Many of OCTA's programs, services, and benefits are delivered through its committees. The OCTA President appoints committee Chairpersons. Committee members are teachers who volunteer their time to assist their colleagues through committee work. Each committee is assigned an Organizational Consultant who assists and advises committee members and helps coordinate all committee activities.
Committee activities are determined by the Goals and Objectives of the Association. The Goals and Objectives, with their related activities for the current school year, are approved by the Building Representatives.
Budget and Finance Committee
Chaired by the OCTA Treasurer, this committee has the task of budgeting your dues money. The OCTA Budget is reviewed yearly and an accurate accounting and budgeting procedure must be followed. Program goals must be considered as well as monetary priorities set to fulfill these goals.
Calendar
This group works jointly with representatives from the school board to formulate ideas for the school calendar. The committee takes suggestions from the teachers and presents a report to the school board prior to their adoption of the calendar.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee
As a democratic organization grows and changes, the documents by which it is governed must change. Constitution and Bylaws Committee reviews the Association's governance documents each year and suggests changes that will make the Association work more efficiently.
This committee helps your Association by making sure the governing structure and rules are efficient, workable, and most importantly, have membership input in the decision making process.
Government Relations Committee
Legislation affects education. That's why the OCTA Government Relations Committee is so important. Liaisons are established with legislators to keep them informed of your needs as a professional educator. Prior to and during the legislative session, committee members lobby legislators about the bills that affect the profession. Pending legislation on collective bargaining, governance of the profession, school finance, or contract status is discussed fully with Osceola County's Legislative Delegation. In addition, the committee keeps tabs of each legislator's voting record, thus making them more accountable for their actions.
The Government Relations Committee may also host a reception for area legislators, and present a "Friend of Education" Award to the lawmaker who has been most responsive to the needs of education.
Grievance
The Committee is trained in contract interpretation, helps monitor the contract in each school, and helps prepare for contract negotiations with the Osceola County School Board. When a teacher files a grievance, it is this committee that reviews grievances and makes recommendations to the OCTA Building Representatives on whether or not it should be appealed to arbitration.
Instruction and Professional Development
This committee develops ideas for teachers to utilize in the classroom around the annual American Education Week and Read Across America day. The group also addresses professional issues and teacher training. They assist in mentoring teachers who are working towards earning National Board Certification.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for a year-round campaign, as well as membership maintenance throughout the school year. Committee members are available to assist the Association Representative in contacting potential members. Demonstrating a knowledgeable and persuasive manner is an important characteristic of Committee members. Keeping an accurate account of OCTA's large membership is a large task and is handled by the office Staff.
This committee helps teachers get the most for their money by addressing consumer issues. They bring in experts on financial planning and taxes for free seminars for members. And finally, this committee organizes the social events of OCTA.
Minority Affairs and Human and Civil Rights Committee
The task of this committee is to oversee OCTA's human relations program. It develops programs that deal with inter-personal and inter-group relationships, and promotes understanding, unity, and communication among all groups within the education community. The Minority Affairs Committee has the responsibility for studying, reviewing, and monitoring minority concerns. This committee assists in such activities as Minority Leadership and Women's Leadership training.
Negotiations Committee
This diverse team is selected because of their dedication to the profession, the school level represented, the subject area taught, ethnic background, and gender. Another important qualification is the ability to work well in a group. Interest, experience, and most importantly dedication to teacher rights are prime qualifications.
Public Relations Committee
The Public Relations Committee has taken on a variety of tasks related to members as well as OCTA's image in the community. The Committee is charged with exploring ways to better communicate with members .
