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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.