Award-Winning Newspaper of United Teachers Los Angeles • www.utla.net Volume XLVIII, Number 3, December 18, 2018

STRIKE DATE: January 10 ‘Enough is enough’

UTLA is demanding that LAUSD immediately: • use the $1.9 billion in unrestricted reserves for smaller class sizes; for more nurses, counselors, and librarians; and to fully fund our schools; • commit to more support for special education, early education, bilingual education, and adult education; • end the toxic overtesting of our students; • empower parent and educator voices at the school site with stronger Local School Leadership Councils; and • address the charter industry drain that siphons more than $600 million from our schools every year. Unless these demands are addressed, educators will be on the picket lines beginning Thursday, January 10, at 7 a.m. Report to the picket line at your site.

50,000+ in the streets for the December 15 March for Public Education.

Strike info Pages 2-5 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 United Teacher President’s perspective

PRESIDENT Alex Caputo-Pearl NEA AFFILIATE VP Cecily Myart-Cruz AFT AFFILIATE VP Juan Ramirez The defining moment of educator courage is here ELEMENTARY VP Gloria Martinez SECONDARY VP Daniel Barnhart TREASURER Alex Orozco By Alex Caputo-Pearl SECRETARY Arlene Inouye UTLA President

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jeff Good After 20 months of attempting to reach an agreement with the district—an agree- BOARD OF DIRECTORS ment that would, after years of neglect, NORTH AREA: Karla Griego, Chair (Buchanan ES), Mark reinvest in our students, our schools, our Ramos (Contreras LC), Rebecca Solomon (RFK UCLA jobs, and our healthcare instead of tearing Comm. School), Julie Van Winkle (LOOC Liason) them down—we have declared a strike SOUTH AREA: Maria Miranda, Chair (Miramonte ES), date of January 10, 2019. For 20 months, we Aydé Bravo (Maywood ES), L. Cynthia Matthews (McKinley ES), Karen Ticer-León (Tweedy ES) and our students have been disrespected EAST AREA: Adrian Tamayo, Chair (Lorena ES), by the privatizers, the district, and those Ingrid Gunnell (Salary Point Advisor), Yolanda Tamayo whom they have sent to the bargaining (Lorena ES), Gillian Russom (Roosevelt HS) table. Enough is enough. WEST AREA: Erika Jones, Chair (CTA Director), Georgia If we have to strike on January 10, Flowers Lee (Saturn ES), Noah Lippe-Klein (Dorsey HS), Larry Shoham (Hamilton HS) we will be carried by the momentum CENTRAL AREA: Stacie Webster, Chair (West Vernon ES), of more than 50,000 people marching in Kelly Flores (Hawkins HS), Tomás Flores the streets of downtown LA on Decem- (West Vernon ES), Claudia Rodriquez (49th Street) ber 15. We will be carried by the incred- VALLEY EAST AREA: Scott Mandel, Chair (Pacoima ible energy, positive spirit, and desire to Magnet), Victoria Casas (Beachy ES), Mel House (Elementary P.E.), Hector Perez-Roman (Arleta HS) fight for our public neighborhood schools VALLEY WEST AREA: Bruce Newborn, Chair (Hale that pervaded through every moment Community uprising for public schools: Alex at the December 15 march. Charter), Melodie Bitter (Lorne ES), Wendi Davis and inch of that incredible march. Right (Henry MS), Javier Romo (Mulholland MS) before our eyes on December 15, through What drives us could use his unique investment banker HARBOR AREA: Steve Seal, Chair (Eshelman ES), months of work on the part of thousands There is a set of fundamental truths that and private equity connections to move Karen Macias (Del Amo ES), Jennifer McAfee (Dodson MS), Elgin Scott (Taper ES) across the city, we saw a movement arise: drives us. Amidst the wealth of LA, we school funding measures. The punchline: ADULT & OCCUP ED: Matthew Kogan (Evans CAS) a movement of educators, students, shouldn’t have classes with more than 45 There has been one force at the bargaining BILINGUAL EDUCATION: Cheryl L. Ortega (Sub Unit) parents, community organizations, union students. We shouldn’t have 80% of our table attempting to improve the educational workers, clergy, elected officials, state and schools without full-time nurses. A super- experience for the 600,000 students in the EARLY CHILDHOOD ED: Open seat national leaders, and more. This move- intendent with no education experience, but district, and that has been UTLA. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: Mallorie Evans (Educational Audiologist) ment sees, with crystal clarity, that this lots of downsizing experience (which shows The district’s disrespect of us and our stu- SPECIAL ED: Lucía Arias (Sub Unit) is an existential fight. Will we reinvest why he was brought to LAUSD), should dents had an exclamation point put beside SUBSTITUTES: Benny Madera in our public neighborhood schools, or not be permitted to keep a record-breaking it by what happened last week. Beutner PACE CHAIR: Marco Flores will we downsize and privatize as Austin $1.98 billion LAUSD reserve away from warped the fact-finding report, a report that Beutner is calling for? students to create austerity, justifying cuts was favorable to us in affirming the district’s UTLA RETIRED: John Perez In my nonstop schedule of school visits and more turnover of schools to privately almost $2 billion reserve, affirming our calls AFFILIATIONS to talk with members since August, it is run charter operators. Moreover, there is a for investment in class-size reduction and American Federation of Teachers staffing, and affirming our calls for charter National Education Association obvious to me that our members are ready. record-breaking $15 billion reserve at the From Augustus Hawkins High School in state level, and an expected $15 billion ad- co-location regulation. Beutner not only STATE & NATIONAL OFFICERS the heart of South LA, and their great ditional state surplus. Make no mistake: The ignored these findings, but, consistent with CFT PRESIDENT: Joshua Pechthalt chapter team of Kevin D’Amato, Travis money is there to improve our schools. We past behavior, lied. This time, he said that CTA PRESIDENT: Eric Heins Miller, and Alyssa Shepherd Moore, to LAUSD and UTLA had made an agreement CTA DIRECTOR: Erika Jones just have to force the district and state to CFT VICE PRESIDENTS: Arlene Inouye, John Perez, Juan Ramirez Shirley Avenue Elementary in the San invest it in our kids, schools, and educators. on salary. This is not true. We immediately NEA PRESIDENT: Lily Eskelsen Garcia Fernando Valley, and their great chapter And, yet, Austin Beutner says, with his filed an Unfair Practice Charge. AFT PRESIDENT: Randi Weingarten chair, Mabel Landaverde, our members “Re:imagine LAUSD” plan, that the solu- For these reasons, we will not accept AFT VICE PRESIDENT: Alex Caputo-Pearl NEA DIRECTOR: Mel House are ready to strike not only to defend our tion is not to reinvest, but rather to become the district’s empty offer to go back to the public neighborhood schools, but because a portfolio district—a Wall Street model bargaining table just so they can continue UTLA COMMUNICATIONS our students, and we, deserve more. that has closed neighborhood schools, to delay action for what our schools need. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Alex Caputo-Pearl Moreover, LAUSD parents are ready, turned over more schools to unaccountable We’re not going to go back and do what COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Anna Bakalis like those who came from the Valley, East- private operators, increased segregation, we’ve already been forced to endure for 20 COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS: Kim Turner, Carolina Barreiro, Tammy Lyn Gann side, and Harbor to stand with us when and undermined learning conditions in months, and expect something different. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Laura Aldana we announced the January 10 strike date: other cities. We are dealing with a district We will meet with LAUSD officials when Hilda Rodriguez, Ruby Gordillo, Silvia that, instead of investing in its own schools, they demonstrate that they are ready to EDITORIAL INFORMATION Agustin, Maria Osorio, Vicky Martinez, gives itself over to billionaire privatizers agree to our demands. If the district wants UNITED TEACHER Eloisa Galindo, and Manuela Panjoj. and undermines its schools. to deviate from its bad faith pattern, it 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Fl., LA, CA 90010 Email: [email protected] In the time since 98% of our members, knows what we’re looking for. UTLA main line: 213-487-5560 in historic turnout, voted to authorize a The district makes a ADVERTISING strike, I have seen the resolve, determina- sham of bargaining A strike to defend our schools and a Senders Communications Group Brian Bullen: 818-884-8966, ext. 1108 tion, and commitment of our members and The traditional bargaining process has strike of hope parents grow exponentially. not worked with this district, and we have If we are forced to strike, it will be a strike UNITED TEACHER accepts paid advertisements from outside Unless there are dramatic shifts in ap- exhausted bargaining options. We simply for our students. A strike with our parents. A companies and organizations, including UTLA sponsors and vendors with no relationship with UTLA. Only approved proach on the part of the district toward have not had a genuine bargaining partner strike for our schools, for educational justice, vendors can use the UTLA logo in their ads. The content spending money on our students and in the district. Twenty months of negotia- for racial justice, and to defend the future of of an advertisement is the responsibility of the advertiser alone, and UTLA cannot be held responsible for its accuracy, saving the school district, we will strike tions. Almost no legitimate proposals from public education, and the right of educators to veracity, or reliability. Appearance of an advertisement should on January 10. We will strike on January the district. District bargaining teams with be treated well for the vital work that we do. not be viewed as an endorsement or recommendation by 10 unless we see an addressing of the no authority to bargain, and who had not If we are forced to strike, it will be United Teachers Los Angeles. crucial issues that shape education: a even read our proposals. Refusal to mediate because we think our kids deserve more, fair wage increase, class size, staffing for an unheard-of 56 days. Lies about the because we dare to have high expectations, United Teacher (ISSN # 0745-4163) is published eight like nurses and counselors, school site times a year (monthly except for November, January, budget. Refusal to respond to public records because we dare to be audacious about all June, and July) by United Teachers Los Angeles, 3303 decision-making, standardized testing, requests. Violations of the law to try to kids’ futures. In sum, if we are forced to Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. early education, adult education, special silence our members. High-priced consul- strike, it will also be a strike of hope. Subscriptions: $20.00 per year. (Price included in education, bilingual education, and tants working in the shadows. Intentional And there is hope in the air. Educa- dues/agency fee of UTLA bargaining unit members.) Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, California. commonsense regulation on charters starving of our schools. Constant rhetoric tors and parents working together like POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to United to contain the existential threat of the from Beutner about pushing for more state never before, with meetings, rallies, film Teacher, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, $600 million charter drain from neigh- money, which UTLA has been relentless screenings, and joint work popping up CA 90010. Telephone 213-487-5560. borhood schools. in doing, but no action from him when he (continued on next page) 2 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Board member, City Council member, and (continued from previous page) State Assembly member. She has been a constant advocate for class-size reduction in every corner of the city. Our members, and charter accountability, and helped write school by school, committed to strike if the state laws that allow us to fight to reduce we have to. Students demanding their toxic over-testing, among other things. Jackie voices be heard at the School Board, in gave a rousing speech at the December 15 rallies, and more. Unprecedented media march. Our momentum in a strike, and work coverage locally, nationally, internationally, we do with her during a strike, will have a and through all social media. An historic huge positive impact on the School Board school funding initiative we are a part of, race, helping Jackie win against the millions Schools and Communities First, on the that will come against her from the charter ballot for 2020. Five hundred organiza- industry. We are building a movement—in tions across the country supporting us, Alex at Chase Elementary schools, and in elected offices. and growing. Tony Thurmond winning for Over the last months, as we’ve known state superintendent against $34 million we need to prepare for a possible strike, from the privatizers. Moreover, Thurmond we have been pulling together in incredible winning LA County by 14% because the ways as educators. Now, we pull together people of LA agree that we need healthy even tighter as January 10 approaches. We neighborhood public schools. And, above should think about all of the times that we all, the hope generated by more than 50,000 haven’t had what we need for our students people in the street at our march, with the and for our co-workers, and all of the times incredible art made by parents, students, we have been impacted by the existential and educators at Art Build, with a vision- threat of privatization, on the one hand; ary spirit about what our schools can and and on the other hand, we should think should be, and with a powerful spirit of about the tremendous potential of an ap- joy and resolve. That march was not just Alex at Orthopaedic Magnet propriately funded school system to meet hopeful—it was beautiful. the needs of students and to respect edu- If we strike, it is all of our strike—for and vibrant. Every single principal is going our profession, our students, our schools. cators. The defining moment of educator us, and with constituents across the city. to be directed to report on what picket lines 7. What happens during a strike helps courage is here, to stand up for ourselves, When we win, before a strike or with a look like outside their school. It dramati- us build for the future. New leaders will our jobs, and our healthcare, to stand up strike, it is all of our victory. cally increases our leverage when those emerge, new relationships will form, new for our students and their parents, and to principals report that all of the educators at structures will develop at your school that stand up to send a message to the state and What all of us need to do, the school are on the line, alongside parents, make your union chapter more powerful, nation, a clarion call for educational justice heart and soul with community, with many others. Large, and new collective confidence will emerge and the civic institution of a public school As we prepare to strike on January 10, multi-constituency picket lines matter. that will help you deal with school-site district. We are in that defining moment, it is crucial we all own, in our hearts and 6. We all need to contribute to the collective issues after a strike. and we can make history. souls, some key elements. effort. There will be moments during a strike 8. What happens during a strike helps us Thank you for your incredible work 1. A strike is more effective and shorter when spirits flag, when a co-worker will need build politically. UTLA is thrilled to have en- with students, get your well-deserved rest when we are as close to 100% participation inspiration, etc. We all need to be supportive dorsed Jackie Goldberg in the March special and relaxation this break, but also stay as possible. No crossing picket lines. Any of each other, raising spirits, keeping our eye election to replace disgraced School Board connected with your co-workers, get your last one-on-one conversations that we need on the prize, making sure everyone is feeling member Ref Rodriguez in Board District 5. site ready, and be ready. I couldn’t be more to have at our schools to ensure as close good. Bring out the leader in yourself—for Jackie was a teacher and an elected School proud to be in this struggle with you. to 100% participation as possible need to happen ASAP. Always be diplomatic—but be firm. This is a collective effort that ben- efits everyone. When your chapter chair is In this issue taking attendance on the morning picket lines, support and help her or him. An effective strike needs to be right and tight. 4 Strike ready for 2019 8 Message from the officers 2. A strike is more effective and shorter FAQ on strike facts and the on-strike daily schedule. 8 UTLA ad calls out privatizers when every single one of us treats every day on strike as a work day. Our work on 6 Beutner’s “portfolio” scheme is a threat to public schools 10 Charter educator: Unregulated a strike day is not lesson planning and How the model opens the door to closing public schools and growth hurts us all reading groups, but rather, it is prompt, vibrant, energetic participation in all activi- privatizing the system. 12 Passings ties of the union: the morning picket lines, the daily large actions, and the afternoon 7 “People don’t strike for 6%; we strike for justice” 14 Involvement opportunity: picket lines. This is essential. Voices from our fight. NEA Convention 3. A strike requires careful advance logisti- cal planning. Ensure that the logistical plan- 15 Involvement opportunity: CFT ning sheet that was given to your chapter 10 UTLA endorses Goldberg for School Board Convention chair on November 14 and December 5 is We need a fighter who knows the privatizers are destroying completed, and that everyone at your school public education. 16 UTLA-Retired knows what the plan is regarding parking, 18 Committee events bathrooms, picket spots, and so on. As you ask parents and businesses for help with 22 UTLA-Retired election logistics, remember, every single poll, in- for Secretary cluding those in LA, show that educators are uniquely popular in the public. People 23 Grapevines are going to want to help you, so just ask. 4. A strike is more effective and shorter when every single one of us helps to stay connected to parents, and in fact, deepens Get connected to UTLA connections with parents through regular Facebook: facebook.com/UTLAnow conversations. Parents care about class Twitter: @utlanow size, nurses, counselors, our salaries, and they widely support our demands. We YouTube: youtube.com/UTLAnow need to make sure that parents are deeply engaged and constantly visible publicly, showing support for our demands. 5. A strike is more effective and shorter when our picket lines involve many differ- More rally photos on page 5. ent constituencies and are energetic, loud, 3 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 Strike ready for 2019 ASK FAQ on strike facts. ME Why .i I am While virtually all UTLA members didn’t legally have the right to strike, How will a strike READY TO are committed to strike if we have to, yet they struck, they won, and no one affect my pension? many of us have reasonable questions, got in trouble. Not a single probationary At the end of the day, any pay raise we STRIKE and having the facts will help us better teacher has ever had any retaliation for get will likely more than make up for the prepare. Here are answers to some past UTLA strikes. very minimal impact. It is important to common questions. remember that winning this fight, and Do I have to notify my principal saving our public school system, is the illness time, at the time of retirement, is Would a potential strike or call for a substitute teacher only way we can protect our retirement credited to you in the form of additional affect my health benefits? when on strike? in the long run. service credit when you retire. As long as you are in paid status No. The district should expect that ev- That said, here are the technical (work or paid leave) during the calen- eryone is on strike. You do not need to take details: CalSTRS, the retirement system, What do we do during a strike? dar month, the district-paid health ben- any action to notify your principal or call a expresses a full year of work without any Every day starts with picketing at YOUR efits continue for that month and you substitute. Covering your classroom is the absences as 1.0 service credit; in other school site. From there we will have dif- continue receiving district-paid benefits district’s responsibility. Substitute teachers words, if you work every single day of ferent actions every day: marches, rallies, for the next month. Those benefits in will be on strike too! a school year, you will earn 1.0 service meetings, delegations, and other actions the second month are only retroactive- credit for that year. There are 204 paid to demonstrate our unity. See the likely ly rescinded if you don’t work at all in What about the work I do for days (work and holidays) in a school schedule on this page. that second month. Hypothetically, if afterschool services, clubs, year. Dividing that 1.0 by 204 shows we went on strike on September 4, we teams, and other efforts? that one day of missed work is only ap- Can students and parents could be on strike until October 30, go During a strike UTLA members will proximately 5/1000th of an entire year of join the picket line? back on October 31, and it would not withhold ALL of our labor—both during service credit, and even that may not be Community supporters are always be an issue. That’s 41 work days in that and after the school day. We need to deducted, because of the STRS Defined welcome, and their presence is important. example. The 1989 strike was nine days. make sure that LAUSD sees how im- Benefit Supplement (DBS) program. The Members of your family should also join; portant our work is. During a strike we DBS can be used to grant credit for any we are fighting for our families too. What about probationary make them see that by not doing that additional paid work you may have done teachers. Can we strike? work—any of it. beyond the regular time in the 2018-19 Probationary employees absolutely school year. You can be credited back for On strike: Our daily schedule a portion of your unused sick days, any have the right to strike, and you should! Will I lose a year of CalSTRS If we go on strike, every working The law is clear. Union activities like strik- service credit if I strike? summer school/intersession you taught, day will start with picket lines at every ing are legally protected. Look at teach- No. For more info on impact on pen- any Z-time, X-time, B-time, Beyond the school site—the public needs to see ers in West Virginia and Arizona: They sions, see the next question Bell time, etc. Also, any unused full-pay us on the line, united and determined. Itinerants and substitutes: Picket at the school you go to the most and Strike Prep Art Build report to that same site every day. 7 a.m.–9 a.m.: Picket lines at every school site.

10:30 a.m.: Central or regional actions.

12:30 p.m.: Break for lunch and head back to school sites to leaflet and talk with parents at dismissal.

2:30 p.m.: Leaflet and talk with parents at dismissal.

4:00 p.m.: UTLA Areas are likely to have additional actions, activities, and outreach programs. There is power in art: The community came together over three days in December to create hundreds of amazing signs for our march and strike.

Harbor Area rocks the gauntlet for public ed On November 28, UTLA educators from the high-visibility action amplified our contract Harbor Area took over five strategic intersec- demands and encouraged the community to tions on Western Avenue, forming lines of red join us in our fight to give students the public from San Pedro to Gardena. The high-energy, schools they deserve.

4 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 January 10: On strike for our students If we don’t have a settlement by next month, we will strike on January 10.

Unless LAUSD dramatically changes Section 1.5 of contract, which allows the of students is crowding out instruction in Chapter chairs will be attending a city- course and offers UTLA members a con- district to unilaterally increase class size. arts, music, ethnic studies, and science. wide meeting on January 5 to solidify tract agreement that reinvests in our Austin Beutner, a former investment strike plans and to pick up picket signs, schools, we will be on the picket lines be- Community uprising for banker, refuses to use the district’s record- parent leaflets, and other materials. All ginning Thursday, January 10. our public schools breaking reserve (now topping $1.9 billion) sites will hold critical meetings when the We are demanding that LAUSD The strike date follows our historic De- for basic student needs and refuses to second semester begins. If we strike, ev- immediately: cember 15 March for Public Education that address the $600 million drained from eryone needs to be on the line at their site • use the $1.9 billion in unrestricted re- drew 50,000-plus people onto the streets neighborhood public schools by the corpo- every day, and itinerants and substitutes serves for smaller class sizes; for more of downtown LA. Educators, parents, stu- rate charter industry. Instead of reinvest- should picket at the school they go to the nurses, counselors, and librarians; and dents, and community members marched ing in our schools, Beutner is attempting most and report to that same site every day to fully fund our schools; side by side from City Hall to the Broad to dismantle them with his plan to break of the strike. Each morning will start with Museum, bringing the momentum and LAUSD into 32 networks. This so-called school pickets and then move to citywide • commit to more support for special energy of the national teacher rebellion portfolio model has been tried in many or regional actions. We must have strong education, early education, bilingual to the doorstep of the nation’s second- cities, where it has increased school clos- pickets every day so that members of other education, and adult education; largest school district. The love of public ings, deepened segregation and disparities unions stand in solidarity with us and • end the toxic overtesting of our students; education—and the absolute commitment between schools, and compromised learn- don’t cross the line and so that parents • empower parent and educator voices to fight for its survival—was palpable in ing conditions (read more on the portfolio see the educators they know on the line at the school site with stronger Local every sign, every voice lifted up that day. model on page 6). standing up for their children. We will School Leadership Councils; and The message to LAUSD Supt. Austin win this strike not just by withholding our Beutner: Unless you reinvest in our schools If we strike, we win by labor but by demonstrating our numbers • address the charter industry drain that now, expect a strike in January. demonstrating our numbers and our commitment. siphons more than $600 million from “We have exhausted our options with A contract agreement can be reached at This is our moment,” Caputo-Pearl our schools every year. “ this district,” UTLA President Alex Capu- any stage of the process, and UTLA is com- says. “We have the chance to change the The UTLA Board of Directors set the to-Pearl says. “If we are forced to strike, it mitted to doing all we can to reach a settle- direction of the district and education in strike date after Beutner lied about a salary will be to defend our schools, but it will ment with LAUSD that improves teaching the city. If we strike, we stay out and we agreement and blatantly misrepresented the also be because we think our kids deserve and learning conditions, but we all must escalate every day until we get a contract fact-finding report, which endorsed many more, we deserve more, and we dare to be ready to strike starting on January 10. that reinvests in public education.” elements of our contract demands. The have high expectations.” neutral fact-finder confirmed three essen- For almost 20 months, over multiple tial UTLA positions: that LAUSD has $1.8 bargaining sessions, UTLA’s bargaining billion in reserves (total is now $1.9 billion); team has tried to reach a fair contract that LAUSD should increase staffing of agreement but has been met with intran- nurses, counselors, and other professional sigence and worse by LAUSD officials. staff; and that LAUSD should eliminate “Look at what we’ve faced from the district,” Caputo-Pearl says. “Almost no legitimate proposals. Lies about the Chapter leaders: January 5 budget. Refusal to share public records. citywide meeting High-priced consultants working behind the scenes. Intentional starving of schools On January 5, we’ll kick off our sprint by refusing to spend the reserve so that to our strike date with a critical citywide cuts can be justified. If we do have to take meeting for all chapter leaders. Final dramatic action, it will be to draw a line in strike plans, picket signs, and parent the sand and say no more attacks.” leaflets will be distributed. It’s critical Years of underfunding, the unregu- that every site be represented. lated growth of the charter industry, and district neglect have starved our schools UTLA building of necessary resources. More than 80% 3303 Wilshire Blvd. of LAUSD schools don’t have a full- LA, CA 90010 time school nurse. LAUSD has among Two sessions to choose from: the highest class sizes in a state that 10 a.m. to noon has among the highest class sizes in the 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. nation (California is 48th out of 50 states December 15 marchers on the steps of City Hall. When a union with 34,000 members pulls in student-to-teacher ratios). Overtesting 50,000-plus people to an action, that’s the sign of a powerful coalition for public education.

If we are forced to strike, it will be because “our kids deserve more, we deserve more, and we The love of public education—and the absolute commitment to fight for its survival—was dare to have high expectations.” palpable in every sign, every voice lifted up on December 15. 5 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 Beutner is ‘Re:Imagining’ LAUSD as a privately run district “Portfolio district” is just another name for privatization and austerity.

Austin Beutner has revealed few public 1. Fill the local school board with people their jobs), handed over to a privately restricting access for families to what is details about his “Re:Imagining LAUSD” who support privatization, with financial run charter, or closed altogether, forcing often the most convenient and appropri- plan to break the district into 32 networks, backing from wealthy advocates of the students to attend school away from ate option (i.e., the public school down the but we know from leaks to the media and charter industry. Three of the current their neighborhood. street). In Atlanta, one parent from the part the people developing the plan that it likely LAUSD board members—Monica Garcia, 5. Hire privately run education manage- of town where the school closures have will involve the “portfolio district” model. Nick Melvoin, and Kelly Gonez—were ment organizations to run the portfolios. been concentrated said the upheaval is The portfolio district model has been elected with millions of dollars in dona- This is the underlying goal: to get public “like a trauma.” In New Orleans, there are gaining traction in dozens of cities, tions from the charter industry lobby. They taxpayer money into private hands. no public schools left—only a system of pushed by nonprofits funded by pro- in turn hired former investment banker Beutner’s plan to break LAUSD into 32 charters delivering inequitable educational privatization billionaires, including Eli Austin Beutner, who has no experience networks presents an especially lucrative opportunities. Broad and John Arnold, who also have in education but years of experience in opportunity for privatizers. If LAUSD is The unequal political, economic, and spent millions in promoting the corporate dismantling companies. “decentralized,” watch for privately run social position of parents leads to unequal charter industry. Broad’s Great Public 2. Use austerity to justify decentralizing education management organizations to access to opportunities in the portfolio School Now group—created after his school management, claiming it will cut be hired to run the networks and schools system. In Denver, white students are plan to push 50% of LAUSD students bureaucracy and save money, as Austin within them. much more likely than students of color into charters was abandoned because of Beutner is asserting that his plan will do. to enroll in “high-scoring” schools. public outcry—is involved in pushing the Decentralization allows the lack of over- The portfolio model is toxic One thing that is explicitly not part of portfolio model in LA. sight that the charter industry needs to to public education the portfolio approach: more public money thrive and that the privatizers need to turn More than two dozen districts across for schools. “None of these structural How the portfolio model works public schools into privately run entities. the country are using some form of “port- reforms cost public dollars,” a presenta- “Portfolio” school districts take their 3. Install a rating system (generally folio” approach to running schools, and tion by the pro-portfolio group City Fund operational theory from Wall Street: If based on unreliable standardized test the impact on a healthy, thriving public claims. “Cities can increase the efficiency a stock in a portfolio is low-perform- scores) to label schools. With the support education system is bleak. and equality of the system within existing ing, the portfolio manager sells it and of the pro-privatization school board The stepped-up expansion of unregu- budgets—with philanthropy supporting buys others. In the case of schools, this members, in the spring the LAUSD lated charters decimates school district the transition costs.” In a state that ranks means closing so-called failing schools School Board approved a new “school finances, causing budget cuts, teacher 43rd in the country in per-pupil funding, and opening new schools at a constant performance framework.” layoffs, and larger class sizes. Neighbor- we know that increased money must be pace. Portfolio school districts differ in 4. Use that rating system to close “low- hood public schools are left with fewer part of our schools’ future. many details, but they share key imple- performing” schools. Schools are recon- resources to educate their students, in- Our contract campaign—with its essen- mentation strategies: stituted (teachers forced to reapply for cluding the high-needs students (such as tial demand to reinvest in public educa- special education and English learners) tion—is how we push back on the portfolio that public schools serve at a higher rate model, along with fighting for increased than charters. state funding to bring resources and equity Controversial consultants The portfolio model lends itself to in- to our schools. The March 5 special election creased segregation and systemic inequi- for the open seat on the LAUSD School ties. Low-income communities of color Board is also critical, because Beutner will drive Beutner’s plan usually suffer the most school churn, need four votes to pass his plan. Their salaries are being paid by billionaire privatizers. To develop his “Re:Imagining LAUSD” educational crises that she helped to create. Community demands transparency plan, Beutner has tapped many of the same Teachers were driven from this district architects of the privatization schemes in by the attacks levied by Governor Chris- Detroit, New Orleans, and Newark, includ- tie, and continued attacks by Cami Ander- ing Erin McGoldrick Brewster, a partner at son, who created an environment where “portfolio district” specialists Kitamba, teachers feared school closings and arbi- and ThirdWay Solutions founder Cami trary transfers. Her One Newark enroll- Anderson. These consultants—who are ment system has caused massive damage to community schools and disruption exercising power at the highest levels in for students and their families. We have LAUSD, without any accountability— heard horror stories about children forced are being paid off the books through a to Uber to school while their parents spent more than $3 million discretionary fund weeks and months trying to sort out in- financed by Eli Broad and others. appropriate placements. This has also As superintendent in Newark, New led to many lawsuits about the district’s Jersey, from 2011 to 2015, Cami Ander- failure to provide services for Newark’s son pushed through a billionaire-bank- most vulnerable students. rolled “One Newark” universal enrollment She terminated state-mandated staff scheme that led to numerous neighbor- when she fired Newark’s Attendance hood school closures, mass firings, and Counselors—a position protected by multiple complaints of civil rights viola- Civil Service. This has not only caused tions. Parent outrage led to her resigna- attendance rates to plummet in the dis- tion. Newark Teachers Union President trict, but also financial hardship to the John M. Abeigon warns, “When you hear district through another massive lawsuit. the name Cami Anderson, RUN IN THE Superintendent Anderson didn’t OTHER DIRECTION. She cannot be trusted care about the financial and educational In September, the Reclaim Our much are they getting paid? What are hardship she left in her wake as she had and will never put the students or schools Schools LA coalition filed a Public they getting paid to do for Beutner? already moved on to the next town to put Records Act request compelling LAUSD Why, instead of making necessary first.” Here’s what else Abeigon says about on her next snake oil show. Newark is only Anderson’s tenure in Newark: to provide documentation related to investments in neighborhood public finally starting to see some light at the end the influx of expensive consultants schools, is Beutner drafting secret of the tunnel as our new superintendent now working for the district, includ- plans to break apart LAUSD? Under Cami Anderson, the district has made every effort to engage stake- ing notorious PR firm Mercury Public The district was supposed to produce hemorrhaged money, pouring dollars holders at all levels about what needs to into the coffers of consultants and be done to fix the Newark Public Schools, Affairs. Recently, Mercury Public Affairs the documents on November 19, but corporate reformers. This intentional something Cami Anderson failed to do represented former Trump adviser nothing has been turned over. To protest waste was directly connected to the at every opportunity. It was never about (and convicted felon) Paul Manafort; the lack of action, parents, students, and closing of schools under the guise what the students, community, and school helped Flint, Michigan, spin its poi- educators crowded the lobby at Mercury of cost. It’s no surprise that she soon staff needed; it was about what funneled soned water crisis; and advised Walmart Public Affairs to demand transparency at became a consultant herself, seeking the most money into the coffers of reform- on anti-union campaigns. The com- LAUSD and to call out Beutner’s shadow to take advantage of the financial and ists and consultants. munity is demanding answers: Who is government that is making decisions funding Mercury Public Affairs? How without public or parent involvement. 6 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018

Voices from our fight ‘If the teachers go on strike, it won’t be for themselves’ Why LAUSD parents support a job action.

By Tracy Bartley numbers were being learned but also about Mother of two LAUSD students if their grandmother was feeling better or if they had a warm jacket to wear at recess. I’m a parent of two LAUSD students, We found a community. Fast forward and I fully support a potential teachers’ and we now have two daughters in our strike. A strike may be the only way to get neighborhood high school, and I am still the state and the school district to invest in impressed daily by the care and attention our children—all of our children. students receive from their teachers— My family’s story is not unfamiliar. teachers who have hundreds of kids pass When our daughter was four, we started through their classrooms each day and looking at school options in earnest. still know each child’s name. We listened as our neighbors told us If the teachers in LA go on strike, it won’t be to stay away from our neighborhood for themselves. They are fighting for smaller public school. It had only a four rating class sizes to create better environments for on GreatSchools, they told us. The test our kids to learn in. They are fighting for more scores are horrible, they told us. So we school nurses, counselors, and psychologists toured “better” schools, including charter to address students’ social-emotional needs schools and private schools. that hinder learning. They are fighting for Our daily walks continued to take us more librarians so that all schools can have past the large asphalt campus of our neigh- vibrant spaces for reading and research. borhood school, where we saw few trees but I’ve heard LAUSD Superintendent Austin plenty of happy, laughing, playing children. Beutner and his school board allies claim One day, our daughter told us she wanted that the district doesn’t have the money to to go to that school. The school at the end meet the demands teachers are making on of her street. The school with the smiling behalf of our children. At best, that asser- Tracy Bartley and family children. So we added that school to our list. tion is disingenuous, considering that the When we toured the campus, we didn’t district’s own financial documents show it level our children deserve, we also need To those who say that a teachers’ strike find a fancy art space, yoga classes, or a has $1.86 billion in unrestricted reserves. At changes in state education funding. There’s would hurt our children, I say that the 21st-century science lab like we’d seen at worst, these claims of fiscal crisis are part of no excuse for California—one of the richest status quo of disinvestment is the far greater other schools. But what we did find were a strategy to disinvest in public education states in the nation—to rank 43rd in the threat. Teachers are fighting for a robust, loving, enthusiastic teachers who gath- in favor of the greater expansion of unregu- country in per-pupil funding. The good healthy public education system that ben- ered a diverse group of students into song, lated charters that don’t serve all students. news is that the state has a budget surplus efits every child who comes in the door. stories, and math activities. We found That unchecked expansion already drains of $14.5 billion for 2019-20, and our new They are fighting to give our children the teachers who knew their students and nearly $600 million a year from neighbor- governor, Gavin Newsom, can use that education they deserve and to teach them their families and cared about more than hood public schools like my daughters’. extraordinary surplus in his first budget to be thoughtful, compassionate, problem just how their reading was progressing or Of course, to fund public schools at the to pull us up from the bottom. solvers—and that is good for us all. ‘People don’t strike for 6%; we strike for justice’ Our potential strike is about meeting the diverse needs of our very diverse students.

By Noriko Nakada nothing about this issue, because their students and struggling com- Emerson Middle School kid goes to a charter, or a private school, munities, but in every single or they don’t have kids, or upon hearing one of our schools, there are Like most fall weekends, this past one I teach in a public school they want to educators working hard under was busy. There was a Friday night festival explain to me why community public worsening teaching conditions. at my child’s school, there was a homecom- schools just don’t work? There are kids showing up to ing football game, there were soccer games I wish I could come up with an learn every single day. There and birthday parties. answer for everyone; a simple state- are families, worried about But this weekend was not like all the ment that could reveal all of the com- how their kids are doing, others, because I’m an LAUSD public plexities within the current battle for worried if their child is being school teacher, and like every other year, Los Angeles public schools, because seen within swelling class I had many papers to grade and many that is what is happening. Teachers are sizes, worried about what to students on my mind as I made my going to bat for schools because rea- do if teachers go out on strike. way through the weekend, but unlike sonable class sizes, teacher librarians, Many people think this other years, this year held an added nurses, counselors, and other support strike is about a 6% raise stress. All weekend I carried the weight staff help our students develop aca- (because this is what media of a looming work stoppage and very demically and as people, and that is outlets are touting), but what I public contract negotiations that put my what our students deserve. keep insisting when people ask colleagues and me in the crosshairs of LA’s public schools serve all of our stu- what we’re striking for, is this: public conversation on the sidelines of dents. Not just the ones who can afford to People don’t strike for 6%; Noriko Nakada sporting events or gathered around a attend, or the ones who get in by lottery, or we strike for justice. table waiting for the cake to come out. the ones whose families choose us. No. Public We strike for just teaching and learning to meet the very diverse needs of our very And in all of my interactions this schools teach everyone: the gifted and the conditions. diverse students. weekend, I had to gauge, fairly quickly, struggling. The rich and the poor. The native We strike for smaller classes (and yes, This is about the heart and soul of public where friends, old and new, stood when English speakers and the new arrivals. And that charter school that shares our campus education. it came to public education. What did they because our schools are such complex places, may have to find a different space if public That is why I will strike. already think about our public schools the reality is, there is too much to tell. school class sizes are lowered). and what were they willing to learn? Did There is too much misinformation to un- We strike for fully staffed libraries, and This piece originally appeared on wom- they ask me about what was happening teach about our schools. No, our schools nurses on every campus every day. enwhosubmitlit.org. Women Who Submit with the teacher strike? Did they want to are not failing. Yes, there are struggling We strike for the schools our students empowers women and nonbinary writers to hear my perspective? Or, did they know schools and struggling teachers, struggling deserve, and because we want to be able submit their work for publication. 7 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 We are ready for this moment From the UTLA officer team.

We close the year a stronger union than we started it. Early in 2018, we took on threats to our healthcare and finalized a three-year, no-cuts agreement—the kind of win that is essential to stopping the erosion of education as a viable profession. After the Supreme Court issued the anti-union Janus de- cision, we more than weathered the storm—we emerged with the highest percentage of members (96% of LAUSD educators) in UTLA history. And then our galvanizing strike authorization vote hit another historic mark: the highest strike authorization approval (98% yes) since UTLA was founded in 1970. We built this power because we need this power. If we do not push back, our public school system will not survive the attacks it is facing from the privatiza- tion forces: the deliberate disinvestment in schools, the unchecked $600 million drained every year from LA schools by the corporate charter industry, and the refusal by LAUSD to use the almost $2 billion in reserves for essential educator and student needs. And now former investment banker Austin Beutner is pushing a plan to break LAUSD into 32 networks. This With parents and the community standing strong with us, has moved us to strike readiness. We couldn’t be prouder so-called portfolio model has been tried in many cities, we are ready for this moment. to be in this struggle with you. We’ll see you in January, where it has led to school closures, increased privatiza- Every red T-shirt day, every afterschool conversation ready to hit the picket lines together, if that is what it tion, teacher layoffs, deeper segregation, and increased with a parent, every rally where we showed our power takes to reinvest in our schools. disparities between schools—all with no proven benefit to student learning. Alex Caputo-Pearl Juan Ramirez Alex Orozco Our contract campaign stands in Beutner’s way. PRESIDENT UTLA/AFT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER We are fighting for a profound reinvestment in Los Angeles schools, including smaller class sizes; competitive wages; Cecily Myart-Cruz Gloria Martinez Arlene Inouye real support for school safety; community schools; charter UTLA/NEA VICE PRESIDENT ELEMENTARY VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY and co-location accountability; support for special educa- tion and bilingual education; and more nurses, counselors, Daniel Barnhart psychologists, and librarians. That’s how we build a thriving, SECONDARY VICE PRESIDENT sustainable district that support students and educators. LAUSD has yet to make any meaningful progress on our contract demands, including the ones that don’t cost money or would even save money, such as stopping overtesting and giving parents and educators more say UTLA ad in LA Times in school budgets. Unless LAUSD dramatically changes course and offers UTLA members a fair contract agree- calls out mega-wealthy ment, we will be on strike January 10. for targeting public Facts and faces: New report education tells the story of our campaign Print ad complements media campaign on buses, billboards, online, and radio.

This was one to go to the newsstands for: In the December 2 Sunday Los Angeles Times, UTLA ran a full-page ad exposing the agenda of Eli Broad, Austin Beutner, and other wealthy privatizers who want to dismantle public education. The bottom half of the ad promoted our December 15 March for Public Education as the way to stand up and defend our schools. A version of the ad ran in Spanish in La Opinion over two consecutive Mondays. And for people who find their news and opinion The “Give Our Kids a Chance” campaign report looks at all of outside the print pages of the Times, our paid media the elements of our campaign—including funding our schools— campaign includes our message on more than 150 and illuminates them through facts and personal stories. Southland buses as well as dozens of billboards and online ads, including on Pandora. To deepen promo- tion of the December march, we ran 60-second ads Who we are and what we are fighting for—that’s the on seven radio stations, in both English and Spanish, substance of a new report from the Reclaim Our Schools and commissioned a rolling digital billboard truck LA coalition. “Give Our Kids a Chance” pairs the first- to traverse LAUSD and travel by local schools and person stories of parents, students, and educators with offices of prominent privatizers. research-based sections to make a compelling case for our demands. Members and allies are using the report in the field—with community groups, elected officials, and others—to build support for our fight to save public education by reinvesting in our schools and building a thriving, sustainable school district.

Download a copy of the report at wearepublic- schools.org. 8 MIND-BODY WELLNESS

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Tony Thurmond’s win for superinten- education platform, calling for univer- dent of public instruction took a long time sal preschool, increased funding for K-12 to be confirmed—it didn’t happen until 11 schools, better salaries for teachers, and days after the election—but that doesn’t accountability for the charter industry. make it any less momentous. Both Thurmond and governor-elect Gavin Thanks to the work of thousands of edu- Newsom have called for a “pause” on the cators, parents, and public education sup- expansion of charters until funding and porters, Thurmond prevailed over former transparency issues are resolved. Califor- Wall Street banker Marshall Tuck despite nia has been labeled the Wild West when being outspent by more than 2-to-1 in what it comes to charter operators because of was the most expensive race for a state repeated financial and other scandals in the schools chief in U.S. history. Independent sector. The state has more charter operators groups supporting Tuck spent more than than any other state, and the corporate $36 million on the election, including major charter lobby has been relentless in its donations from billionaire privatizers Bill efforts to rapidly expand unaccountable Bloomfield, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, charters, even in neighborhoods already and Eli Broad. saturated with schools. Los Angeles County was critical to de- “I intend to be a champion of public livering the win: local vote totals were 57% schools,” Thurmond said in announcing for Thurmond and 43% for Tuck (statewide his victory. “All students, no matter their percentages were 51% to 49%). background and no matter their challenges, Tony Thurmond (center) with educators in the final get-out-the-vote days of the Thurmond ran on a clear-cut pro-public can succeed with a great public education.” November 6 election.

UTLA endorses Jackie Goldberg Charter educator: Unregulated for School Board charter growth hurts all of us Divided School Board needs a fighter for I stand with the teachers across the city who are reinvesting in public schools. advocating for common-sense regulation.

Voters in District By Sylvia Cabrera 5 have a chance to Resource Teacher return a familiar face Alliance College-Ready to the LAUSD School Middle Academy #5 Board next year: former board member Jackie No legislation currently exists in Goldberg, who is California to regulate the fiscal and running in a crowded educational impact of charter school field of candidates for expansion on existing charter and the seat she held for district schools. Consequently, we eight years. UTLA’s see an oversaturation of new schools House of Representa- opening in certain areas, and existing tives overwhelmingly schools suffer underenrollment as a endorsed Goldberg for result. Last year, my school, Alliance the special election. The Middle School #5, laid off four educa- election to fill the open tors due to declining student enroll- seat will be held March ment. Over the past several years, 5, 2019, with a runoff if our enrollment has decreased by ap- needed on May 14. proximately 100 students. finding it more and more difficult to Goldberg’s resume The impact of declining student en- meet our enrollment capacity with each stacks up like no other: She was a billionaire benefactors. rollment means fewer staff and poten- passing year as the student population classroom teacher for 17 years before The School Board will be crucial tial program cuts. At my school, we in the community declines. serving on the LAUSD School Board, in pushing back on Beutner’s plan no longer have the funding for an art As educators, we cannot be dismis- on the LA City Council, and in the to break LAUSD into a “portfolio” teacher. We are no longer able to offer sive of these critical matters. When California State Assembly, where she district with 32 networks. In other any honors classes. We simply cannot school programs get cut or our schools chaired the Education Committee. cities, the portfolio model has been continue to have unregulated growth close, it affects students, parents, and Lately Goldberg is well known used to label some schools as “inef- of new charter schools at the expense our whole community. It was just this to board meeting watchers for fective,” close them down, and force of our current schools and students. It school year that a PUC charter school in her blistering take-downs of the the students into new unregulated is not sustainable for existing district Eagle Rock closed on the fourth day of privatization agenda, including Eli charter schools. The results are ter- schools or charter schools alike. school without notice to anyone because Broad’s leaked scheme to send 50% rible for students, as it increases seg- This lack of oversight is especially of underenrollment. of LAUSD students into unregu- regation and inequities and threatens irresponsible in the parts of L.A. that I became a teacher so I can advocate for lated charter schools and the secre- the survival of a high-quality public are facing gentrification. My school is my students and community, and I stand tive hiring of non-educator Austin education system. located in Lincoln Heights, and some with the teachers across the city who are Beutner as superintendent. She has Ref Rodriguez stepped down from of our students’ families are struggling advocating for common-sense regula- been an unapologetic voice for the the District 5 seat in July after pleading with the harsh realities of housing costs tion to address these concerns. Educators role of LAUSD as an essential civic guilty to a felony conspiracy charge and rising substantially. It seems like every across Alliance are coming together to col- institution in our city—a voice that’s a series of misdemeanors for money week we get an email notifying us of lectively advocate for the best schools for needed on a divided school board laundering during his 2015 election another student unenrolling because our students and our profession. Through with three members (including Board campaign. For nearly a year, Rodriguez their family is being displaced, having our union, we as educators can affect President Monica Garcia and Vice ignored calls from the community to to move inland to San Bernardino, Vic- positive changes to make our schools President Nick Melvoin) elected with step down, staying in place until he torville, and even out of state. Between sustainable and improve our students’ millions of dollars in funding from could be the deciding vote in the con- more charter schools being authorized learning conditions at our schools and the corporate charter lobby and its troversial hiring of Beutner. and the impact of gentrification, we are throughout our community.

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Lila is survived by her son, Jim (Debi) she was hired at 24th Street Elementary. Los Angeles; Charlotte (Wendell) Harris of Passings Weber Jr., and her daughter, Ann Marie Weber. This opportunity ignited a long and suc- Los Angeles; Cleavester (Kandice) Harris of She had four grandchildren: Tim (Randi-lee) cessful career, and she became a stellar and Flemington, WV; Stephanie (Harry) Harris- Lila Dawson- Helm, Chris (Vanessa) Miller, Jamie Weber, sought-after educator. Teaching is a work of Williams of York, PA; Jenise (Mark) Evans of Weber died peace- and Kyle Weber. She also had two great- heart, and she truly showed love to all of her Los Angeles; honorary daughters Cassondra fully at her home grandbabies, as she called them, Jaycee-Lee students. It was not unusual to see children Hold-Hightower of Los Angeles and Nadyne in Harbor City on and Danica Helm. She was preceded in death waiting outside of her classroom for her to Hicks of Los Angeles. Her grandchildren: October 23 at the by her beloved husband Jim Weber Sr. arrive in the morning: she was well-loved Darren Smith of York, PA; Morgan King of age of 75. by students, parents, teachers, and staff. Los Angeles; Kristen Hicks of Los Angeles; Lila was born in Jeannetta (Jean) During her tenure with LAUSD, she par- Christopher (Cherolyn) Hicks of Los Angeles; 1942 in Brooklyn, Ann Harris was ticipated in many organizations, including Kevion Dotson of Los Angeles; Jordan Harris New York, and her born in 1945 in Val- UTLA, NEA, CTA and Kappa Delta Phi of Reseda; Brendan Dotson of Los Angeles; family moved to Lila Dawson-Weber liant, Oklahoma, to International Honors Society in Educa- Kobe Harris of Reseda; and Laila Green of California when she 1942-2018 J.D. and Arvella Mc- tion, just to name a few. Jean was indeed a Charleston, WV; honorary grandchildren was five years old. She graduated from Donald. Her love for lifelong learner who showed passion and Tyler Hicks of Los Angeles; and Tyson Hicks California State University Northridge in family and teaching dedication to the career she loved. of Los Angeles. Siblings: Debra Yearby of 1964 with a degree in teaching, which she began early in life. After 27 years of loyal service, Jean Oklahoma City, OK; Velma Watson-Gardner continued to do, “requested or not,” until As the eldest of eight retired from LAUSD in 2011, but contin- of Valliant, OK; Wanda Mary McDonald the day she died. children, she helped Jeannetta Ann Harris ued her dedication to children and the Roberts of Fort Worth, TX; James McDonald In 1984, she married the love of her to raise her siblings. 1945-2018 field of education by continuing to serve of Vinita, OK; Harold McDonald of Okla- life, fellow teacher and animal activist Jim After attending Booker T. Washington High on the UTLA African-American Educa- homa City, OK; Roger McDonald of Pasa- Weber. She and Jim also shared a passion School in Idabel, Oklahoma, she moved to tion Committee as Secretary, in addition dena, TX; honorary sister Cynthia Flowers of for teacher union activism. Lila served on Los Angeles to fulfill her hopes and dreams. to mentoring other teachers. Los Angeles and a host of nieces, nephews, the UTLA Board of Directors for Valley In Los Angeles, Jean continued her Teaching was just one of her extraordinary cousins, friends, and colleagues. East for 20 years, including many years as education, first at Thomas Jefferson High gifts. Jean was a phenomenal mother, grand- UTLA Valley East Area Chair. Lila was an School, where she earned her GED, and mother, and friend. She raised her children Laureen (Lorrie) outspoken advocate for improving teachers’ then Trade Technical College, where she and grandchildren with a strong moral core Mitchell passed and students’ lives, and she was frequently graduated as class valedictorian and earned and instilled in them the importance of assist- away at home on quoted in the press on critical issues such as an associate degree in business adminis- ing others, as well as reinforcing important September 27, 2018. fair salaries for educators, adequate facili- tration, with a minor in accounting. She life lessons. She was very strong in her faith A native Angeleno, ties for students, and workers’ right to with- later received her bachelor’s degree in Pan- in God. Jean truly led by example, as she she was born in 1944 hold labor if contract agreements cannot African studies and a multi-subject teaching was always helping someone in some way. to Billy and Arletta be reached. She was a special education credential from California State University She contributed to multiple charities because May. Her father was teacher at Fulton Middle School until she Los Angeles, graduating summa cum laude. she had a heart larger than life. Another Billy May, the re- and Jim retired together in 2002. To continue her journey in the field of way Jean showed her love was through her nowned musician, Laureen Mitchell Lila was a warm-hearted woman who education, Jean began her career with the cooking. She could put formally trained chefs composer, and ar- 1944-2018 loved her family with all her heart, and she Los Angeles Unified School District as a to shame! She was the real deal, as she did ranger. Lorrie grew up with people like Ella will be forever missed. At the funeral services, teacher’s aide. It was clear to everyone not measure anything—she would simply Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, Nat King her grandson placed one of the UTLA “We around her that she possessed a special “eyeball it.” Her family and friends always Cole, and Frank Sinatra visiting her home Stand With LA Teachers” signs in her casket gift to reach children and to teach students looked forward to her meals. regularly, and Chuck Berry gave her and her as a reflection of her commitment to the union in a caring and exceptional way. In 1984, She leaves to cherish her memory her sister rides in his Cadillac convertible. She and the profession she loved so much. she fulfilled her calling as a teacher when children: Jacqueline (Edward) McDonald of remained a lover of music, especially jazz,

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12 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 for her entire life. time to care for her parrots and cockatoos, rie’s memory on January 27, 2019, from grades—they had a lot in common. They In 1973, Lorrie married Jimmie Mitch- two of which were quite elderly, and to 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 951 Keniston Avenue, were together for more than 30 years, ell, a musician. They shared a passion socialize and train her feathered family Los Angeles 90019. Please RSVP at 323- during which they were able to travel and for music and traveling, as well as social members. Lorrie was active in two parrot 855-0854 by January 25. experience the wonders of 38 countries. justice. In 2004 Jimmie passed away. clubs in Los Angeles and participated in Teaching for Alex was a passion, and he For more than 35 years, Lorrie was a parrot rescue efforts. Retired UTLA guided his students into successful lives. devoted and beloved preschool and kin- Lorrie embraced new technology, from member Alexander He would see many students in passing dergarten teacher at Commonwealth, 28th promoting word processors in the early Philip Reisbord, age as he strolled down the street who would Street, Gardner, and Union elementary days to always having the latest iPhone. 80, passed away call out, “Mr. Reisbord…” and he always schools. She was a valued and active She drove a Prius, had solar panels on her peacefully on Sep- thought that was special. That’s what the member of UTLA for her entire career. house, and in 2016 bought a Tesla, which tember 10 with “Math Guy” was all about. The impact she had on her students, and was her pride and joy. his wife and best In retirement, one of his favorite places theirs on her, can be seen through those After retirement, Lorrie continued her friend, Dorothy to hang out was the Mastick Senior Center with whom she remained close friends. love of traveling and was up for anything. (Tagawa) Reisbord, in Alameda. He loved his stained glass Lorrie graduated from UCLA with a On her trips to Australia she went to the by his side. Alexander Philip Reisbord class and especially the “chair yoga” ses- master’s in early childhood and bilingual Northern Territory where she saw Uluru Alex was born in 1937-2018 sions. He had many friends in both classes education. She mastered Spanish as well. and boated on a lake with crocodiles all 1937 to Samuel and Jeannette (Marks) Reis- and looked forward to each session. His In Lorrie and Jimmie’s library one found around her, she visited a remote island off bord. He was a graduate of Marshall High love for the Marina Village community an extensive and wide-ranging collec- southern New Zealand to learn about con- School in Los Feliz and received his B.A. in in which he lived was one of the greatest tion of books on social justice, civil rights, servation efforts for a highly endangered 1959 from Occidental College in Eagle Rock. joys of his life. The welcoming and warm African American studies, Latino culture parrot species, and she snorkeled the Great He went on to earn his master’s degree in friends he had there were very special and and studies, environmental issues, and Barrier Reef. Other wanderings took her to mathematics at Brown University in 1968. something he cherished. Alex’s passion much more. Many are hard-to-find and England, Cuba, a jazz tour through Scan- At Oxy, he was a standout member of the for meeting and getting to know people important volumes that will be donated dinavia, and a trip to a Greenpeace ship. track team, and he kept active all his life. as well as his love of travel and adventure to appropriate archives. And if there was a chance for a plane or He ran three marathons and completed two made for an interesting and exciting life. In addition, Lorrie and Jimmie cared helicopter ride, Lorrie was ready. She flew California AIDS rides from San Francisco to Alex is survived by his wife, Dotti; his for his great-aunt, Ruby Dandridge, in over the Hoover Dam, Kakadu Park, and Los Angeles during his lifetime, the last ride brother, David (Lizzy) Reisbord of Santa her later years. Ruby was the mother of the Great Ocean Road. Most recently, she when he was in his late 60s. Monica; and his younger sister, Susan famed African American actress Dorothy loved taking road trips around California In the early 1960s Alex joined the Peace Martin of Abiquiu, New Mexico. Also left Dandridge. They lovingly preserved items in her beautiful blue Tesla. Corps, and he was assigned to Kenya, with wonderful loving memories are his from Ruby’s career as a pioneering African Lorrie is survived by her sister, Cindy where he trained teachers of mathemat- children, Coriander Reisbord (William Aber- American actress, musician, and entertainer May, and her step-sisters, Linda Bates and ics at Kenyatta University in Nairobi. He nathy), John Reisbord of Poughkeepsie N.Y., in the early days of the movie and televi- Cris Pendarvis. She is also survived by her spoke fondly of those years, and through- Jessica (Jim) Grove, Teresa (Dean) Milligan, sion industry. These important historical cockatoos Archie and Petey, and African out his life he occasionally ran into people and Kevin (Tracey) Hattori. Grandchildren artifacts and papers will be donated to Grey parrots Venus, Bo, and Richard. from Africa and the area where he was Ryan Gooch, Sophie Reisbord, Anna Aber- Emery University. What do we remember best about fortunate enough to have lived. nathy, Nicky Reisbord, and Meghan Reis- Lorrie’s advocacy for the health, well- Lorrie? She always had the newest technol- When Alex returned from Kenya, he bord will miss their Grandpa Alex greatly. being, and conservation of parrots was ogy and knew how to use it, she loved fast began his career as a secondary teacher well known to her students, friends, and cars, she was passionate about civil rights of mathematics. He taught many years, Send news of passings and photos if neighbors. She sometimes took birds to her and social and environmental justice, she and it was at Narbonne High School in available by email to UTnewspaper@utla. classroom to share her love of them with loved her parrots, and she was a lot of fun. Harbor City where he met Dotti. As Dotti net or U.S. mail to UNITED TEACHER, 3303 her students. Retirement gave her more A celebration of life will be held in Lor- was a teacher—albeit in the elementary Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, LA, CA 90010.

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13 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018

will have an opportunity for a three-year term at the local level. One-year terms are Involvement opportunity available for state delegates.

Election process for delegates 2019 NEA Convention set for Houston The process for the NEA Representa- tive Assembly delegate elections will be UTLA holding elections for convention delegates. as follows: Voting for local delegates will take place at the February 20 UTLA Area meetings. The top vote-getting candidates By Debby Schneider and Laura Carls The NEA Representative Assembly will with the Department of Defense, will give will be named as delegates following the UTLA/NEA Election Committee meet in Houston, July 2 to 7, 2019, during input, gather information, and formulate counting of votes on February 22. which delegates representing their local and update NEA’s positions on various The UTLA/NEA election committee Ready to become involved in education unions from throughout the United States, legislative and policy issues. will then formulate the state candidates’ issues at a national level? including overseas locations affiliated Educational concerns affecting local, ballot from those names of people who state, and national unions may be brought turned in self-nomination forms for only to the floor by any delegate. The excite- the state delegate ballot (a one-year term) ment of deliberation and voting begins and those who self-nominated for both the NEA Representative Assembly Annual each day at 7 a.m. during the California state and local delegate but did not receive state caucus and never slows down. This top votes in the local delegate election. Convention slated for July 2019 in Houston excitement, plus the numerous CTA- and The voting for the one-year state delegate NEA-sponsored activities, serves to en- term will take place at the UTLA/NEA Would you like to become a UTLA/NEA delegate to the 2019 Representative tertain and educate exhausted but in- Service Center Council meeting on March Assembly Annual Convention in Houston? From July 2 to July 7, 2019, UTLA spired delegates. 25, from 3:30 to 6 p.m., and the counting of members affiliated with the NEA/CTA will be in attendance at that convention. UTLA/NEA members who run for the the votes will follow on or before March 28. 2019 Representative Assembly and receive Any teacher on dues-paying leave, year- For a member to be eligible not only to become a delegate, but to serve in the highest number of votes (by a plurality) round teachers who are off track, and early the UTLA/NEA Representative Assembly, a self-nomination form must be completed and returned to Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA President, by 5 p.m., February 6, 2019. There will be two categories of delegates: local and state. Local delegates will be elected on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at the eight UTLA/NEA RA election UTLA Area meetings. State delegates will be elected Monday, March 25, at the UTLA/NEA Service Center Council meeting from 3:30 to 6 p.m.. A complete set absentee ballots available of election rules will be sent to each person submitting a self-nomination form. UTLA/NEA members on formal leave will be able to vote in the 2019 Term of office for local delegates is three years, beginning July 2019. State NEA Representative Assembly election by absentee ballot. The ballots delegates are elected yearly. are available to any teacher on formal leave from a school or worksite and can be obtained by completing an absentee ballot request (below) UTLA/NEA Representative Assembly Self-Nomination Form and submitting it to UTLA by U.S. mail (no faxes/email) by February 6, Please Print 2019, no later than 5 p.m. All ballots will be due back at UTLA by 5 p.m. on the appropriate date (use timeline). Name

Employee Number UTLA/NEA Members on Formal Leave Request for Absentee Ballot for UTLA/NEA Representative Assembly Elections Mailing Address Please Print

Name Home Telephone Employee Number Non-LAUSD Email Address Mailing Address School

UTLA Area (Circle One) N S E W C VE VW H Name of School Ethnicity (Circle One) Non-LAUSD Email Address Asian/Pacific Islander African American UTLA Voting Area Caucasian (not Spanish origin) Chicano/Hispanic Check one: CTA/NEA Board member Formal LAUSD leave I wish to have my name placed on the (check one): I am requesting an absentee ballot for the following election: Local and state ballot Wednesday, February 20, 2019 (ballots due back 2/20—Local) Monday, March 25, 2019 (ballots due back 3/25—State) Local delegate ballot only State delegate ballot only All above information must be completed for this request to be valid. If my name appears on the local delegate ballot, and I am elected as a local delegate, I hereby give my permission to have my name removed from I hereby declare that the above information is accurate. the state ballot.

Signature I certify that below is the signature of candidate whose name appears above. This request is due by 5 p.m., February 6, 2019, at UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Attn.: Cecily Myart-Cruz. Until 5 Signature p.m. on February 6, forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters This request is due by 5 p.m. by mail (no faxes or emails) by February 6, (see the receptionist on the 10th floor) during regular business hours from 2019, at UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Attn.: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cecily Myart-Cruz. Until 5 p.m. on February 6, forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters (see the receptionist on the 10th floor) during regular All absentee ballots will be due back to UTLA by 5 p.m. on the appropriate business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. date (see timeline).

14 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 childhood education teachers who are off plied by CTA. No faxes or emails will track may vote by absentee ballot, accord- be accepted. As a delegate, it is your re- Delegates to CFT Convention to be ing to CTA election rules. sponsibility to attend all Service Center Ballots can be requested by complet- Council meetings (January 22, March 25, elected January 24 ing the form below. Note: Our timeline is and May 28). set in accordance with CTA submission UTLA/NEA election committee members CFT to hold annual convention in Downtown LA, requirements. are Laura Carls and Deborah Schneider-Solis UTLA/NEA members running for the (co-chairs), Marcela Chagoya, Wendi Davis, March 22 to 24. 2019 Representative Assembly must be Mike Gonzales, Karla Griego, Ingrid Gunnell, sure to use the self-nomination form on Mel House, Erika Jones, Rosa Melendez, and UTLA members will elect delegates the coupon below to nominate themselves. the facing page instead of the form sup- Elgin Scott. at the January 24 General Membership The coupon must be returned by Meeting at UTLA to represent the union at January 11. the statewide convention of the California Delegates with terms expiring in 2018 Federation of Teachers. Motions for the meeting: All motions At the convention, CFT members from must be submitted to UTLA/AFT 1021 four Jennifer Albright Jose Estrada Janis Nuno around the state will gather to debate and weeks prior to the general membership vote on important resolutions and con- meeting on January 24. Motions can be sent Liliana Amezcua Hermenia Freemond Yvette Olivares-Estrada stitutional amendments. The annual CFT to AFT 1021 President via fax at 213-251-9891, Olga Araujo-Delgadillo Ronald Futch Estela Rios Convention is the most important policy- mailed to 3303 Wilshire Blvd. 10th Floor, Los Lucia Arias Michael Gonzales Carlos Rodriguez making body of the federation. Angeles, CA 90010 or emailed to jramirez@ John Aston Ingrid Gunnell Nada Shaath All UTLA members are eligible to be utla.net by December 27, 2018. Please indi- Daniel Barnhart Omer Hassan Gloria Simosky elected delegates to this event; delegates who cate “AFT 1021 motion” in the subject line. Olga Calacuayo Karen E. Hempstead Jennifer Villaryo fulfill their official obligations will receive Motions submitted prior to the meeting will Laura Carls Alberto Hernandez Ingrid Villeda a stipend to cover a major portion of their be posted on the UTLA/AFT 1021 link at least expenses. Interested members can fill out two weeks prior to the meeting. Wendi Davis Jennifer McAfee Stacie Webster Greta Enszer Cherita McFrazier Lauren Weiss Carmen Esterman Blanca Mejia Sydney Yarbrough-Baune Jospeh S. Esterman Maria Miranda 2019 CFT Convention self-nomination form

Name

UTLA/NEA RA 2019 election timeline Employee No. NEA/RA Local Delegate election Home address December 18 and January 25: Nomination forms, timeline, and absen- tee ballot request forms in UNITED TEACHER. City/Zip February 6: Self-nomination forms and absentee ballot requests due to UTLA building by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail (no faxes or emails). Until 5 Email p.m. on January 4, forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquar- ters (see the receptionist on the 10th floor) during regular business School hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

February 7: Letters sent out acknowledging receipt of nomination forms. Cell Phone #

February 14: Absentee ballots sent out. I hereby declare that I am a fully paid member of UTLA. I wish to nominate myself as a delegate to the 2019 CFT Convention to be held in Downtown February 20: Local RA delegate elections at all UTLA Area meetings LA from March 22 to 24. and at UTLA headquarters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

February 20: Absentee ballots due back to Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/ Signature NEA Vice President, at UTLA building, 10th floor by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail This form must be returned by January 11 to UTLA/AFT Vice President Juan Ramirez at 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th floor, only (no faxes or emails). Los Angeles, CA 90010 during regular business hours (9 p.m. -5 p.m.) or by mail. Nominations will not be taken from the floor or by fax/email. Elections will be held at the general membership meeting on Thursday, January 24, at 6 February 22: Area and absentee ballots counted, 9 a.m. Letters sent p.m. at UTLA. to winners and results will be posted at www.utla.net by the end of the next business day. March 4: Deadline to submit election challenge in writing to Cecily Myart- UTLA retirees: Adopt a Cruz, UTLA/NEA Vice President, provided a runoff election is not required. Please contact Vivian Vega for appropriate form at 213-368-6259. School for possible strike

NEA/RA State Delegate election UTLA-R members and members of days (water, food, facilities, security, sign- other unions are encouraged to sign up ins, posters) and whatever comes up that March 12: State RA delegate absentee ballots sent out. for the Adopt a School program to support the chapter chair needs. a possible strike at the site level. • being on the line and bringing others March 25: State RA delegate election at UTLA/NEA Service Center Here’s how the program would work: Now with you. Council meeting at UTLA headquarters, 3:30 to 6 p.m. that active members of UTLA authorized More than 100 UTLA-R members a strike, the retiree would reach out to the already have signed up to volunteer to March 25: State absentee ballots due back to Cecily Myart-Cruz, chapter chair at the adopted site to offer any assist chapter chairs at sites that were their UTLA/NEA Vice President, at UTLA building, 10th floor, by 5 p.m. by assistance needed to prepare for and support alma mater, that are in their neighborhood, U.S. mail only (no faxes or emails). the strike. The retiree would leave contact in- or that they worked at or sent their child to. formation with the chapter chair and be ready March 27: Election Committee meets at 9 a.m. to count all ballots. to help as directed with any of the below: To sign up: Send your full name, union/ Letters sent to winners and results will be posted at www.utla.net by • organizing (families and communi- local (or UTLA-R), email, phone, school the end of the next business day. ty) with phone calls, meetings, window you’d like to adopt, and UTLA Area (if posters, etc. known) to Evy Vaughn at evaughn@utla. April 7: Deadline to submit election challenge in writing to Cecily Myart- • talking with UTLA members about net. Please also include your connection to Cruz, UTLA/NEA Vice President, provided a runoff election is not required. other job actions you participated in and the school (e.g., the site is your alma ma- Please contact Vivian Vega for appropriate form at 213-368-6259. lessons learned. ter, your neighborhood school, a site you • reaching out for logistics for the strike worked at or sent a child/grandchild to). 15 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018

the presentation. If you have questions or Tripp, and alternates Pat Stanyo, Peter Retirees’ corner need additional information on your ben- Martin, Pete Paladino, Janet Lucar, and efits, call 213-241-4262 or visit the website Andrew Otero. They were elected to the Report of the October 19 General Assembly Meeting. at benefits.lausd.net. House of Representatives. House of Reps election: Congratulations to Cecelia Boskin, Mike Dreebin, Loretta Thank you to Emily Ettinger for selecting By Mignon Jackson CalSTRS deduction contributions. Contribu- Toggenburger, Jane Sakamoto, Jimmie the beautiful plants. And a special thank you to UTLA-Retired Secretary tions can also be mailed to Cecelia Boskin at Woods Gray, Susie Chow, Emily Ettinger, Tomas Junge and his committee of volunteers for 3547 Federal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066. Sandy Keaton, Hattie McFrazier, Charlie organizing and preparing the healthy brunch. President’s report: UTLA-Retired Presi- Legislative report: Mary Rose Ortega, dent John Perez spoke briefly, reporting our legislative reporter, presented a report that the district has the same position that on the active retirement-related measures it had 18 months ago. The union is ready to as of September 2018 and the CTA posi- Note from the UTLA-R President strike. Retirees are invited to participate in tions on these current bills. She concluded a massive March for Public Education that her report with an appeal for UTLA-R Beutner’s “portfolio” scheme puts public will be held at Grand Park in Downtown members to vote for Tony Thurmond for education—and our health benefits—at risk. Los Angeles on December 15, 2018. UTLA-R state superintendent of public education members are needed to work with schools and for Gavin Newsom for governor. and chapter chairs by adopting a school Guest speakers: Tom Morrison, consul- By John Perez trict has lost students and revenue. The lost (see box in this issue of the UT). Perez also tant to the districtwide Health Benefits Com- UTLA-Retired President revenue has made it more difficult for the spoke about the need for UTLA-R members mittee, and Mariam Hironimus, LAUSD LAUSD to fund our solid health benefits. to continue to support PACE. Introductions health benefits representative, spoke about Superintendent Austin Beutner has just This game plan—reduce the number of stu- were made of candidates running for House the upcoming 2019 benefits package. UTLA- come up with another way to threaten your dents, teachers, and revenue in the LAUSD— of Representatives. Retired members Annual Benefits Open health benefits: Make the LAUSD a “portfo- puts added pressure on the district to start Treasurer’s report: UTLA-Retired Trea- Enrollment dates were November 1 to 18, lio” district. All across the country the priva- charging monthly premiums to make up for surer Mike Dreebin presented the trea- 2018. Here are changes to note for retirees: tizer/corporate charter folks are turning the lost revenue. Two of the three charter surer’s report and the budget was adopted • Anthem Blue Cross EPO will no school districts into “portfolio” districts to school board members—Nick Melvoin and unanimously. longer be offered to retirees who have destabilize and privatize them. Under this Kelly Gonez—have introduced a motion Health benefits report: Loretta Toggen- Medicare Part A and B. system, all schools are “rated” and “ranked” to make LAUSD a “portfolio” district. The burger reviewed a health benefits FAQ • A new Anthem Medicare Preferred and placed in “portfolios” from which “inef- only way to stop this erosion of funds out of from the LAUSD Health Benefits Com- PPO Medical Plan will be offered by fective” or “failing schools” are closed. Then the LAUSD is to break up the charter school mittee. Toggenburger and Perez said LAUSD. the students from these schools are either majority on the school board. That means that UTLA-R members with concerns • Kaiser Senior Advantage is adding forced into neighboring public schools, or, winning the special election to fill the District 5 and issues dealing with health benefits Silver & Fit to the plan. more often, forced into new unregulated vacancy on the school board. To do this UTLA should put them in writing and send them • Health Net Seniority Plus is adding charter schools. The results are terrible for needs PACE political action funds, and that’s to UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl and Silver Sneakers to the plan. students, as it increases segregation and where you come in. I have been researching UTLA Treasurer Alex Orozco. • Life insurance benefits will now be equal access and threatens the survival of how our retired colleagues in other districts Membership and PACE reports: UTLA- provided by Met Life. a high-quality public education system. get their benefits. In most districts retirees Retired Vice President Cecelia Boskin re- • United Health Care Medical will no The portfolio model puts financial pres- who are under age 65 can keep their district ported that UTLA-R has 4,342 members. longer be offered. sure on public school districts. The large plans, but they often pay a monthly premium She then reminded everyone about the im- New cards will be mailed January 1, number of charter schools in LAUSD has to do so since few districts have what we portance of joining PACE through monthly 2019. There was a Q&A period at the end of placed our health benefits at risk as the dis- have: premium-free lifetime health benefits. 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16 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018

The real problem is when we reach 65 and go and Eli Broad and his charter school friends on Medicare. Some districts, like Glendale, spend millions every two years trying to buy Norwalk-La Mirada, and Pasadena, make LAUSD. In the recently concluded gubernato- no provisions for those over 65, and our col- rial election Broad and the corporate charter Project BEST leagues from those districts have to purchase people spent $75 million in the primary and a Medicare plan on the open market. Here general elections trying to get Antonio Vil- are some of the monthly premiums educators laraigosa elected governor and Marshall Bilingual Educator over age 65 pay to their districts to keep their Tuck elected state superintendent. Lucky Strategic Training health plans: Santa Ana, $150 for an HMO and for us, both lost. Broad and friends outspent $600 for a PPO; Corona-Norco, $215; Burbank, what educators were able to spend to defend Preparation for Dual Immersion Success $270; Scotts Valley, $600; and South Tahoe, public education by a 2-to-1 margin. BUT the $600. Can you afford to purchase a Medicare recent national election and the Obama and plan or pay these monthly premiums? Sanders campaigns have shown that if all of CALLING ALL TEACHERS WITH BILINGUAL AUTHORIZATIONS! Join PACE today: In the next couple of us contribute a little, we can spend as much months, we will send retirees another PACE as the billionaires. What is better for you and card so you can join. If all 4,330 of our retirees your family: Contribute $10 a month to PACE Professional Development Series were to join PACE, we could help defend now, or wait until you have to spend between CABE's Project BEST March-June 2019! Target Audience our health benefits by contributing $866,000 $200 and $600 a month for the benefits you every two years to help elect good school get today premium-free? Is your district experiencing a • Current K-8 teachers who possess a bilingual board members. The LAUSD board elec- bilingual teacher shortage? authorization, are currently teaching in English- only settings and need training and support to tions are the most expensive in the nation, John can be reached at [email protected]. Do you have a bilingual authorization but are not teaching in a bilingual classroom? re-enter the bilingual setting; or Do you want to fine-tune your skills to be f • Current or newly-hired K-8 bilingual authorized prepared to teach in a dual language immersion (DLI) classroom in the Fall of 2019? teachers who will be or are currently providing Ed.D. in Educational Leadership instruction in a dual immersion/dual language Join CABE's "BEST" Program! development setting, who would like additional training and support. Accepting Applications for FALL 2019 Project BEST Outcomes: Capacity for this cohort is 40 participants. Early Review Priority Deadline: Dec. 31st eelo eertise aroun ual language immersion eagogy wit a secial Specializations: emasis on linguistic transfer an acaemic anis • PreK-12 BECOME A PART OF CABE'S • Post-Secondary nerstan te acaemic language nees PROJECT BEST of stuents in ual language immersion PREPARATON FOR DUAL IMMERSION rograms ia stuent saowing SUCCESS Program Features: Featuring customized professional • 3-Year Accelerated Program development and coaching by • Evening Courses eelo proficiency aroun te uiing Ivannia Soto rinciles for ual anguage ucation • Cohort Model Sylvia Dorta-Duque de Reyes • Rigorous, Inclusive and Personalized and the CABE Team • Research-Based nerstan te role of esignate in ual immersion rograms • Exceptional Student Support Register here: http://cabe.k12oms.org/1524-159630 Sponsored by For more information, please visit: https://www.calstatela.edu/edd (323) 343-6164

17 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 COMMITTEE EVENTS

mittee UTLA African American Education Com Presents the nce Forty-Sixth Annual Community Confere

Saturday, February 9, 2019 7:30am to 4:30pm

UTLA Building 3303 Wilshire Blvd. Room 815 Los Angeles, CA 90010

mber In Memory of our Dedicated Me Jeannetta Ann Harris

Theme ent With: Promoting A Healthy School Environm Students Yoga Healthy Teachers

Living Families and Examining munities Com the Food Students Continental Breakfast and Lunch 2019 $20.00 Early Registration before January 28, 19 $25.00 Register on Saturday, February 9, 20 Parents free! Students free with ID!

onference Secretary: For more information contact: UTLA C Debbie Reid at (213) 368-6232

The Hidden History of Black and Mexican Solidarity

nce featuring a: E’S Multicultural PD Confere ASIAN PACIFIC COMMITTE ” “BUS TRIP TO MANZANAR Saturday, April 27, 2019 6 am – 9:30 pm UTLA (details below)WORKSHOP 38th ANNUAL SESSIONS (5): Wednesday, December 12, 2018 4 pm - 6:00 pm Dr. Martin Luther (Includes light dinner & instructional materials) King, Jr. Wednesday, February 6, 2019 4 pm - 6:00 pm (Includes light dinner & instructional materials) Scholarship 7:30 am -3 pm Saturday, March 9, 2019 Fundraiser (Includes light breakfast, lunch, & instructional materials) 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm Sponsored by Monday, April 22, 2019 UTLA (Includes light dinner & instructional materials) / African American 4 pm - 6:00 pm Education Wednesday, May 8, 2019 Committee (Includes light dinner & instructional materials) Thursday UTLA Headquarters , January 24, 201 Parking structure is off Berendo 9 Angeles 2 blocks west of Vermont Ave. at Berendo. 3:30 3303 Wilshire Blvd., Los th Pilgrimage to 4:30 Asian Pacific Committee: 50 Anniversary NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Kings Kids Talent Contest TRIP TO MANZANAR materials & point credit information) BUS harter bus transportation, conference Speeches, (Includes lunch/dinner, snacks, c Dance, Musical th Time: 6 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday, April 27 , 2019 5:00 to 8:00 Fundraise 2nd 170 Frwy commuter parking r and Program st UTLA Parking Lot Bus pick up: 1 St, east of 170 frwy OR @ Oxnard United Teachers Los Angeles 3303 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 3303 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles Deadline: April 13, 2019 Corner of Wilshire and Berendo, two blocks west of Vermont. Cost: $150.00 (2 salary points) or $75 (Pilgrimage Bus only) max: - 47 participants. (Parking structure off Berendo) Min. 25 participants for salary points. Enrollment: April 13, 2019 No bus trip refunds after Door Prizes - D.J. “James” - Food, Drinks, Entertainment. Admission $5.00 l Specific Conference. available. Article 3.3 Multicultura Tickets available now or at the door. For additional information call Debbie Reid at (213) 368-6232 Approved, two salary points 2019 and Pre-trip workshop Monday, LAUSD e Pilgrimage on Saturday April 27, r salary points, you must attend th regarding salary points/payment. To qualify fo presenters (bottom of flyer) for any questions 22, 2019 4:30 pm – 8 pm Contact KINGS April Deadline KIDS TALENT CONTEST enter for submissions is Wednesday, APPLICATION CALENDAR, and then January 16, 2019. Go to UTLA.net, click on judges are final. All judgments and decisions How to register on-line: by the AAEC EVENT. Click Student Name______Grade______"Manzanar" in SEARCH to reserve your space. on-line registration. Register on-line This will take you to the UTLA (email is preferred). (213)368-6229 or [email protected] erence School______School Registration questions to Jenny Lam 2019 Manzanar Conf Phone #______in the subject bar, or text: (818) 642-0981 Rosie Home Phone #[email protected] Put “manzanar” Presenter contact: Diane Newell: Van Zyl: [email protected] Parent’s Signature Will submit in the following category (check one):

Post Music Singing Please Dancing Speech Musical Instrument Other

18 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018

Involvement opportunity CTA State Council CTA Unexpired Term elections Unexpired Term election notice Are you interested in representing UTLA/NEA members at the state level? CTA (California Teachers Association) State Council, a policy-making body that meets By Laura Carls & for represen­tatives are covered by CTA, quarterly, has openings for representatives to fill unexpired terms. If you wish to run Deborah Schneider-Solis including hotel, mileage, and food costs. for one of these positions, complete and return the self-nomination form by U.S. mail UTLA/NEA Election Committee Meetings begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, 7:15 to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz at UTLA. The form must be received by 5:00 a.m. Sunday, and usually end around 4 p.m. on December 19, 2018. The election will be held at the January 16 Area meetings. UTLA/NEA members will elect CTA p.m. both days. Subcommittee meetings For those members who cannot vote at their Area meetings, voting will also be held State Council representatives for unex- on Friday evenings and voluntary caucus at the UTLA building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on January 16. pired terms at elections scheduled this meetings before and after the general year for the January 16 Area meetings. weekend meeting times can enrich the Self-Nomination Form These delegates will join the other UTLA representative’s knowledge of issues representatives when the council continues facing California educators. UTLA del­ Name for the 2018-19 school year. egates are rewarded for their time and The State Council acts as CTA’s pol- effort by getting a chance to make a state- Employee number icy-making body, meeting four times a wide difference in education. year. Each representative is expected to If you find the idea of participating on Address serve on a standing committee,­ which a statewide level intriguing, fill out and debates business items involving aca- mail in the self-nomination form on this City Zip demic freedom, retire­ment, civil rights, page to run for CTA State Council. Forms political action, teachers’ rights, and state- are due by December 19 via U.S. mail Home phone wide nego­tiation issues. State Council (no faxes or emails). Forms may also be representatives­ also vote for CTA’s state- dropped off at UTLA headquar­ters on the Non-LAUSD email address wide officers. In the 2018-19 school year, 10th floor (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz, all State Council meetings will be held UTLA/NEA VP) during regular business School in Los Angeles. All necessary expenses hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. School Phone

I certify that below is the signature of the candidate whose name appears above. CTA State Council Signature Date Year-Round Absentee Ballot Request (Required) I am requesting an absentee ballot for the CTA State Council Election for the Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5:00 p.m., December unexpired term. 19, 2018, via U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the 10th floor My vote will correspond to CTA’s election guidelines, which allow for voting by during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz). mail for CTA members on formal leave. This request must be received by 5:00 NO FAXES OR EMAILS. p.m., December 19, 2018, by U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Attn: Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA VP. I understand Form must be received by UTLA by December 19, 2018. that my request will be checked for accuracy by election committee members. Absentee ballots will be mailed January 7, 2019, and must be received via U.S. mail by 5:00 p.m., on January 16.

Name CTA State Council Employee number Unexpired Term election timeline

Address October 29, December 18: Nomination January 28: Deadline to submit elec- City Zip forms, timeline, and absentee ballot tion challenge in writing to Cecily request forms in UNITED TEACHER. Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA Vice Presi- Home phone dent, provided a runoff election is December 19: Self-nomination forms not required. and absentee ballot requests due to Non-LAUSD email address UTLA building by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail February 11: Absentee ballot for runoff (no faxes or emails). Forms may also sent. School be dropped off at UTLA headquarters (see the receptionist on the 10th floor) February 20: Runoff election, if needed, School Phone during regular business hours, from 9 at Area meetings and at UTLA head- a.m. to 5 p.m. quarters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. UTLA area (Circle one) N S E W C VE VW H December 20: February 20: Absentee ballots due back Absentee ballot requested for: Letters sent out ac- knowledging receipt of nomination to UTLA by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail only CTA State Council forms. (no faxes or emails).

January 16 February 20 January 7: Absentee ballots sent out. February 22: Area and absentee ballots counted. Letters sent to winners and Check one: CTA/NEA Board member Formal LAUSD leave January 16: Elections at all UTLA Area results will be posted at www.utla.net meetings and UTLA headquarters by the end of the next business day. I hereby declare that the above information is accurate. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who are not elected delegates will become alternates. Signature Date January 16: Absentee ballots due back Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5:00 p.m., December to UTLA by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail only March 3: Final date for challenges 19, 2018, via U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA (no faxes or emails). to be submitted in writing to Cecily 90010. Forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the 10th floor Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA Vice Presi- (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA VP) during regular business hours January 18: Area and absentee ballots dent, provided an additional runoff from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. NO FAXES OR EMAILS. counted. Letters sent to winners and election is not required. Please contact results will be posted at www.utla.net Vivian Vega for appropriate form at Form must be received by UTLA by December 19, 2018. by the end of the next business day. 213-368-6259. 19 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 Peer Assistance and Review: Teachers supporting teachers The PAR program’s goal: To support and renew quality teaching in classrooms across the district.

Many teachers have heard about Peer second priority of the program. program, per their website, “works col- strategies, that would be the only way that Assistance and Review (PAR) but may • Component 3 provides support to laboratively with the Local Districts, Staff PAR might impact an evaluation. not know the whole story behind this permanent teachers who request PAR ser- Relations, Field Directors, and Principals/ Consulting Teachers: PAR Consulting program, which is designed to support vices. Component 3 is the third priority of site-based Administrators to develop spe- Teachers are UTLA-represented teachers— quality teaching. the program. cific action plans in support of underper- hence, they are peers supporting peers. Origins: PAR was the brainchild of Dal Additionally, the PAR Program provides forming employees at their schools.” The They support, do not evaluate, and do not Lawrence, past president of the Toledo Fed- a full slate of Professional Development that PAR Program and the CPES Program are provide any input in the formal evaluation eration of Teachers. Teachers’ unions began is open to all teachers. Each workshop is completely separate and have completely process of the administrator. to include PAR in their contracts through col- six hours and is approved for salary point different goals. PAR’s one and only purpose lective bargaining in the early 1980s. In 2000, credit. All registration fees and related costs is to support effective instructional strategies For more information, check out the under then-UTLA President Day Higuchi, are paid for by PAR, so all workshops are with and for teachers. PAR is nonevaluative PAR website at https://achieve.lausd. UTLA negotiated PAR into our contract. free of charge to LAUSD teachers. and has no input in the formal evaluation, as net/PAR, where you’ll find a schedule Purpose: The purpose of the LAUSD Confidentiality: The PAR Consulting that is the purview of the site administrator. of PD workshops, more about PAR and PAR Program is to provide confidential in- Teacher does not share any information Instead, PAR works solely with the teacher to a link to PAR publications. Still have structional support to teachers who request about a Participating Teacher’s instructional improve instruction. If instruction improves questions? Call the PAR Office (Susan support or who are referred to the program practices with the administrator, or with as a result of PAR support, and the adminis- Masero, Coordinator; Laura Murphy, because they have received a Below Stan- anyone outside of PAR. Confidentiality is ab- trator observes improved implementation of Specialist) at 213-241-5501. dard evaluation. PAR Consulting Teachers solute in this respect. The only exceptions to provide one-to-one support that includes confidentiality are anything that falls under collaborative goal setting, lesson planning, mandatory reporter requirements, any threat GRAPEVINE Support for Computer observation of practice, and reflection con- or injury to adults or students, and if district (continued from page 23) Science Teachers ferences. Teachers who are receiving PAR policy or the contract are not adhered to. MfA Los Angeles is accepting applica- services are called Participating Teachers. Oversight: The PAR Program is overseen techniques to increase the dramatic effect tions for a five-year Master Teacher Fellow- Services: The PAR Program consists of by the PAR Panel. The panel consists of in filmmaking. The class is for all grade ship in Computer Science. Benefits include three components. five teachers appointed by UTLA, and four levels, all subject and content areas. One an annual stipend of $10,000, cutting-edge • Component 1 is service to teachers who administrators appointed by the district. salary point available with successful professional development geared toward have received a Below Standard evaluation. The panel sets the LAUSD PAR policies completion of the course. The instructors computer science (CS) teachers, support to The UTLA-LAUSD contract requires all and vision, in accordance with Ed Code. are LAUSD teachers Selena Stewart and attend conferences, and more. Candidates Component 1 Participating Teachers to fully There is a PAR Coordinator whose job it Linda Guthrie. Location: Thomas Starr must apply with a partner at their school participate in the program, to the extent that is to implement the policies and vision as King Middle School (4201 Fountain Ave.). site and be teaching CS or math (with an services are provided. Component 1 is the determined by the PAR Panel. Registration deadline: January 20, 2019. interest in teaching CS) for grades 7-12 in a first priority of the program. Associations with other programs: Dates: January 26 (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), Feb- high-need public school in the greater Los • Component 2 consists of service to The most common misconception in this ruary 23 (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), and March 14 Angeles area. Master’s degree required non-permanent teachers who request regard is that PAR is somehow associated (3:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.). To register, email (in CS, other STEM field, or education). support, with priority given to teachers with the Certificated Performance Evalua- [email protected] with your full name, Please visit www.mfala.org/mtcs.html at high-needs schools. Component 2 is the tion Support (CPES) program. The CPES employee number, and contact email. for more information.

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20 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 WHO awards: A chance to honor someone you know Friday, April 26, 2019 Nominations due February 25.

Ever wonder how you can recognize a • The WHO State Award is for active UTLA/NEA “WHO” colleague or chapter chair who has shown UTLA/NEA members who have given out- true leadership by going above and beyond standing service in support of UTLA/NEA Awards Dinner the call of duty to help members at your and its members at the state or national site? Or maybe a member who is involved levels of UTLA, CTA, and NEA. in the Area steering committee or House of • The UTLA/NEA Community Gold Award Representatives and has dedicated time to may be awarded to any person or organiza- See you there! speak to our members, help where needed, tion whose leadership, actions, and support and walk that mile or two for the good of all have demonstrated that the person or orga- our members? Or what about that colleague nization is a true friend of public education, who has spoken about professional matters educators, or students and merits UTLA/ at the state or national level to make sure NEA recognition of their accomplishments. our voices are heard? The WHO Awards Committee looks forward Here is your chance to recognize them to honoring special members who you know We by nominating them for the We Honor are doing what it takes to make us stronger, Ours (“WHO”) awards, which are given keep us united, and stand for the good of all. annually in these categories: Honor • The WHO Local Award is for active Deadline for nominations is February 25. UTLA/NEA members who have given Nomination forms will be posted next month outstanding service in support of UTLA/ at utla.net. Recipients will be honored at a Ours NEA and its members. dinner on April 26.

UNITED TEACHERS LOS ANGELES/NEA SERVICE CENTER COUNCIL CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION NEGOTIATIONS NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

[email protected] UTLA/NEA “WHO” AWARDS COMMITTEE LABOR MOVEMENT Save The Date

BARGAINING

27th Annual Collective Bargaining Institutes for

LAUSD High School Students ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Teachers: Help keep the Labor Movement alive with our Are you ready for a new challenge? youth! Bring UTLA’s award-winning Collective Bargaininig Are you ready for a position outside the classroom? Education Project to your school site. Are you interested in administration?

Earn a Master of Arts in Educational Administration At our Collective Bargaining Institute, your students will spend plus a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential . . . several exciting hours learning about the labor movement by in LESS than two years! participating in a hands-on simulation of contract negotiations, aligned to content and Common Core standards. NEW COHORTS CLOSE TO WORK OR HOME STARTING January 22, 2019 Spring Semester

The Collective Bargaining Institute engages ALL students. They Apply Now! will be grouped into small (4 students) union and management teams, and each student will be responsible for a different "The joint Tier 1 Preliminary Services Credential and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership Program at bargaining issue. And it gets better! All teams will be mentored California State University, Northridge is by far the most sensible, cost effective option for any educator by labor relations professionals who volunteer to “coach”! interested in pursuing a career in educational administration. Students benefit from the real world experience and expertise of the instructors, the close student-to-faculty There is no cost to your school. Our UTLA Collective Bargaining ratio, the convenient schedule designed for the working professional, and the strong peer relationships one develops, all while learning the skills required for successful entry into an administrative position upon Education Project is co-sponsored by the L.A. County Federation graduation." - Jay Benoit, Restorative Justice Teacher, Van Nuys High School, ESC North

of Labor AFL-CIO and the Labor and Employment Relations Classes meet one night a week beginning at 4:20 PM Association, with support from LAUSD.

Deadline: ASAP. Scheduling a CBI day requires three weeks in FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies advance to recruit the team “coaches” from the L.A.-area labor California State University, Northridge movement. Also in advance, students need to be released from (818) 677- 2591 http://www.csun.edu/coe/elps classes for the CBI (with a “trip” slip), to a large space with tables for 3 to 4 hours.

Contact Linda Tubach, Collective Bargaining

Education Project teacher, ASAP at (626) 233-2284

or email [email protected]. 21 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018

UTLA-Retired to hold special Declaration of Intent UTLA-Retired Secretary Election election to fill Secretary position Term of Office: The remainder of the current term ending June 30, 2020

A special election will be held at the January 8, 2019: Declaration of I, , January 18 UTLA-Retired General As- Intent forms are to be submitted (Please print your name, as you would like it to appear on ballot.) sembly for the office of UTLA-Retired to Tara Thomas, 12th Floor, UTLA do hereby declare my intention to run for the office of UTLA-Retired Secretary to com- Secretary. The term of office will begin Building, no later than 10 a.m. plete the balance of the current unexpired term. immediately following the announce- ment of the balloting results and end January 9, 2019: Email submis- Permission is given for the UTLA-R Election Committee to verify my membership quali- on June 30, 2020. In the event there is sion of candidate’s statement (250 fications and to determine that I meet the requirements to be a candidate for the office a runoff election, the runoff will be words or less and may contain only for which I have declared my intent. held at a subsequent meeting of the one graphic/image) to utla-r@road- (Please Print) General Assembly. runner.com. The submission dead- line is 12 noon. Statements must Special election timeline: be either in MS Word, PDF, or text UTLA-Retired Secretary format. The candidates’ statements (Home Address: Street and Number) for balance of term ending will be distributed to the UTLA-Re- June 30, 2020 tired Email Listserv. Statements will (City and Zip) be emailed to the listserv January This timeline is for the Special Elec- 11-12, 2019. (Area Code) (Contact Phone Number) tion of the UTLA-Retired Secretary January 18, 2019: Voting will take with voting on January 18, 2019. (Personal E-mail Address) place at the January 18, 2019, UTLA- July 18, 2018: UTLA-Retired Retired General Assembly meeting membership deadline for members from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. To the best of my knowledge, all of the above statements are true. to be in good standing to self-nom- inate to run for UTLA-Retired Sec- January 18, 2019: Deadline for can- retary. didates to submit financial reports (if (Signature and Date) expenses are incurred) to Tara Thomas, Complete and return to: UTLA-R Election Committee, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, December 18, 2018: 10th Floor, UTLA Building, no later Declaration Los Angeles, CA 90010, Attn: Tara Thomas of Intent forms available for self- than 3 p.m. nomination. For election rules or a download- January 7, 2019: Deadline for UT- able version of the Declaration of (Date & Time Received) LA-Retired membership to be eligible Intent form, go to www.utla.net/mem- All forms must be submitted no later than 10 a.m. January 8, 2019, to Tara Thomas on to vote in this special election. bers/utla-retired-committee. the 10th Floor at UTLA. No exceptions.

Human Resources Division

Peer Assistance and Review Program Workshop Schedule

All LAUSD teachers are invited to take ANY of our 6-hour workshops that cover a variety of topics: Classroom Management-Research Based Strategies for Success September 19, 2018 & December 19, 2018 Informational Text and Project Based Instruction September 10, 2018

Using Graphic Organizers to Support the Writing Process October 6, 2018

Designing Lessons for the 21st Century Learner December 18, 2018

Building Strong Connections for Student Success December 18, 2018

ABCs of Student Engagement January 4, 2019

Informational Text and Project Based Instruction January 4, 2019

Power of Presence February 16, 2019 Happy holidays Interactive Student Notebooks March 9, 2019

fromHappy UnitedHealthcare holidays ABCs of Student Engagement March 9, 2019 from UnitedHealthcare Classroom Management-Research Based Strategies for Success April 17, 2019 Labor & Trust team. Designing Lessons for the 21st Century Learner June 18, 2019

WeLabor wish you and &yours Trust a season full ofteam. good health, good friends, Power of Presence June 18, 2018 loving family, and abundant joy and prosperity for 2019. We wish you and yours a season full of good health, good friends, Interactive Student Notebooks June 19, 2019 loving family, and abundant joy and prosperity for 2019.

All workshops can be applied

toward Salary Point Credit! *unless noted, all PAR classes are held at the Sign up through: MyPLN Beaudry Building Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided 333 S Beaudry Ave, LA, CA 90017 by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through UHC of California DBA https://achieve.lausd.net/mypln UnitedHealthcare of California. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided Facebook.com/UnitedHealthcare Twitter.com/UHC Instagram.com/UnitedHealthcare YouTube.com/UnitedHealthcare #spn-content by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through UHC of California DBA 1

MT-1162223.1UnitedHealthcare 11/18 of California. ©2018 United HealthCare Services, Inc. 18-10527 Facebook.com/UnitedHealthcare Twitter.com/UHC Instagram.com/UnitedHealthcare YouTube.com/UnitedHealthcare MT-1162223.1 11/18 ©2018 United HealthCare Services, Inc. 18-10527 22 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net December 18, 2018 UNITED TEACHER GRAPEVINE Salary point workshop on classrooms that reflect the concept of a sense of first day of class (January 27), or until cap is STEAM professional Charles Lummis and the place and to support the Common Core cur- reached, whichever happens first. For further development classes culture of the Arroyo Seco riculum for their discipline. Workshop fee is information, email [email protected] or Encouraging student interest in Science, Spring session registration is now open $85. Registration form and schedule available visit www.en4ed.com, or call/text Larry Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math- for the LAUSD professional development online at www.LummisDay.org. Registration Carstens at 818-645-4259. ematics (STEAM) is becoming more and workshop “The River Runs Through It: closes February 8, 2019. For more information, more important, which is why Educa- Charles Lummis and the Culture of the contact Carmela Gomes, (gomescarmela16@ Evenings for Educators at LACMA tion4Equity has created four courses to Arroyo Seco” scheduled for two Saturdays, gmail.com or 818-429-8755). For more than 30 years LACMA’s Eve- advance STEAM education for LAUSD February 16 and 23, 2019. Conducted by nings for Educators program has provided teachers. Subjects include Steam Everyday retired LAUSD teacher Carmela Gomes, the Salary point class on K-12 teachers with opportunities to talk for Everyone, NGSS for All, Cognitively workshop has expanded the professional “Mexican California” about, discover, and create works of art. On Guided Instruction Math, and Arts Inte- staff to include retired Mercyhurst University Earn salary points and expand your February 5, “Parallels at the Core: Reading, gration: Music. These LAUSD-approved professor Keiko Miller and master Franklin knowledge of local history by enrolling in Writing, and Visual Art” will cover strate- professional development courses provide High School teacher Yim Tam. During the “Mexican California.” The class will visit gies for integrating visual art with English training to help teachers improve their course of the two days, participants walk Olvera Street, the Dominguez Rancho, and language arts and literacy instruction and knowledge, understanding, and ability in the wilds of the Arroyo Seco River, visit the San Fernando Mission. This district-ap- will feature museum educators, teaching to promote STEAM education in the the native plant garden maintained by the proved class is open to all K-12 educators and artists, and special guests. In this thematic classroom. To sign up, go to www.educa- National Park Service at the Audubon Center, is worth two salary points. It will also expose session, participants will explore artworks tion4equity.com/steam. tour the Lummis Home and Garden with a participants to resources and Common Core- from across the museum by U.S. American, docent, experience the Los Angeles River in based strategies that can supplement their Korean, German, and Sri Lankan artists. Salary point course on new ways with Friends of the Los Angeles teaching. Participants will meet at Francis Teachers enjoy complimentary parking and mindful awareness River, take part in a walking tour of historic Polytechnic High, on January 27 and Febru- dinner as well as a thematic curriculum UCLA’s Mindful Awareness Research homes in the Sycamore Grove community, ary 3, 10, and 24 (all Saturdays). From Francis packet containing discussions of individual Center is offering a salary point course in learn about the work of Charles Lummis as Polytechnic High, the class will commute artworks, image reproductions, and lesson Mindful Awareness Practices for Educa- an archaeologist in Peru at the Southwest to the three locations (one each class day, plans. The session runs from 4:30 to 8:30 tors. Through this course, teachers will Museum, and sit with holders of Tongva and except for February 24). The course fee is p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 learn the principles of mindfulness and Chumash traditions for a hands-on work- $175 for two units, preregistered ($185 on the when purchased the day of the event. For how to apply them to daily life and the shop. To receive one point credit for the work- first day), which includes breakfast, materi- more information and to register, please visit classroom. Mindfulness has been shown shop, teachers are required to use the infor- als, and museum admissions. Enrollments www.lacma.org/evenings-for-educators. If to have a beneficial effect on students mation they acquire to create lessons for their will be accepted until—and including—the you have additional questions, please call and school communities, contributing to 323-857-6093 or email [email protected]. greater ease, focus, and mental health. Participants will learn tools so they can Salary point conference directly apply mindfulness strategies to on Manzanar their lives, to the stressors they may face The UTLA Asian Pacific Committee is in schools, and to their classrooms. This organizing its annual Manzanar Conference. six-week course meets on Thursdays Want to help more than The conference includes a bus pilgrimage to from January 17 through February 21, the Manzanar National Historic site, along from 4:30 to 7 p.m., at UCLA and is with the chance to earn two salary points. appropriate for beginning and experienced one classroom of kids? To qualify for salary points, you must attend practitioners. Participants are eligible to the pilgrimage on April 27 and the pre-trip receive one LAUSD salary point. Cost: workshop on April 22. Cost: $150 (two salary $225 (scholarships available). Informa- USC Rossier’s points) or $75 (pilgrimage only). Minimum tion and registration: www.uclahealth. 25 participants must enroll for salary points. org/marc/maps-schedule#MAPS-I-Ed- School Leadership Academy See the flyer on page 18 for more information ucators. Contact: Linda Yaron, NBCT, and how to register online. at [email protected]. Preliminary Administrative Credential Free salary point class on advanced story-telling and filmmaking ESTATE PLANNING “Advanced Story Telling and Film- Now recruiting for Fall 2019 Cohort. making: Focus on Cinematography and Want to avoid probate? Editing” will provide teachers with tools Seeking peace of mind? Don’t do it yourself. Let a fellow teacher be and resources to conduct primary source your lawyer. Sheila Bayne is a full time lessons using text analysis questions that Bit.ly/SLAPAC-2019F teacher with LAUSD and has been an active are modeled after the ELA SBAC. It will member of the California Bar for over 30 years. also provide lessons for narrative writing Complete Estate Planning Package: and adapting stories based on historical events into scripts. In addition, partici- n Living Trust pants will get in-depth instruction on n Living Will/Advance Health Care Directives n Power of Attorney the use of cinematography and editing n Trust Transfer Deeds (continued on page 20) n Pour-over Will and supporting documents n Personal consultation Discount for UTLA Members: ABCs In COMMON PHONICS FOR LATINOS

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