July 15-19, 2026
The Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles
To register visit: https://www.cta.org/event/summer-institute-2026

Your Keys to Success: Unlock Your Chapter’s Potential with CTA Member Benefits

As leaders of the Association, your to-do list is always growing—but you don’t have to do it alone. CTA Member Benefits provides powerful tools and resources designed to support both you and your members. In this session, you’ll “unlock” the full value of CTA and NEA Member Benefits, including insurance programs, retirement savings opportunities, mental wellness resources, travel and shopping discounts, auto buying services, and more—all designed to promote financial security and overall well-being. 

Beyond awareness, this session focuses on action. Learn how to turn these benefits into effective engagement and organizing tools within your chapter. We’ll explore “key” strategies for incorporating Member Benefits into site rep meetings, school site visits, communications, and organizing campaigns— especially as a way to share “good news” in challenging economic and political times. Hear real examples and testimonials from CTA leaders who have successfully integrated these tools into their work, and collaborate with peers to identify which “keys” resonate most and how to implement them in your own chapter.

Participants will leave with a practical “key ring” of ideas, strategies, and resources to strengthen member engagement, support financial well-being, and unlock new opportunities for success across their chapters. For program information, contact the CTA Member Benefits Department at memberbenefits@cta.org. 

Training is applicable to all grade levels (TK–Higher Ed).

Member Benefits Strand Summer Institute Award

A limit of 2 awards will be provided per Chapter to CTA members. This award is non-transferable, and you MUST ATTEND each day of the Member Benefits strand to receive this Award and to be reimbursed for your travel to/from The Westin Bonaventure Hotel. All Member Benefits Awards must be approved by your Chapter President, and you must be in a leadership role in your Chapter to qualify for the Award, i.e. Executive Officer, Membership Chair, Site Rep., etc. 

The Member Benefits Strand Award provides: 

• The conference registration fee: Registration fee includes conference provided meals. Any meals outside of the conference WILL NOT be reimbursed.  
• Transportation: You will need to make your own travel arrangements and then submit the proper paperwork for reimbursement. Reimbursement is based on the most economical coach roundtrip fare (based on a 21-day advance purchase) OR the standard business mile rate as set by the IRS for transportation expenses (currently at $0.725 cents per mile). The mileage reimbursement will be calculated using the shortest highway route. Mileage reimbursement cannot exceed coach plane fare from the airport nearest to your home. For instance, if it costs $300 to fly round-trip and $400 to drive, CTA will reimburse you $300. Reimbursement for transportation costs will not exceed $500. 
• Commuter Registration: If you wish to commute to the conference each day to and from your home, mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS rate of reimbursement per mile (currently at $0.725 cents per mile). Mileage reimbursement for commuting to and from your home, plus hotel parking ($23/day), must not exceed $500 maximum for the duration of the strand. If your commuter transportation costs exceed $500 for the week, you will not be reimbursed the difference. CTA will NOT reimburse rental cars. 
• Hotel Accommodation: CTA will reimburse you for your room (the CTA rate) at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel Wednesday July 15 - Sunday July 19(4 nights). Double occupancy is REQUIRED for the award.   When making your hotel reservation, please indicate your rooming preference.  You may request your roommate, or CTA can pair you up. If you choose not to have a roommate, you will only be reimbursed for half the room cost.   
• You WILL NOT be reimbursed for shuttles, taxis, or ride share services during the conference, AND for travel between home and the local airport, to and from The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and the airport, nor for car rentals. 

Disclaimer: Please note, if your Chapter President does not approve of you receiving the Member Benefits Award, and you still choose to attend the Member Benefits training at 2026 Summer Institute, you as the registered participant will be solely responsible for all costs. If CTA members or leaders have questions regarding any of the above requirements for the Member Benefits Strand Summer Institute Award, please contact the CTA Member Benefits Department at memberbenefits@cta.org or by calling 650.552.5200.