CCEA - Collier County Education Association

CCEA has made a strong impact. Thank you Gulf Coast News on this piece.

Medical emergency postpones Collier school board special session on teacher contract deadlock Medical emergency postpones Collier School Board special session on teacher contract deadlock.

Just two hours before the scheduled Legislative Hearing, the Board chose to postpone it—reportedly due to the illness of one Board member. With four members present, the Board still had a quorum and the ability to conduct business. This decision raises serious questions about priorities and respect for educators’ time.

Teachers made time to attend, and last-minute cancellations undermine trust and transparency. Respect for educators’ time should matter. Also, It’s almost May. Teachers need to be paid before the year ends.

Small world, big smiles! 😄 While attending a building meeting at Calusa Park Elementary, CCEA President Ken Mouton ran into one of his former students from 20 years ago! Proof that education—and CCEA connections—stand the test of time. 👏📚

We spent the day engaging with future legal professionals at Ave Maria Law School.

Green Bay visit

📢 Collier Educators Deserve the Truth — Not Politics.
Yesterday, the Commissioner of Education sent out a mass email, forwarded by our Superintendent, attacking “the union” and spreading misinformation. Let’s set the record straight:

👉 CCEA did NOT file any lawsuit.
The Commissioner’s message is false, misleading, and a misuse of taxpayer-funded communication channels. Instead of supporting educators, this rhetoric distracts from the real work happening in our classrooms every day.

Here’s what actually happened:
✔ A separate higher‑education union filed a legal challenge
✔ The case was later withdrawn—not lost
✔ Legal action is sometimes necessary to defend educators’ rights

Meanwhile, Collier educators continue to show up for students—teaching, caring, and creating safe learning environments despite nonstop political noise.

💪 CCEA will always stand up for you.
We’re fighting for:
• Fair, competitive pay
• Safe, supportive schools
• Professional autonomy & respect
• Protection from political interference in public education

✊ This is why being united matters.
If you're not a member yet, now is the time to add your voice:
🔗 Join CCEA: https://www.ccea-ocap.com/cceamembership
📫 Want your School Board to hear from you directly?
Here are their emails:
• District 1 – Jerry Rutherford: [email protected]
• District 2 – Stephanie Lucarelli: [email protected]
• District 3 – Kelley Mason: [email protected]
• District 4 – Erick Carter (Vice Chair): [email protected]
• District 5 – Tim Moshier: [email protected]

Your voice matters.
Your work matters.
And your union will keep fighting for you—every single day. 💙🍎

📣 CCEA Recertified with 97% Support! 🎉
On Thursday morning (1/29/26) in Tallahassee, CCEA President Ken Mouton, First VP Steve Sullivan, and Executive Director Esmond Lewis attended the official recertification vote.
A total of 952 ballots were cast — and we’re proud to announce that CCEA prevailed with 922 “YES” votes, an incredible 97%! 🙌

Thank you to every Collier teacher who took the time to participate in this important election. Your voice and your support made this victory possible.
Since 1957, CCEA has been dedicated to serving Collier teachers — and we will continue to fight for higher pay, better working conditions, and a stronger voice for all educators.
Onward together! 💙🍎