Question 1

What is PCACT?

Accepted Answer

The Putnam City Association of Classroom Teachers (PCACT) is the professional organization that represents and advocates for certified educators in Putnam City Schools. PCACT works to protect employee rights, negotiate working conditions, provide professional support, keep members informed, and give educators a collective voice in district and state education issues. PCACT is affiliated with the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) and the National Education Association (NEA).

Question 2

Why do teachers join PCACT?

Accepted Answer

Teachers join PCACT for many reasons, including:

Professional representation and advocacy
Contract negotiations and workplace protections
Access to legal and professional support when needed
Liability insurance provided through OEA/NEA membership
Professional development opportunities
Legislative advocacy at the district, state and national levels
A network of colleagues committed to supporting public education
Access to member scholarships, grants, and leadership opportunities

Most importantly, PCACT gives educators a collective voice. Many workplace improvements happen because educators work together through their association.

Question 3

What is the difference between PCACT, OEA, and NEA?

Accepted Answer

Your membership connects you to three levels of support:

PCACT – Local representation and advocacy in Putnam City
OEA – Statewide professional organization and advocacy
NEA – National professional organization and member benefits

Together, these organizations provide support at the local, state, and national levels.

Question 4

Who should I contact if I have questions during my first year?

Accepted Answer

Start with:Your site administrator for building-specific procedures.Your assigned mentor teacher (if applicable).Your PCACT Building Representative for questions about the contract, professional rights, or association membership.Any member of the PCACT Executive Committee.No question is too small. Most experienced educators remember exactly what it was like to be new.

Question 5

What happens if I need help?

Accepted Answer

If you have a concern, question, or workplace issue, your first point of contact is usually your Building Representative. Building Representatives are trained to help members understand the basics of policies, procedures, and contract language.If additional assistance is needed, your representative can connect you with members of the PCACT  Executive Committee, OEA staff, or legal resources when appropriate.You do not have to navigate difficult situations alone. PCACT exists to support members through both everyday questions and more complex concerns.

Question 6

Who is my Building Representative?

Accepted Answer

Every school site should have one or more PCACT Building Representatives.

Your Building Representative can:

Answer basic questions about the Negotiated Agreement
Explain basic district policies and procedures
Share association updates
Help connect you with additional resources
Advocate for concerns raised by members

A current list of Building Representatives can be found on the PCACT website.

Question 7

What is the Negotiated Agreement?

Accepted Answer

The Negotiated Agreement is the contract between PCACT and Putnam City Schools that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for certified educators. It is also referred to as the Contract.  Check out the Resources tab to view.

It includes information about:

Salary schedules
Leave provisions
Evaluations
Transfers
Work expectations
Professional rights and responsibilities

All teachers are encouraged to review the agreement early in their employment and again at the start of each school year.

Question 8

What does PCACT negotiate?

Accepted Answer

Negotiated items may include:

Salary Schedules and Extra Duty stipends amounts
Step raises - yearly increases to Teacher Salary Schedule
Insurance and benefits
Leave policies
Workload and planning time
Class size concerns
Evaluation procedures
Transfers and assignments
Professional responsibilities
Other working conditions that affect educators

Not every issue is negotiable under Oklahoma law, but PCACT works to advocate for educators on all matters affecting the profession.

Question 9

How do negotiations work?

Accepted Answer

PCACT serves as the exclusive bargaining representative for certified educators in Putnam City.

The negotiations process typically includes:

Teacher  Input – Teachers complete surveys in the Spring and share concerns throughout the year.
Committee Review – The Negotiations Committee reviews member priorities and develops proposals.
Negotiations Team Meetings – PCACT representatives meet with district representatives to discuss proposals.
Tentative Agreements – Items agreed upon during negotiations are compiled into a tentative agreement and these results are announced at Convocation at the beginning of the school year.
Member Review and Ratification – Members vote on proposed agreements.
Board Approval – Final agreements are presented for to the Putnam City School Board for approval approval according to Oklahoma law and district procedures.

The negotiations process is driven by member input and guided by the goal of improving compensation, benefits, working conditions, and professional support for educators.

Question 10

Do I have to be a PCACT member to receive negotiated benefits?

Accepted Answer

The negotiated agreement applies to all certified educators covered by the bargaining unit in Putnam City. However, PCACT members are the individuals who direct, fund, and participate in the work of negotiating and enforcing that agreement.

Membership also provides access to additional benefits, protections, representation, professional resources, and opportunities that are not available through the district.

Question 11

How can I become involved?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to participate:

Wear your PCACT T-shirt
Attend PCACT meetings and events
Serve as a Building Representative
Join a committee
Participate in advocacy efforts
Attend professional development opportunities
Run for a leadership position
Volunteer for special projects

PCACT is strongest when members are actively engaged.

Question 12

What is Civication?

Accepted Answer

Civication is an exciting opportunity for members to connect with state lawmakers and make a difference in Oklahoma public education.  There are opportunities to meet with lawmakers in your home districts or go to the Capitol during the legislative session.  Find out more about OEA's Civication here.

Question 13

Does PCACT provide liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your membership includes $1 million in civil liability insurance, and $35,000 in criminal liability. Also, you receive $1,000 in accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, plus an additional $4,000 if the accident occurs on the job.  Check out more Member Benefits.

Question 14

If I need a lawyer, can my PCACT membership help?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Personal Legal Services Program (PLSP) is a legal service benefit that covers you not only as a professional, but also as an individual.  It is provided to all PCACT/OEA members, their spouses, and their dependent children and offers a variety of legal services for free or at discounted rates. Check out Member Benefits.

Question 15

Can PCACT help if I am on an emergency certification or alternative certification pathway?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. PCACT represents educators regardless of how they entered the profession. New teachers, alternatively certified teachers, emergency certified teachers and experienced educators all benefit from professional support, advocacy, and mentorship opportunities.

Question 16

I still have questions. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to your Building Representative, a PCACT Executive Committee Member, or use the Contact Us information at the bottom of each page on the website. We are always happy to help and connect you with the information you need.

Putnam City Association
of Classroom Teachers

Frequently Asked Questions