NEA Travel and Discounts
Dear CTA Members,
Greetings! Spring is upon us and, hopefully, we all can look forward to better weather, some R&R, and holiday celebrations with family and friends!
But first things first! Every member should do these three things immediately:
Visit www.neamb.com/connect on your cell phones and scroll down to the 5th box, “Get $500 NEA Travel Dollars.” You will need to register and/or sign on our website using a non-school e-mail address, and then you will then be able to access the NEA Travel Program and discounts on car rentals, hotels, cruises, and guided tours as well as great information on how to stretch your travel budget. In addition, check out the NEA Discount Tickets Program if you’re planning on visiting Disneyland, or attending a sporting event or show.
NEA Member Benefits recognizes that members have endured unprecedented challenges and pressures over the past two years due to the pandemic and adverse social events. We’ve heard from members that they are looking for resources and solutions when it comes to mental health issues. We want to remind you that there is an excellent support tool available to help members cope with stress and anxiety: the NEA Mental Health Program App. Many free resources are provided by this tool, as well as options for affordable group and individual counseling. NEA MB is excited to announce that the NEA Members Insurance Trust will pay for the first year of premium Sanvello membership and you can sign-up by clicking here.
Finally, Spring, known as the growing season is a time when we can focus on continuing to grow our community by sharing the benefits of NEA membership with potential members. Whether it's access to exclusive member discounts, professional development opportunities, or advocacy efforts on behalf of educators, there are many reasons why someone might consider becoming an NEA member. By sharing these benefits with others, we can help them make an informed decision about joining our community. Ask at least one colleague to join the local association today!
Visit www.neamb.com/connect to explore all the NEA Member Benefits available to you.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Many thanks,
Sean
Sean L. Mabey
Affiliate Relations Specialist
California & Utah
Greetings! Spring is upon us and, hopefully, we all can look forward to better weather, some R&R, and holiday celebrations with family and friends!
But first things first! Every member should do these three things immediately:
- Visit www.neamb.com/connect: This is the gateway to all your Association benefits.
- Click the BLUE “Register Now” link on the page so you’ll be recognized to receive special discounts and important benefits information. (If you’ve already registered, proceed to Step 3.)
- Name your beneficiary for your no-cost, Complimentary Life Insurance: Click the “Register Your Beneficiary” button.
Visit www.neamb.com/connect on your cell phones and scroll down to the 5th box, “Get $500 NEA Travel Dollars.” You will need to register and/or sign on our website using a non-school e-mail address, and then you will then be able to access the NEA Travel Program and discounts on car rentals, hotels, cruises, and guided tours as well as great information on how to stretch your travel budget. In addition, check out the NEA Discount Tickets Program if you’re planning on visiting Disneyland, or attending a sporting event or show.
NEA Member Benefits recognizes that members have endured unprecedented challenges and pressures over the past two years due to the pandemic and adverse social events. We’ve heard from members that they are looking for resources and solutions when it comes to mental health issues. We want to remind you that there is an excellent support tool available to help members cope with stress and anxiety: the NEA Mental Health Program App. Many free resources are provided by this tool, as well as options for affordable group and individual counseling. NEA MB is excited to announce that the NEA Members Insurance Trust will pay for the first year of premium Sanvello membership and you can sign-up by clicking here.
Finally, Spring, known as the growing season is a time when we can focus on continuing to grow our community by sharing the benefits of NEA membership with potential members. Whether it's access to exclusive member discounts, professional development opportunities, or advocacy efforts on behalf of educators, there are many reasons why someone might consider becoming an NEA member. By sharing these benefits with others, we can help them make an informed decision about joining our community. Ask at least one colleague to join the local association today!
Visit www.neamb.com/connect to explore all the NEA Member Benefits available to you.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Many thanks,
Sean
Sean L. Mabey
Affiliate Relations Specialist
California & Utah

2022-2023 NEA MB Programs and Services via connect |
Notice of NEA MB Disaster Relief Program Activation for California
California Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4683-CA)
www.fema.gov/disaster/4683<https://url.avanan.click/v2/___http:/www.fema.gov/disaster/4683___.YXAzOmN0YTphOm86NjE4M2U4M2I0ZTg1MzM1NTlhNDliYmVjNjg1MDdhMDc6Njo5OWM3OjIzYjlhMTUxZmQ3ZjU4ZWIwZTk0YmQ4YWYwYTY3YTFmYmU3MWIzMjRlOTY5NmNjNmRjNDU5Yjk3Mjg0M2E1YzA6aDpG>
This notice is to inform you that, effective January 14, 2023, NEA Member Benefits has activated its Disaster Relief Program (DRP) in response to a FEMA-declared major disaster for incident period December 22, 2022 and continuing, and affecting the following California counties: Merced, Sacramento, and Santa Cruz.
NEA MB and its business partners stand ready to assist by providing resources to affected members and affiliates, and special accommodations to NEA member-participants in NEA MB programs.
A specially designed DRP Web page at www.neamb.com/disaster-assistance.htm<https://url.avanan.click/v2/___http:/www.neamb.com/disaster-assistance.htm___.YXAzOmN0YTphOm86NjE4M2U4M2I0ZTg1MzM1NTlhNDliYmVjNjg1MDdhMDc6Njo1NTY3OjI2MWQ3MGJjN2E1YzJiOWFkYmQzNmMyM2YyYTIyYTIyZGE1MzEwOWQ5YTU0NjljZDIyNGFmZDBlOGQ3MjhmNjY6aDpG> provides details about the resources and accommodations available to affected members.
Your NEA Member Benefits Affiliate Relations Specialist will serve as your liaison during disaster recovery and provide important data and information that will benefit your Affiliate and your members.
If you have any questions about the Disaster Relief Program or assistance available, please contact Kimberley Adams, Senior Director of Affiliate Relations, at kadams@neamb.com<mailto:kadams@neamb.com> or 301-527-6243.
www.fema.gov/disaster/4683<https://url.avanan.click/v2/___http:/www.fema.gov/disaster/4683___.YXAzOmN0YTphOm86NjE4M2U4M2I0ZTg1MzM1NTlhNDliYmVjNjg1MDdhMDc6Njo5OWM3OjIzYjlhMTUxZmQ3ZjU4ZWIwZTk0YmQ4YWYwYTY3YTFmYmU3MWIzMjRlOTY5NmNjNmRjNDU5Yjk3Mjg0M2E1YzA6aDpG>
This notice is to inform you that, effective January 14, 2023, NEA Member Benefits has activated its Disaster Relief Program (DRP) in response to a FEMA-declared major disaster for incident period December 22, 2022 and continuing, and affecting the following California counties: Merced, Sacramento, and Santa Cruz.
NEA MB and its business partners stand ready to assist by providing resources to affected members and affiliates, and special accommodations to NEA member-participants in NEA MB programs.
A specially designed DRP Web page at www.neamb.com/disaster-assistance.htm<https://url.avanan.click/v2/___http:/www.neamb.com/disaster-assistance.htm___.YXAzOmN0YTphOm86NjE4M2U4M2I0ZTg1MzM1NTlhNDliYmVjNjg1MDdhMDc6Njo1NTY3OjI2MWQ3MGJjN2E1YzJiOWFkYmQzNmMyM2YyYTIyYTIyZGE1MzEwOWQ5YTU0NjljZDIyNGFmZDBlOGQ3MjhmNjY6aDpG> provides details about the resources and accommodations available to affected members.
Your NEA Member Benefits Affiliate Relations Specialist will serve as your liaison during disaster recovery and provide important data and information that will benefit your Affiliate and your members.
If you have any questions about the Disaster Relief Program or assistance available, please contact Kimberley Adams, Senior Director of Affiliate Relations, at kadams@neamb.com<mailto:kadams@neamb.com> or 301-527-6243.
CTA Statement on Passage of COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave
See CTA's statement re: legislature Passes Bill providing COVID Sick leave relief.
www.cta.org/press-release/cta-statement-on-passage-of-covid-19-supplemental-paid-sick-leave
www.cta.org/press-release/cta-statement-on-passage-of-covid-19-supplemental-paid-sick-leave
Teachers can deduct out-of-pocket classroom expenses including COVID-19 protective items
As you return to the classrooms, many teachers have purchased classroom supplies, including COVID-19 protective items, out of your own pockets to keep our student safe.
The IRS has issued COVID Tax Tip 2021-169 on November 16, 2021, for eligible educators who may be able to offset qualified expenses they paid in 2021 when they file their tax return in 2022.
See attachment for additional information.
The IRS has issued COVID Tax Tip 2021-169 on November 16, 2021, for eligible educators who may be able to offset qualified expenses they paid in 2021 when they file their tax return in 2022.
See attachment for additional information.

Out of Pocket Classroom expenses |
CTA - What you should know about Leaves & Reasonable Accommodations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many CTA members have questions about their workplace rights regarding medical leave, family leave, reasonable accommodations for disabilities, underlying health conditions, and similar matters. This document summarizes various sources of leave-related legal rights that might be available to California school employees who have concerns abut their ability to work due to COVID-19.

CTA COVID-19 Leaves Accommodation Information Sheet |
Information from Suzanne Reilly, the Standard Representative
I'm excited to share with you details about the new Summer Benefit1 - an exclusive benefit that gives CTA members extra protection during the months of June and July. It's included at no additional cost for eligible CTA members enrolled in CTA-endorsed Voluntary Disability insurance. I've also included links to a flyer and video you can share with your chapter members about this exciting new benefit.
Suzanne Reilly
Your Voluntary Benefits Consultant
916.292.1595
Suzanne.Reilly@standard.com
Schedule an individual virtual appointment
The Standard
Chapter Leader Update
April 2023
TO KNOW
Introducing the New Summer Benefit
for CTA Members
Summer brings us some great things - barbecues, popsicles and summer fruit cobblers. And now, CTA members can add the new Summer Benefit1 from CTA to the list. This exclusive benefit gives CTA members enrolled in CTA-endorsed Disability insurance extra protection during the months of June and July for Disabilities that occur on or after September 1, 2022 - even if they're not scheduled to work!
Summer Benefit Highlights
Included at no additional cost for CTA members enrolled in
CTA-endorsed Disability insurance.
Members must meet the definition of Disability any time between June 1 and July 31 of any benefit year for Disabilities occurring on or after September 1, 2022.
No benefit waiting period.
That's it! It's summer and things should be easy!
TO SHARE
Summer Benefit Flyer and
Extra Disability Benefits Video
Here's a flyer you can download about the new Summer Benefit. I've also included a link to our new video about the extra benefits (including Summer Benefit) that CTA members get at no additional cost with CTA-endorsed Voluntary Disability insurance.
If you need content for your chapter newsletters or social media,
Download
the flyer
Watch and
share video
1 Summer Benefit if offered by CTA to eligible members who meet the Definition of Disability with a Disability date on or after 9/1/2022 who meet additional specific criteria. Summer Benefit is only payable during the calendar moths of June and July, for up to two Benefit Years for each instance of qualifying Disability. Summer Benefit is not provided under the Voluntary Disability insurance policy. CTA provides this benefit at no extra cost and The Standard acts only as the claims administrator of this benefit.
For costs and further details of the coverage offered by Standard Insurance Company, 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-LTD/S399/CTA.1 SI-23409 CTAvol (3/23)
Legal/Privacy
Suzanne Reilly
Your Voluntary Benefits Consultant
916.292.1595
Suzanne.Reilly@standard.com
Schedule an individual virtual appointment
Suzanne Reilly
Your Voluntary Benefits Consultant
916.292.1595
Suzanne.Reilly@standard.com
Schedule an individual virtual appointment
The Standard
Chapter Leader Update
April 2023
TO KNOW
Introducing the New Summer Benefit
for CTA Members
Summer brings us some great things - barbecues, popsicles and summer fruit cobblers. And now, CTA members can add the new Summer Benefit1 from CTA to the list. This exclusive benefit gives CTA members enrolled in CTA-endorsed Disability insurance extra protection during the months of June and July for Disabilities that occur on or after September 1, 2022 - even if they're not scheduled to work!
Summer Benefit Highlights
Included at no additional cost for CTA members enrolled in
CTA-endorsed Disability insurance.
Members must meet the definition of Disability any time between June 1 and July 31 of any benefit year for Disabilities occurring on or after September 1, 2022.
No benefit waiting period.
That's it! It's summer and things should be easy!
TO SHARE
Summer Benefit Flyer and
Extra Disability Benefits Video
Here's a flyer you can download about the new Summer Benefit. I've also included a link to our new video about the extra benefits (including Summer Benefit) that CTA members get at no additional cost with CTA-endorsed Voluntary Disability insurance.
If you need content for your chapter newsletters or social media,
Download
the flyer
Watch and
share video
1 Summer Benefit if offered by CTA to eligible members who meet the Definition of Disability with a Disability date on or after 9/1/2022 who meet additional specific criteria. Summer Benefit is only payable during the calendar moths of June and July, for up to two Benefit Years for each instance of qualifying Disability. Summer Benefit is not provided under the Voluntary Disability insurance policy. CTA provides this benefit at no extra cost and The Standard acts only as the claims administrator of this benefit.
For costs and further details of the coverage offered by Standard Insurance Company, 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-LTD/S399/CTA.1 SI-23409 CTAvol (3/23)
Legal/Privacy
Suzanne Reilly
Your Voluntary Benefits Consultant
916.292.1595
Suzanne.Reilly@standard.com
Schedule an individual virtual appointment
Information from Dave Koop , Dental Dental Representative
Hello and welcome to the month of April!
This April, help your employees learn about the link between stress and oral health. Just copy and paste the message below to share by email or on your intranet. Delta Dental’s wellness resources let you offer relevant content all year round.
__________________________________________________________________
Reduce stress for your mood and your mouth.
For National Stress Awareness Month this April, discover how stress and dental wellness are connected, and explore ways to beat your worries and enjoy better health.
Member flyer: What You Need to Know About TMJ (EF75)
Please let me know if there’s anything we can do to support you, your team, and the membership that you represent
Dave Koop | Account Manager – Account Services Department | dkoop@delta.org
559-545-5117 | CA Lic #OK15317
Delta Dental of California
We keep you smiling® | deltadentalins.com
This April, help your employees learn about the link between stress and oral health. Just copy and paste the message below to share by email or on your intranet. Delta Dental’s wellness resources let you offer relevant content all year round.
__________________________________________________________________
Reduce stress for your mood and your mouth.
For National Stress Awareness Month this April, discover how stress and dental wellness are connected, and explore ways to beat your worries and enjoy better health.
Member flyer: What You Need to Know About TMJ (EF75)
Please let me know if there’s anything we can do to support you, your team, and the membership that you represent
Dave Koop | Account Manager – Account Services Department | dkoop@delta.org
559-545-5117 | CA Lic #OK15317
Delta Dental of California
We keep you smiling® | deltadentalins.com
Remote Learning Considerations
This information is being provided by the Merced/Mariposa CTA Staff, Paul Chambers and Kara Hoines

MMTUC Remote Learning Considerations |
Resources from CTA
With all the different emails full of CTA resources to support members, a short video to lay out the different ways CTA is supporting members beyond the bargaining table.
https://calta-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/kortloff_cta_org/ESA_MjJgWe5Gl40zzgQ5fxsB7dR1Kkv6VmY5t8F8SHEHuw?e=cWdfrV
Resources listed in the video:
1. Self-care information: see the attachment for self-care strategies and resources for educators who are working from home
2. Connecting members:
* For the latest statements and notifications affecting education, from state and federal mandates, to special sections for members, retirees, parents and more, click https://californiaeducator.org/2020/03/16/schools-coronavirus-what-you-should-know-2/
* Join the CTA Teaching, Learning and Life during COVID-19 Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctacovid19
3. Professional development:
* CTA’s webinar on Best Practices for Virtual Teaching that is available at: www.tinyurl.com/VirtualBest-Practices-Home<http://www.tinyurl.com/VirtualBest-Practices-Home>
* The planning sheet for Special Education and Related Services During Distance/Independent Learning is attached. This helpful form is based on guidance from the federal government, in some cases addendums, distance learning plans, or individual learning plans, will need to be created to be added to the IEP. In many cases, there will not be a need to change the IEP. Special Ed teachers should work with their peers to ensure that general ed teachers are able to provide the accommodations in the IEP. In other cases, IEP teams may need to decide if services need to be made up after school resumes. These are all case-by-case situations. We also know that it will more than likely not be possible for students in full-time special education to receive the same amount of hours via online/distance learning or independent instruction.
See additional information attached.
https://calta-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/kortloff_cta_org/ESA_MjJgWe5Gl40zzgQ5fxsB7dR1Kkv6VmY5t8F8SHEHuw?e=cWdfrV
Resources listed in the video:
1. Self-care information: see the attachment for self-care strategies and resources for educators who are working from home
2. Connecting members:
* For the latest statements and notifications affecting education, from state and federal mandates, to special sections for members, retirees, parents and more, click https://californiaeducator.org/2020/03/16/schools-coronavirus-what-you-should-know-2/
* Join the CTA Teaching, Learning and Life during COVID-19 Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctacovid19
3. Professional development:
* CTA’s webinar on Best Practices for Virtual Teaching that is available at: www.tinyurl.com/VirtualBest-Practices-Home<http://www.tinyurl.com/VirtualBest-Practices-Home>
* The planning sheet for Special Education and Related Services During Distance/Independent Learning is attached. This helpful form is based on guidance from the federal government, in some cases addendums, distance learning plans, or individual learning plans, will need to be created to be added to the IEP. In many cases, there will not be a need to change the IEP. Special Ed teachers should work with their peers to ensure that general ed teachers are able to provide the accommodations in the IEP. In other cases, IEP teams may need to decide if services need to be made up after school resumes. These are all case-by-case situations. We also know that it will more than likely not be possible for students in full-time special education to receive the same amount of hours via online/distance learning or independent instruction.
See additional information attached.
![]()
![]()
|
![]()
|
the Standard message to CTA members
I wanted to share a website that members that might call in to obtain additional detail on the virus and disability.
Also wanted to assure the members that we are fully staffed, and tested our ability to work from our homes. If members would like to call us, they can contact us M-F 7am-6pm, 800-522-0406
We have modified The Standard’s external messaging to be more specific to CTA members and leaders. You may share the following link:
the.standard.com/cta/covid-19/
If chapter leaders wish to host a open enrollment to potentially get the members covered, we are providing for those without hosting in prior 2-3 years and we have the ability to enroll them online- or by text messaging. Same contract requirements apply.
Thank you. Have a great week. Be safe.
Suzanne Reilly
Also wanted to assure the members that we are fully staffed, and tested our ability to work from our homes. If members would like to call us, they can contact us M-F 7am-6pm, 800-522-0406
We have modified The Standard’s external messaging to be more specific to CTA members and leaders. You may share the following link:
the.standard.com/cta/covid-19/
If chapter leaders wish to host a open enrollment to potentially get the members covered, we are providing for those without hosting in prior 2-3 years and we have the ability to enroll them online- or by text messaging. Same contract requirements apply.
Thank you. Have a great week. Be safe.
Suzanne Reilly
CTA Guide to School Safety
School District Responsibilities
Prohibitions Against Violence & Disruption
Educator's Rights and Responsibilities
The CTA Traumatic Event Assistance and Management Cadre is responsible for assisting CTA Chapters and members when an event occurs in a school community of such magnitude as to have the potential to create severe trauma in a substantial number of members. Affected teachers should contact their local Association leaders and/or their CTA Chapter Services Consultant for assistance.
Prohibitions Against Violence & Disruption
Educator's Rights and Responsibilities
The CTA Traumatic Event Assistance and Management Cadre is responsible for assisting CTA Chapters and members when an event occurs in a school community of such magnitude as to have the potential to create severe trauma in a substantial number of members. Affected teachers should contact their local Association leaders and/or their CTA Chapter Services Consultant for assistance.

Guide to School Safety |
Stroke Symptoms: Women vs. Men
Men and women share a common set of stroke symptoms. But women also can experience more subtle warning signs.
See attachment for additional information.
See attachment for additional information.

Stroke Symptoms |
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
CTA Members Only
Handy access to deals, discounts and more.
For more information go to www.CTAMemberBenefits.org or contact CTA Member Benefits at 650-552-5200.
See attachment for additional information
For more information go to www.CTAMemberBenefits.org or contact CTA Member Benefits at 650-552-5200.
See attachment for additional information

CTA Member Benefits contact list |
Central Valley Leadership Conference 2018

The Merced/Mariposa Teachers UniServ and Service Center Council held the 2018 Central Valley Leadership Conference on September 13 & 14, 2018. This conference was held in Los Banos and Merced. We know that our local teachers are always continuing their education. #Union Strong