shirt with thumbs up.

# data[].attributes.body
Standing together is unity and power

# data[].attributes.body
#StrongerTogether

Teachers care and so should you! We are the reason for the 'A' and any future success will be on our backs.....give us the respect we deserve and retain the best teachers by prioritizing teacher pay and positive working conditions. We are worth it!

# data[].attributes.body
Standing Strong Together !

# data[].attributes.body
#stronger together

1st AR training!

# data[].attributes.body
Stronger Together! We are CTA!

# data[].attributes.body
I am the union, you are the union, and WE are the union.

# data[].attributes.body
OCPS is an “A” district because of US, the teachers! That “A” score is worth more than a 2.25% raise! We won’t be able to afford to teach if we are denied a livable wage!

# data[].attributes.body
The work our union does is so important to my financial security and emotional well-being. I deserve to be at home with my family without having to work a second or third job just to survive.

# data[].attributes.body
Union Strong!

# data[].attributes.body
I want to focus on teaching my students, not on how will I pay my bills!

# data[].attributes.body
Stronger together

# data[].attributes.body
Strength in numbers❤️💪❤️