The beginning of school can be a hectic time for all us, so VVTA would like to pass on some friendly reminders.

Class size The first two weeks of school your class sizes are going to be huge. Remember that the district has 10 school days to level class sizes as per the contract. High school teachers should not exceed 180 students per day or 40 students per class. Junior high teachers should not exceed 204 students per day or 38 per class. Exceptions to these rules are PE shall not exceed 45:1, RSP caseload is 28:1, SDC & SED class sizes and caseloads are 20:1.

Adjunct Duty Time Teachers may be asked to work an additional 24 hours per school year. These hours include staff/department meetings, back-to school night, supervision of student activities, and other required time outside the duty day. At some sites, teachers sign up for these hours at the beginning of the year. Remember to keep track of your hours.

Evaluations Within the first 30 work days, your goals and objectives for your classes must be written and submitted to administration. These goals and objectives will be discussed and mutually agreed upon between yourself and administration. Probationary teachers should be evaluated no later than 45 contracted days after the start of school and tenured teachers should be evaluated no later than 60 contracted days. Within 10 days of being evaluated, administration will discuss your evaluation. If you are in agreement, sign the evaluation and get a copy. If you are not in agreement, you have an opportunity to attach written clarification to the evaluation within 10 working days. See contract for further information.

Grievances If any language guaranteed by your contract is broken, you need to contact a VVTA Site Representative and begin the grievance process. It is imperative that you notify VVTA when the contract has been broken in any way. Please do not do other than our contract specifies. When you do other than what the contract specifies then what you are saying is that it is the contract has no meaning. Our contract is designed to protect all of us! Your Union is here to help and protect you! Please contact your Site Representative in any situation that may go against our contract.

What to do until help arrives. Every teacher has the right to representation any time he/she faces administration concerning job-related incidents. The following tips can serve as a "first-aid kit" to protect one’s rights until help can arrive.

Don’t Resign. Once you do, you loose your rights.

Don’t Sign Anything Under Pressure. Politely refuse and indicate you need more time.

Get it in Writing. Any agreements with the district should be written.

Contact VVTA. Involve VVTA immediately with any digressions of the contract.

VVTA is here to Help and Protect You!