The Norton Teachers Association has ratified a new contract combining both the Teacher and Paraprofessionals under the same agreement! Our Association voted on this endeavor in order to bring further equity and solidarity within our Union. Throughout these negotiations, with a robust and diverse team on our side, we were able to use our shared knowledge and experience to enhance our collective voice at the table.
The victories include 7% raises for teachers with the addition of a M+75 lane and recognition for CAGS and PhD equivalent degrees, the largest raise ever for paraprofessionals bringing their entry level pay to a living wage, a Paraprofessional Mentoring Program fully supported by the District, half sick days, increases to course reimbursement, longevity pay, stipends, and coaching positions, a new Paraprofessional evaluation, and Just Cause rights for Paraprofessionals after 3 years of employment.
We took an unknown risk while putting trust in each other and are proud to be a model of how to stand united and make a change that you believe in. We listened to each other and learned the different challenges we faced, collaboratively holding true to our shared values to provide the quality of education to the community of Norton that our students and WE deserve.
September 2022