Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Heather Tortoreti

Murrieta,CA

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Menifee Union School District, enhancing union effectiveness and fostering educational excellence. Spearheaded strategic growth, boosting union membership and advancing worker rights through effective negotiation and partnership development. Skilled in legislative review and public speaking, adept at building consensus and driving organizational goals.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Union President Certificated Staff

Menifee Union School District
01.1996 - Current
  • Created strategic plans to guide the growth and development of the union over time, ensuring continued effectiveness in representing all members.
  • Increased union membership by promoting its benefits and actively recruiting new members.
  • Fostered open lines of communication between management and union members, promoting greater understanding and cooperation between both parties.
  • Organized training programs for union leaders to enhance their leadership abilities.
  • Organized successful events and initiatives that fostered camaraderie among union members.
  • Collaborated with other unions on joint initiatives and shared resources, strengthening collective efforts to advance worker rights and benefits.
  • Represented MTA at various conferences and events.
  • Enhanced existing processes and procedures for MTA.

Middle School Teacher

Menifee Union School District
01.1996 - Current


  • Enhanced classroom management and fostered a positive learning environment through consistent communication with students, parents, and colleagues.
  • Developed tailored instructional materials for students of varying abilities, ensuring individualized attention and support.
  • Mentored new teachers in effective instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
  • Strengthened student's social and emotional skills by incorporating SEL principles into daily lessons and activities.
  • Communicated with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavioral issues.
  • Utilized various technology platforms to enhance virtual learning experiences during remote instruction periods, ensuring continued academic progress despite challenging circumstances.

CTA State Council Representative

California Teacher Association
10.2023 - 06.2026
  • Collaborated with fellow council members to develop strategic plans for new CTA Policy initiatives.
  • Served on Professional rights and Responsibilities Committee in the State Legislation sub committee as secretary.
  • Navigated existing Ed code, CTA Policy, labor law and legislative bills in order to examine what action best suites our fellow educators.
  • Reviewed proposed legislation, providing valuable feedback to ensure alignment with CTA's values and objectives.

Bargaining Chair

Menifee Teachers Association
01.2017 - 06.2022
  • Supported strategic planning efforts to align with long-term organizational goals.
  • Collaborated with MUSD team and the district's legal counsel to review and uphold contractual language created by both parties.


Tour Group Lead

Worlstrides
06.1997 - 06.2017

*Accompanied Middle School Students to various history/science travel locations: Washington D.C., Philadelphia PA, New York, NY, Williamsburg, VA, Florida Keys, FL, Costa Rica.

*Developed itineraries with staff that were engaging and academic based.

*Managed behavioral, medical, and safety concerns as they arose in real time.

*Trained chaperones on their roles prior to embarking on the trip.

*Organized meetings before, during and after the trip with students and parents to highlight student experiences.

Bargaining Team

Menifee Teachers Association
09.2009 - 01.2017
  • Conferred with district officials, district legal, and CTA Staff regarding difficult topics surrounding furlough days, impasse and negotiating salary and benefits.
  • Collaborated on the creation of impasse documents and grievance issues that arose as a result of contract violations.

Education

Master of Arts - Educational Administration

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA

Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA

Bachelor of Science - Social Sciences Education

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA

Skills

  • Public speaking
  • Operations oversight
  • Legislative review
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Reliability
  • Leadership and people development
  • Partnership development
  • Stakeholder relations
  • Contract negotiation

Accomplishments

  • Used Microsoft Excel to tracking membership data
  • Supervised bargaining team of 6.
  • Directed CTA Staff to address MTA's local goals.
  • Built up PAC and Equity Committees
  • Resolved lack of processes by collaborating with team on effective systems and best practices.
  • Achieved by-law approval by finalizing language that had not been approved since 2012.
  • Documented and resolved problems that existed at the site through site visits and building up site leadership.

Certification

  • Preliminary Administrative Credential
  • Single Subject Social Science Credential
  • Supplementary English Credential
  • Student Assistance Program Certified through UCR
  • Additional training: Solution Tree PLC's at Work, Teacher Clarity and RTI.
  • CTA trainings: Special Educators Conference, Components of an IEP, Special Educators training, Good Teaching Conference, Leadership Conferences, Issues Conference.

Timeline

CTA State Council Representative

California Teacher Association
10.2023 - 06.2026

Bargaining Chair

Menifee Teachers Association
01.2017 - 06.2022

Bargaining Team

Menifee Teachers Association
09.2009 - 01.2017

Tour Group Lead

Worlstrides
06.1997 - 06.2017

Union President Certificated Staff

Menifee Union School District
01.1996 - Current

Middle School Teacher

Menifee Union School District
01.1996 - Current

Master of Arts - Educational Administration

Azusa Pacific University

Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Bachelor of Science - Social Sciences Education

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona