Hernando Classroom Teachers' Association

Taking Action for Our Schools, Our Community

Our students and community need strong, vibrant public schools. We know that teachers' voices can make the difference in ensuring that the resources are available to meet every student's individual needs. That's why we are shining a light on the achievements in our classrooms and the work and challenges associated with them. The narrative of Hernando's public schools belongs to all of us, and in order for the truth to be known, we need to be the ones telling our stories!

Fund Our Future, Hernando

As a statewide teacher shortage grows, our professional association is advocating for meaningful changes in state and local policies that directly impact our classrooms. Fund Our Future is an ongoing campaign to recruit and retain teachers, promote student success, and invest in our neighborhood public schools. Here in Hernando County we support local efforts to supplement state and federal funding to ensure competitive wages for educators, expand academic opportunities and increase career paths for students, and to provide the classrooms needed to support a rapidly expanding population. Together, we are proudly speaking up and speaking out for our neighborhood public schools -- and the students educated in them!

From Chalkboards to AI: A Teacher’s 65-Year Journey

On her very first day of student teaching at Linden Avenue Middle School in Red Hook, N.Y., Martha Strever pushed, pulled and pounded on the school’s door, which was locked. No one came. Where was everybody? It was, after all, the first day of school.

It turned out everybody was exactly where they were supposed to be: inside, having entered through the school’s front entrance. Strever had been knocking on a side door. Flustered but undeterred, she not only found her way inside, she also found her life’s calling.

Labor Day 2025 - A Celebration of Our Collective Voice

BROOKSVILLE, FL -- August 29, 2025

This Labor Day, HCTA wants to take a moment to reflect on what this day truly represents—not just a long weekend, but a powerful tribute to the dignity of work and the strength of collective action.

For us, Labor Day is a celebration of every educator who shows up with passion, resilience, and commitment. It’s a reminder that our work matters—not only in the classroom, but in shaping the future of our communities. It’s also a time to honor the generations of workers who fought for the rights we now defend: fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.

As your union, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. We continue their legacy by advocating for respect, fair treatment and the resources we need to thrive—not just survive. Whether you're a longtime member or just joining us, know this: our strength lies in our unity. Together, we amplify our voices and protect the profession we love.

This Labor Day weekend, let’s celebrate not just the work we do, but the power we hold when we stand together. Thank you for everything you do—for your students, your colleagues, and your community.

2025 HCTA STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Deadline is April 7th, 2025!

Any member with a child or children graduating high school in 2025 may submit an application.

In order for your child/children to qualify you must have been a member of HCTA from January 2024.

Scholarship documents may be downloaded here:

Applications can either be mailed to the HCTA office at the address supplied on the

Hurricane Relief Hits Hernando County

This December HCTA was excited to be able to distribute Hurricane Relief funds from the National Education Association and Florida Education Association to individuals that responded to calls to assit members signfigantly impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Additionally, members of HCTA made donations to a solidarity fund which were distriuted directly to their HCTA colleagues immediately after the storms. We are excited to be able to help our members in their time of need. Happy New Year from HCTA!

This year’s ballot will put Hernando voters’ commitment to public education to the test. Not only will we see new school board members elected, but a number of ballot initiatives and referenda will shape the operations of our schools for years to come.

In the August 20th primary, EVERY voter—regardless of party affiliation—will weigh in on school board District 4. Hernando Classroom Teachers' Association vetted all candidates for school board and has endorsed Gregg Laskoski.

The November 5th general election puts both Hernando school funding referenda in front of voters alongside the local referendum which seeks to move Hernando to an elected Superintendent and the statewide constitutional amendment to move school board races from nonpartisan to partisan contests beginning in 2026.

To say that this year’s election is of great consequence to our community would certainly be an understatement! It won’t be enough to simply ensure HCTA members are informed and participate in this election cycle; we must take steps to ensure all of Hernando’s public schools’ supporters are informed and participating!

HCTA's Government Relations Committee is seeking volunteers to participate in voter outreach and member-to-member GOTV activities. Please reach out to Adam Maternowski or Jason Daly for more information.

10/23/23 Bargaining Update

In an abbreviated bargaining session, the parties reached agreement on increasing the Board match for health insurance for the 2024 calendar year. The District will provide an additional $53.06 each month, bringing the total monthly contribution to $735.10 for employee insurance. This improvement covers increases to the "Employee Only" premiums for all plans and will ensure that more of this year's negotiated salary improvements remain in our members' pockets!

The agreement will be brought to the unit for ratification in November.

TA #8 - Article XVI - Insurance