Promoting CTA Member Benefits through your local chapter newsletter is easy. Just check out the newsletter articles drafted by CTA Member Benefits.  

6/13/2024 (download)
Summer Benefit included with CTA-endorsed Disability Insurance

4/15/2024 (download)
Using Calm to find Balance

3/13/2024 (download)
Special enrollment opportunity for new hires and district transfers for CTA-endorsed Disability and Life insurance

3/13/2024 (download)
California Casualty’s Music and Arts Grant Program

2/12/2024 (download)
Register Now for New Educator Weekend (South) Member Benefits Pre-Conference

2/12/2024 (download)
Special enrollment opportunity for new hires and district transfers for CTA-endorsed Disability and Life insurance

1/16/2024 (download)
Special New Hire Town Hall - February 21, 2024 at 4 p.m.

1/16/2024 (download)
Register Now for Good Teaching Conference (North) Member Benefits Pre-Conference

12/12/2023 (download)
Family Status Change Enrollment Opportunity

12/12/2023 (download)
Calm for your Family

11/9/2023 (download)
Limited Time Opportunity for CTA Members to Switch Disability Insurance Coverage with No Health Questions

10/10/2023 (download)
REMINDER: Register now for CTA Member Benefits Pre-Conference at New Educator Weekend (North)!

10/10/2023 (download)
Special enrollment opportunity for new hires and district transfers for CTA-endorsed Disability and Life insurance

8/16/2023 (download)
The CTA 403(b) Retirement Plan for Educators

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Summer Benefit included with CTA-endorsed Disability Insurance

[Note to Chapter Leaders: If you choose to use the article above for your newsletter or website, please use the article in its entirety and do not alter the text in any way other than to change the capitalization, typeface or point size to meet your publication's style guidelines.]

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Using Calm to find Balance

Work-life balance is something we all hear about, but balance is subjective to your own definition. What works for some might not work for others and what has worked for you in the past might not work now. It’s also equally important to dive deeper and make sure we’re balanced in all areas of life. That’s why it’s crucial to consistently reflect if the balance is working for you.  Start finding your overall balance with Calm.

Check out the Calm app for other diverse resources that’ll support your mental health journey. Haven't redeemed your free CTA Calm Premium subscription yet? Visit www.CTAMemberBenefits.org/calm to sign up today!

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Special enrollment opportunity for new hires and district transfers for CTA-endorsed Disability and Life insurance

[Note to Chapter Leaders: If you choose to use the article above for your newsletter or website, please use the article in its entirety and do not alter the text in any way other than to change the capitalization, typeface or point size to meet your publication's style guidelines.]

• Disability insurance can help protect CTA members’ paychecks if they’re unable to work due to an injury, illness (including mental health conditions) pregnancy or childbirth. They’ll receive funds paid directly to them to use for things health insurance doesn’t cover. Benefits can be used for rent, mortgage, groceries, student loans and more.  Where health insurance pays your doctor, Disability insurance pays you.
• Life insurance helps protect CTA members’ loved ones in the event of their passing. They’ll also get access to additional features you can use now.

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California Casualty’s Music and Arts Grant Program

CTA Members! California Casualty’s Music and Arts Grant program is back and will award individual members with a $250 grant for their classroom or program.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant was established to provide support for K-12 public schools negatively impacted by reduced budgets.

California Casualty has partnered with education associations for many years. We understand the importance of music and arts education for children. As a member of one of our partnering education associations, you can apply for a grant award of $250 for a music or art need at your school.

Applications are accepted through July 2nd, 2024! Apply today!

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Register Now for New Educator Weekend (South) Member Benefits Pre-Conference

Register now for New Educator Weekend South Member Benefits Pre-Conference!

Come early on Friday for a special pre-conference at New Educator Weekend (South). 

From your local association to the CTA and NEA, our union grows stronger as we unite. With a membership of 310,000 across the state and 3 million nationally, the CTA and NEA offer a diverse range of valuable union-endorsed benefits that come with your membership.

Explore the highlights of our most sought-after Member Benefits programs, encompassing discounts on shopping and travel, optional insurance packages, aid for relieving student debt, retirement plans, financial services, coverage for Educators Employment Liability (EEL), assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund, and more! These exclusive CTA and NEA Member Benefits are tailor-made for educators. As members become familiar with these programs, they discover newfound enthusiasm in uncovering additional ways through which their membership can serve as a solution to various personal and financial requirements.

• Stronger Together – Your Essential Guide to CTA/NEA Member Benefits

From your local association to the CTA and NEA, our union becomes stronger through our collective unity. With a mission dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of our members, supported by a statewide membership of 300,000 and a national membership of 3 million, CTA and NEA offer a diverse range of valuable voluntary and automatic benefits as part of your membership.You will be introduced to the most popular programs under Member Benefits, encompassing discounts on shopping and travel, optional insurance coverage, assistance for relieving student debt, retirement savings, financial services, Educators Employment Liability (EEL) protection, the Disaster Relief Fund, and more. CTA and NEA have crafted these Member Benefits exclusively for educators, and as members become acquainted with these offerings, they will be delighted to uncover additional avenues through which their membership can address a variety of personal and financial needs.

• CTA Stronger Together: Building Wealth for a Successful Retirement

CTA wants you to have a long and happy retirement. CalSTRS/CalPERS generally covers only about half of your income at retirement, so it’s essential to consider a supplementary retirement savings plan as early as possible to make up the difference. There are a lot of plans offered to educators, but many have high fees or surrender charges. In this session, we discuss the basics of saving for retirement using easy-to-understand terms, review how to avoid suboptimal plans, and help you get started toward a financially secure retirement.

• More Month Than Money: Setting and Living Within a Budget

Does the end of the month arrive before your paycheck? Is there never enough in your checking account? During this session we’ll set realistic financial goals and timelines, examine the different categories of your personal budget, track spending, set a budget, and discover your net worth. We’ll also review some of the benefits that you have access to that will stretch your dollar and help you meet your financial goals. Come learn new ideas and tricks to have money left over at the end of the month.

We are providing release time for the pre-conference, which means CTA Member Benefits will reimburse your employer for your substitute on Friday, February 23rd, 2024 to assist with your availability to attend. Be sure to request release time and provide the necessary information when registering. 

If you have requested release time to attend the pre-conference, a Release Time Request Form will be sent to your district superintendent. Please be sure to notify your school district of your absence so that they may arrange for a substitute. Full-day attendance at the pre-conference on Friday is mandatory and you must be checked in no later than 12:00 pm for CTA to reimburse the school district for your release day. If you are unable to attend the pre-conference on Friday, please send an email to NEW@cta.org to cancel.

Registration will open at 8:30am with continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. We look forward to seeing you at the pre-conference. The Friday Pre-Conference is FREE to attend, and space is limited so don’t wait. Register today!

Member Benefits Pre-Conference attendance is worth 6 hours of Professional Development which can be used for the CTA University Credit Program. For more information, please visit https://www.CTA.org/Credit.

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Special enrollment opportunity for new hires and district transfers for CTA-endorsed Disability and Life insurance

[Note to Chapter Leaders: If you choose to use the article above for your newsletter or website, please use the article in its entirety and do not alter the text in any way other than to change the capitalization, typeface or point size to meet your publication's style guidelines.]

CTA members new to their districts this year have a limited-time opportunity to apply for CTA-endorsed Disability insurance and CTA-endorsed Life insurance from Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) – with no health questions asked. Just apply within 270 days of starting work to take advantage of this opportunity. Join The Standard to learn more at our Town Hall on March 12 at 4:00 p.m.

We’ll cover: 

• How CTA-endorsed Disability insurance helps protect your paycheck if you’re unable to work due to an injury, illness, pregnancy or childbirth.
• CTA-endorsed Disability insurance comes with additional benefits if you meet specific criteria while on an approved disability claim.
• How to protect your loved ones with CTA-endorsed Life insurance including coverage options for spouse/domestic partner and dependents.
• Benefits you can use now with CTA-endorsed Life insurance

Register to attend the Town Hall: stdrd.co/march2024townhall

Skip the Town Hall and learn more or apply: standard.com/cta/newhire. 

Transferred Districts this year? CTA members who previously had coverage with The Standard must re-apply to continue coverage at their new district as coverage doesn't automatically transfer. Apply at standard.com/cta/newhire.

For costs and further details of the coverage and this enrollment opportunity, including the exclusions, benefit waiting periods, and reductions or limitations and the terms under which the policies may be continued in force, please contact Standard Insurance Company at 800.522.0406. Standard Insurance Company, 1100 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR 97204  
GP190-LTD/S399/CTA.1      GP190-LIFE/S399/CTA.3   SI 23333-CTAvol (1/24)

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Special New Hire Town Hall - February 21, 2024 at 4 p.m.

[Note to Chapter Leaders: If you choose to use the article above for your newsletter or website, please use the article in its entirety and do not alter the text in any way other than to change the capitalization, typeface or point size to meet your publication's style guidelines.]

Members new to your district have a limited-time opportunity to apply for CTA-endorsed Disability insurance and up to $400,000 of Life insurance¹ without answering health questions. Chapter Leaders are invited to learn more at our Town Hall on February 21st at 4 p.m. Note: The Standard will hold a separate Town Hall for chapter members in March.

We’ll cover:

• New Hire and District Transfer special enrollment opportunity
• CTA-endorsed Disability and Life insurance plans
• Extra benefits for CTA members
• How they can enroll
• Materials you can share with your chapter
• Q&A

Registration is required: https://stdrd.co/feb21townhall

1 Coverage reduces to 65% of the amount in force at age 70, 45% of the amount in force at age 75 and 30% of the amount in force at age 80. Offer not available to retirees.

For costs and further details of the coverage and this enrollment opportunity, including the exclusions, benefit waiting periods, and reductions or limitations and the terms under which the policies may be continued in force, please contact Standard Insurance Company at 800.522.0406.  GP190-LTD/S399/CTA.1   GP190-LIFE/S399/CTA.3

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Register Now for Good Teaching Conference (North) Member Benefits Pre-Conference

Come early on Friday for a special pre-conference at Good Teaching Conference (North).

The Friday Pre-Conference is FREE to attend, and space is limited so don’t wait. Register today!

Explore the highlights of our most sought-after Member Benefits programs, encompassing discounts on shopping and travel, optional insurance packages, aid for relieving student debt, retirement plans, financial services, coverage for Educators Employment Liability (EEL), assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund, and more! These exclusive CTA and NEA Member Benefits are tailor-made for educators. As members become familiar with these programs, they discover newfound enthusiasm in uncovering additional ways through which their membership can serve as a solution to various personal and financial requirements.

• Stronger Together – Your Essential Guide to CTA/NEA Member Benefits
  
  From your local association to the CTA and NEA, our union becomes stronger through our collective unity. With a mission dedicated to safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of our members, supported by a statewide membership of 300,000 and a national membership of 3 million, CTA and NEA offer a diverse range of valuable voluntary and automatic benefits as part of your membership.You will be introduced to the most popular programs under Member Benefits, encompassing discounts on shopping and travel, optional insurance coverage, assistance for relieving student debt, retirement savings, financial services, Educators Employment Liability (EEL) protection, the Disaster Relief Fund, and more. CTA and NEA have crafted these Member Benefits exclusively for educators, and as members become acquainted with these offerings, they will be delighted to uncover additional avenues through which their membership can address a variety of personal and financial needs.
  
  
• CTA Stronger Together – Building Wealth for a Successful Retirement
  
  CTA wants you to have a long and happy retirement. CalSTRS/CalPERS generally covers only about half of your income at retirement, so it’s essential to consider a supplementary retirement savings plan as early as possible to make up the difference. There are a lot of plans offered to educators, but many have high fees or surrender charges. In this session, we discuss the basics of saving for retirement using easy-to-understand terms, review how to avoid suboptimal plans, and help you get started toward a financially secure retirement.
  
  
• More Month Than Money: Setting and Living Within a Budget
  
  Does the end of the month arrive before your paycheck? Is there never enough in your checking account? During this session we’ll set realistic financial goals and timelines, examine the different categories of your personal budget, track spending, set a budget, and discover your net worth. We’ll also review some of the benefits that you have access to that will stretch your dollar and help you meet your financial goals. Come learn new ideas and tricks to have money left over at the end of the month.

We are providing release time for the pre-conference, which means CTA Member Benefits will reimburse your employer for your substitute on Friday, February 2nd, 2024 to assist with your availability to attend. Be sure to request release time and provide the necessary information when registering.

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Family Status Change Enrollment Opportunity

[Note to Chapter Leaders: If you choose to use the article above for your newsletter or website, please use the article in its entirety and do not alter the text in any way other than to change the capitalization, typeface or point size to meet your publication's style guidelines.]

CTA members who experience any of the life events below may qualify for the Family Status Change enrollment opportunity. That means they're eligible to apply for CTA-endorsed Disability insurance and up to $400,000 of CTA-endorsed Life insurance¹ from The Standard, without having to answer health questions,² as long as they apply within 60 days of the qualifying event.

• Marriage, divorce or legal separation
• Initiation or dissolution of a domestic partner relationship 
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death of a spouse/domestic partner or child
• Commencement or termination of a spouse/domestic partner’s employment
• Change in employment from full-time to part-time by member or member’s spouse/domestic partner

Members have 60 days from the event to apply or make a change. They can apply online at standard.com/cta/fsc.

¹ Coverage reduces to 65% of the amount in force at age 70, 45% of the amount in force at age 75 and 30% of the amount in force at age 80. Offer not available to retirees.

² If any previous application submitted with proof of good health was denied by The Standard, then proof of good health will be required.

For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, benefit waiting periods, any reductions or limitations and the terms under which the policy may be continued in force, please contact Standard Insurance Company at 800.522.0406. Standard Insurance Company, 1100 SW Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR 97204.    GP190-LIFE/S399/CTA.3    GP190-LTD/S399/CTA.1

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Calm for your Family

Did you know your Calm benefit also extends to your family (add up to 5 dependents (age 16 or older)? Calm, our mental health partner, is a family-friendly benefit that can be used by your family at various life stages, including parenting and pregnancy. Also, Calm Kids is a wonderful resource to support your children as they grow. 

Here’s the selection of resources to get you and your family started on the mental health journey:

Conscious Parenting Masterclass

• In this masterclass series, Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a renowned clinical psychologist, shares how you can create a mindful environment for your children so they can ease their anxieties and authentically connect with who they are.

Calm Kids

• In this collection, you’ll find a variety of content offerings for your little ones—soundscapes, lullabies, meditations, sleep stories, kids' movements, and more—that they can use whenever they need it.

Nurturing Pregnancy

• In this pregnancy collection, you’ll learn empowering practices and hear reassuring talks to help you through the entire journey of pregnancy. You’ll also be able to lower stress, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. For medical advice, please consult your doctor.

Postpartum Healing

• In this postpartum collection, you’ll learn practices designed to support you during this tender and powerful time as you care for your little one. For medical advice, please consult your doctor.

Check out the Calm app for more options that suit your daily needs. Haven't activated your free CTA Calm Premium subscription yet? Visit www.CTAMemberBenefits.org/calm to get started today!  This CTA subscription also allows you to add up to 5 dependents (age 16 or older).

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Limited Time Opportunity for CTA Members to Switch Disability Insurance Coverage with No Health Questions

[Note to Chapter Leaders: If you choose to use this article for your newsletter or website, please use the article in its entirety and do not alter the text in any way other than to change the capitalization, typeface or point size to meet your publication's style guidelines.]

From October 1 through November 30, 2023, CTA members covered by a different Disability insurance plan have a special opportunity to apply for CTA-endorsed Disability from Standard Insurance Company without answering health questions. Before applying, members should compare their current plan with the CTA-endorsed plan to understand how any differences may impact their personal situation. 

CTA-endorsed Disability insurance includes additional benefits at no additional cost. Learn more by watching this short video. Watch video.

Compare plans or learn how to switch coverage at standard.com/cta/portover.

For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, benefit waiting periods and any reductions or limitations and the terms under which the policy may be continued in force, please contact Standard Insurance Company at 800.522.0406.  
GP190-LTD/S399/CTA.1  

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REMINDER: Register now for CTA Member Benefits Pre-Conference at New Educator Weekend (North)!

Come early on Friday for a special pre-conference at New Educator Weekend (North)

From your local association to the CTA and NEA, our union grows stronger as we unite. With a membership of 310,000 across the state and 3 million nationally, the CTA and NEA offer a diverse range of valuable union-endorsed benefits that come with your membership.

Explore the highlights of our most sought-after Member Benefits programs, encompassing discounts on shopping and travel, optional insurance packages, aid for relieving student debt, retirement plan, financial services, coverage for Educators Employment Liability (EEL), assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund, and more! These exclusive CTA and NEA Member Benefits are tailor-made for educators. As members become familiar with these programs, they discover newfound enthusiasm in uncovering additional ways through which their membership can serve as a solution to various personal and financial requirements.

• Stronger Together – Your Essential Guide to CTA/NEA Member Benefits
• CTA Stronger Together:  Building Wealth for a Successful Retirement

We are providing release time for the pre-conference, which means CTA Member Benefits will reimburse your employer for your substitute on Friday, November 3rd, 2023 to assist with your availability to attend. Be sure to request release time and provide the necessary information when registering. 

The Friday Pre-Conference is FREE to attend, and space is limited so don’t wait. Register today!

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Special enrollment opportunity for new hires and district transfers for CTA-endorsed Disability and Life insurance

[Note to Chapter Leaders: If you choose to use this article for your newsletter or website, please use the article in its entirety and do not alter the text in any way other than to change the capitalization, typeface or point size to meet your publication's style guidelines.]

Newly hired educators and education support professionals have a limited-time special opportunity to apply for CTA-endorsed Disability insurance and up to $400,000 in Life insurance¹ from Standard Insurance Company without having to answer any health questions. The Standard is the only CTA-endorsed provider for Disability and Life insurance.

• Disability insurance can help protect CTA members’ paychecks if they’re unable to work due to an injury, illness (including mental health conditions) pregnancy or childbirth. They’ll receive funds paid directly to them to use for things health insurance doesn’t cover. Benefits can be used for rent, mortgage, groceries, student loans and more.  Where health insurance pays your doctor, Disability insurance pays you.
• Life insurance helps protect CTA members’ loved ones in the event of their passing. They’ll also get access to additional features you can use now.

District Transfer? CTA members who previously had coverage with The Standard must re-apply to continue coverage at their new district as coverage doesn't automatically transfer.

Members must apply within 270 days from starting their new job.

Learn more or apply at standard.com/cta/newhire.

1 Coverage reduces to 65% of the amount in force at age 70, 45% of the amount in force at age 75 and 30% of the amount in force at age 80. Offer not available to retirees.

For costs and further details of the coverage and this enrollment opportunity, including the exclusions, benefit waiting periods, and reductions or limitations and the terms under which the policies may be continued in force, please contact Standard Insurance Company at 800.522.0406. GP190-LTD/S399/CTA.1    GP190-LIFE/S399/CTA.3

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The CTA 403(b) Retirement Plan for Educators

Dive into the benefits of the CTA 403(b) retirement plan designed for educators. Whether you're a new educator or transitioning between districts, this video guides you through the importance of supplementing your state pension, the flexibility of a 403(b), and how to set up your account with the California Teachers Association. Your path to a secure retirement starts here!

We have provided a short video about the CTA 403(b) program and an email template that you can share with your leaders.

Dear [New Hire First Name],

On behalf of the [Local Union Name] and all its members, I extend a heartfelt welcome to you as you begin your journey with [School District. As President of the Union, I am personally thrilled to see new faces with fresh perspectives, and I have no doubt that your expertise and passion will contribute greatly to our educational community.

Here at [Local Union Name], we are committed to supporting our members in every possible way. Our mission is to ensure that you have the tools, resources, and community support you need to thrive in your new role.

Retirement and 403(b) Video

I encourage you to take advantage of the benefits and resources that the union has to offer. One of those benefits is a great 403(b) program from the California Teachers Association (CTA).  It is a low-cost, high benefit program. 

Here is a short video about the CTA 403(b) program for new hires like yourself.  There are many 403(b) programs available to you, but this is the only one endorsed by CTA.

If you have any questions about the CTA 403(b), CTA has dedicated fiduciary advisors to assist you.  Please contact them here:

Telephone: 916.235.9800

Email: team@ctaretirementplan.org

Once again, welcome to the [Local Union] family, and congratulations on this new chapter in your career. I look forward to meeting you in person and working together for the betterment of our educational community.

Wishing you all the best in your endeavors,

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
President, [Local Union Name]

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