Making Our Stand at Grand February 26, 2015

Award-Winning Newspaper of United Teachers Los Angeles • www.utla.net Volume XLIV, Number 6, February 27, 2015 Making Our Stand at Grand February 26, 2015

Unity That Cannot Be Denied for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve More than 15,000 educators, parents, students, and community members listen at the rally to student speaker Beverly’anne Ogarro from Dorsey High.

Rally report & latest on contract talks Page 5 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 United Teacher President’s perspective UTLA ELECTED OFFICERS PRESIDENT Alex Caputo-Pearl NEA AFFILIATE VP Cecily Myart-Cruz We’re at impasse: What we’re fighting for AFT AFFILIATE VP Betty Forrester ELEMENTARY VP Juan Ramirez SECONDARY VP Colleen Schwab and what we need to do to win TREASURER Arlene Inouye SECRETARY Daniel Barnhart By Alex Caputo-Pearl Ramon Cortines’s own class-size survey increasingly savage institutional racism UTLA President reveals that there are 3,000 classrooms across and economic inequality, the unrelenting BOARD OF DIRECTORS the city with more than 45 students. California attempt to scapegoat educators and their I remember very clearly a conversation is 50th out of the 50 states in the number of unions, and the years under John Deasy NORTH AREA: Interim: Kirk Thomas, Chair (Eagle Rock ES), Blanca Mejia (EEC Center), I had last September with Avalon Gardens students per counselor, and LAUSD is at the have had a huge negative impact. It will Rebecca Solomon (RFK UCLA Comm. bottom of California. LAUSD has acknowl- take far longer than one year, and more School), Julie Van Winkle (Logan Span School) Elementary School teacher Elgin Scott. UTLA had developed bargaining surveys edged that it does not have enough nurses than one contract campaign, to rebuild and SOUTH AREA: Ingrid Villeda, Chair (93rd Street ES), Ayde Bravo (Maywood ES), Ayesha Brooks for our members to complete, to give us a to adequately track immunization records positively transform public education. And, (Markham MS), Maria Miranda (Miramonte ES) sense of their top priorities. We had 18,991 and has hired temporary nurses during the it will take a broad coalition of unions, EAST AREA: Gillian Russom, Chair (ESP Academy), Ingrid Gunnell (Lane ES), Gloria Martinez (Rowan ES), members participate in those surveys over measles crisis. Class size, student counsel- parents, community, and students to do it. Adrian Tamayo (Lorena ES) the course of August and September. Elgin ing needs, and student health needs do not What we win in this year’s bargaining WEST AREA: Erika Jones Crawford, Chair (Angeles and I were looking at the results: The top require temporary Band-aids; each requires will only be a first installment in what Mesa), Noah Lippe-Klein (Dorsey HS), Rodney Lusain (Los Angeles HS), Jennifer Villaryo (Grand View ES) priorities identified were salary, class size, a permanent solution, and it is unconsciona- our schools deserve. We will continue to CENTRAL AREA: José Lara, Chair (Santee EC), staffing, clean and safe schools, and teacher ble that LAUSD has not provided legitimate fight for, through automatic reopeners, Kelly Flores (Maya Angelou), Paul Ngwoke (Bethune evaluation, along with health benefits. We counterproposals to UTLA on each. improvements to educators’ salaries over MS), Zulma Tobar (Harmony ES) were both struck by how clear it was that our That is why we are at impasse. the next years. We will continue to fight for VALLEY EAST AREA: Scott Mandel, Chair (Pacoima Magnet), Oleetha Mae Arnold (Grant HS), members wanted to fight for a full package Moreover, LAUSD sits at 47th out of the the issues most important to our students, Victoria (Martha) Casas (Beachy ES), of demands—that, as we kick-started the 47 districts in L.A. County in maximum parents, and communities: class-size re- Alex (David) Orozco (Madison MS) legal process of bargaining, duction; full staffing to meet the VALLEY WEST AREA: Bruce Newborn, Chair, Melodie Bitter (Lorne ES), Wendi Davis after years without proactive academic, social, emotional, and (Henry MS), Javier Romo (Mulholland MS) negotiations, our members had physical health of our students; HARBOR AREA: Aaron Bruhnke, Chair (San Pedro crystallized the essence of the and shared decision-making HS), Elgin Scott (Avalon Gardens ES), Steve Seal (Eshelman ES), Mary Tello (De La Torre Jr. ES) Schools L.A. Students Deserve rights around school cleanliness, ADULT & OCCUP ED: Ernest Kettenring (Roosevelt CAS) campaign. safety, and expansion of visual BILINGUAL EDUCATION: Cheryl L. Ortega (Sub Unit) A couple of weeks later, Elgin, and performing arts, electives, ECE: Juanita C. Garcia (San Fernando EEC) who is also a member of UTLA’s and academic programs. Making progress on these key HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: Linda Gordon Board of Directors, would become a key member of the Or- issues will take action outside of SPECIAL ED: Darrell Jones (Byrd MS) ganizing Team, a group of rank- negotiations with LAUSD. Con- SUBSTITUTES: Fredrick Bertz and-file leaders who have been tract talks are only one path for PACE CHAIR: Marco Flores critical to developing UTLA’s creating change. The new Local UTLA RETIRED: John Perez series of escalating actions over Control Funding Formula, which the last months in support of our requires school districts to engage AFFILIATIONS demands, and who are critical to UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl pickets with Carver Middle School parents and other education stake- American Federation of Teachers helping us assess our power as holders in financial decisions, is National Education Association educator Nemahun Stevens-White and her colleagues on February 12. we organize work site by work More than 700 sites held leafleting on that day. a powerful way to organize with STATE & NATIONAL OFFICERS site across the city. the community to secure wins for NEA DIRECTOR: Sue Cirillo Among those whom Elgin joined on the educator salary. If this doesn’t change, we our schools that we can’t get at the union CFT PRESIDENT: Joshua Pechthalt Organizing Team were Gloria Martinez from will simply not be able to build a sustain- bargaining table. CTA PRESIDENT: Dean Vogel CTA DIRECTOR: David Goldberg Rowan Avenue Elementary (also a UTLA able, stable school district that recruits These are the ways we will plant and CFT VICE PRESIDENT: Betty Forrester Board of Directors member) and Michael and retains quality educators, particularly nurture the seeds of the broader movement NEA PRESDIENT: Lily Eskelsen Garcia Cranshaw from Monroe High School. Gloria during the demographic and retirement we need to build over the coming years. AFT PRESIDENT: Randi Weingarten and Michael, in addition to the critical work shift that is likely to happen within the edu- We can glimpse that movement. It was they have done on the Organizing Team, have cator force over the next five to seven years. incredibly inspiring to have these com- UTLA COMMUNICATIONS knocked on doors, walked sidewalks, and While LAUSD has moved up on its salary munity leaders speaking at our February EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Alex Caputo-Pearl made calls in support of Bennett Kayser in offer to 5% on the scale, it is not enough. 26 “Making Our Stand at Grand” rally: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Suzanne Spurgeon COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS: School Board District 5 and in efforts to drive That is why we are at impasse. Rosa Miranda, a parent of LAUSD students Kim Turner, Carolina Barreiro, Tammy Lynn Gann Tamar Galatzan into a runoff in Board District We continue to hope for the best in this and organizer with the Labor/Community ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Laura Aldana 3—in other words, in support of building a process, and we don’t want to strike. But, we Strategy Center; Beverly’anne Ogarro, a School Board that is supportive of the package will strike if we need to. Thousands upon student at Dorsey High School and organiz- EDITORIAL INFORMATION of demands that came out of our August/ thousands of completed UTLA Commit- er with the Schools L.A. Students Deserve UNITED TEACHER September bargaining survey and that are ment Cards coming in from across the city Grassroots Coalition; and Eunice Grigsby, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Fl., LA, CA 90010 the foundation of the Schools L.A. Students bear this out. We have collected them as a founder of the Crenshaw Cougar Coali- Email: [email protected] UTLA main line: (213) 487-5560 Deserve campaign. officers, directors, and staff have visited 524 tion, renowned neighborhood leader, and ADVERTISING schools since January, and a high percentage parent of five students who graduated from Senders Communications Group Declaring impasse of our members have checked off the box on LAUSD, three of whom are now teachers. (818) 884-8966, ext. 107 On February 18, UTLA declared impasse the cards marked “Strike If Necessary.” If in negotiations because LAUSD was not you haven’t filled out a Commitment Card, What an agreement could look like UNITED TEACHER accepts paid advertisements from outside companies and organizations, including UTLA responding to our package of demands. please get one from your chapter chair, com- We have made it very clear to Ramon sponsors and vendors with no relationship with UTLA. Only While LAUSD, in response to our organiz- plete it, and get it back to the UTLA building. Cortines, to School Board members, to the approved vendors can use the UTLA logo in their ads. The content of an advertisement is the responsibility of the ing and escalating actions, had moved up District’s bargaining team, and to the media advertiser alone, and UTLA cannot be held responsible on salary, the District had not provided Building a movement that there must be three aspects to any for its accuracy, veracity, or reliability. Appearance of an legitimate contract counterproposals on In many different ways, at many dif- agreement: something significant around advertisement should not be viewed as an endorsement or recommendation by United Teachers Los Angeles. class size, staffing, shared decision-making ferent times over the past several months, improving salaries, something significant that lies at the core of creating clean and LAUSD has attempted to draw us into iso- around improving student learning condi- safe schools, or teacher jail (employee due lated bargaining on just salary. We have tions, and something significant around United Teacher (ISSN # 0745-4163) is published monthly (except for a combined June/July issue) by process). Moreover, LAUSD had decided rejected this. To be drawn into this would improving educator working conditions. United Teachers Los Angeles, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., to pay its legal team hundreds of dollars not be consistent with what our members The state Public Employment Relations 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Subscriptions: per hour to appeal the court’s decision that demanded we do in the August/September Board has now certified the impasse and $20.00 per year. (Price included in dues/agency TGDC, John Deasy’s evaluation system, bargaining surveys: fight for a package. appointed a mediator. While we prepare for fee of UTLA bargaining unit members.) Periodical postage paid at Los Angeles, California. POSTMASTER: had been illegally implemented. To be drawn into this would also cripple the mediation process, which will begin in Please send address changes to United Teachers Los The District’s behavior flies in the face our ability to contribute to building a move- late March, we ask LAUSD to bring new Angeles, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, of the broad program of proposals that ment to protect public education and fight proposals to the table even before media- CA 90010. Telephone (213) 487-5560. emerged from our bargaining survey and for racial justice over the long term. The tion begins. We have drawn no lines in the ignores the realities in our schools. recession, the attack on public services, (continued on next page) 2 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE (continued from previous page) Letters to the editor sand, and we will engage any real efforts to reach an agreement that covers the three the BEST teachers, but how can you keep Stagnant wages, stagnant core aspects above. LAUSD, come to the We welcome letters to the editor and will them and encourage new teachers when class sizes table with something new. print as many as possible in the space we are paid such pitiful salaries? We need I still think the current 5% raise offer available. Letters may be edited for length to stand strong and in unity until the end. is low. We have gone eight years without Making LAUSD invest and clarity, and they do not necessarily No one wants to strike, but it seems that it a pay increase. We marched February 12 in the classroom reflect the opinions of UTLA or its officers. We understand that there are some finan- is the only way to highlight not only salary at my site, and we are going downtown cial constraints on LAUSD. Having enroll- By mail: Editor, but the working conditions we endure to march on February 26 because I am so ment decline from 800,000 to 650,000 in the UNITED TEACHER every day. As a chapter chair I can vouch disappointed with the way the District past several years has seriously affected 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, that every UTLA member at our school has treated us over the past eight years. the budget, as has the state’s decision to Los Angeles, CA 90010 will be at the rally on February 26. We can Retired educators, through CalSTRS, get an require the District to pay a greater share By fax: (213) 487-3319 do this! Stand strong and stand together. increase every year to help keep up with of employee retirement. —Stephen Watson the rising cost of living, but the wages for However, LAUSD absolutely has the By e-mail: [email protected] Liberty Elementary active employees have been stagnant. Not money to reach a reasonable agreement only have we not had a raise, but we took this year. District officials acknowledged Bringing sanity to teacher jail Opening the LAUSD books furlough days, and class-size increases to us that they do not know whether a $59 In coverage of the return of art teacher Wondered what the outcome is in terms haven’t gone away once the crisis sub- million pot of Common Core money has been Stuart Lutz to his classroom after months of UTLA reviewing District finances. sided. Now that is insulting. spent yet. How many more pots of unspent in “teacher jail,” the L.A. Times wrote, LAUSD continues to claim their books —Jesús Orozco or unaccounted-for money are there lying “Lutz’s experience underscores the ques- are open for review—and UTLA hired 61st Street around? The governor’s January proposed tion of whether administrators unfairly someone to review them, right? budget includes at least an 8% increase in took advantage of district policy to remove —Dominique Chausse K-12 funding. A February report from the teachers who were troublesome, but not Nueva Vista Elementary Accountability for Legislative Analyst states that there will be necessarily guilty of substantial miscon- administrators even more revenue than projected under the duct.” The “question”? There’s no question Yes, our new research director, who has a Could we please have a clause in our governor’s budget, meaning that the increase here. It happened over and over again. background in forensic accounting, has been contract that stipulates that the faculty in funding will be substantially more than 8%. It was the name of the game. It’s what combing through budget documents provided of every school will have the opportu- Ramon Cortines’s decision to back away from “teacher jail” has been all about since by LAUSD as well as filing Freedom of Infor- nity to dismiss or retain its principal after John Deasy’s national-headline-making iPad Deasy took the throne. Let’s hope for some mation Act requests to get access to additional two years of service? Schools should not vanity project means there are more general sanity now that he is gone. reports. Among other things, she uncovered have to put up with misfits, the dance of fund dollars (previously encumbered in addi- —Philip Keller more than $59 million in Common Core funding the lemon administrators, who have been tion to bond monies) now available to invest UTLA member that must be spent by June 30. The District moved from school to school. Instead the in the priorities of the Schools L.A. Students claims the money was sent to school sites but District seems intent on keeping them in Deserve campaign. LAUSD’s shocking appeal Students deserve the best has no knowledge of how or even if it has been place at all costs, like an old buddy system. of the court decision on TGDC, and the costs UTLA members took to our Facebook page spent. Examining District finances is a contin- Teachers want quality administrators, and of the legal team that prepared the appeal and (UTLAnow) to share their reactions to UTLA’s ual process, and all the research work supports at present there seems to be no way to get the TGDC-tied consultants and bureaucrats declaration of impasse in contract talks. UTLA organizing. As information is uncovered, rid of the duds. protected by the appeal, are emblematic of the LAUSD still don’t get it? The students UTLA uses it in the media and at the bargaining —Sam Platts money that can be diverted from lawyers and of L.A. deserve the best teachers. We have table to bolster our contract demands. City of Angels consultants to classrooms. And, UTLA will work shoulder-to-shoulder with LAUSD to go to Sacramento to recover funding lost because of John Deasy’s MiSiS crisis, which affected In this issue Average Daily Attendance funding. Once re- covered, all of that money should be invested in classroom and school-site priorities. 4 Common questions about strikes 4 Action shots: Picketing Continuing our organizing Impact on retirement, health benefits, probationary and Sticking Up for and escalating actions employees, and more. Health Care Day It is our organizing at the work sites, on the sidewalks, in the streets, and in communities 5 Unity that cannot be denied 5 Stages of bargaining that drives what happens at the bargaining UTLA members make our stand at Grand on February 26. table. The agreement we win will reflect how much power we have built through our or- 6 Unity in red ganizing—it is that simple. The February 12 7 Speaking out: Breakfast in the classroom school site picketing was a great success, with Changing LAUSD’s BIC “mandate” and creating opportunities 9 Milestones more than 700 work sites participating. That for working with parents and the community. was followed by our February 26 “Making 15 Practical matters: Our Stand at Grand” rally, which was a tre- mendous feat and a powerful demonstration Pension 101 of our increasing level of organized power. Our escalating actions must continue as 16 Union dues for tax purposes we head into mediation. We will be having a citywide meeting of all Area steering committees and cluster leaders on strike readiness. 18 CTA State Council elections We will be unveiling a boycott plan, which will show our capacity to withhold labor 27 Grapevine when necessary. We will organize actions in support of our bargaining team in the mediation sessions. We will continue building capacity with local and cluster-based actions. Get connected to UTLA Through all of this, make sure that every single member at your site has completed a Facebook: facebook.com/UTLAnow UTLA Commitment Card and checked the Twitter: @utlanow box marked “Strike If Necessary.” We don’t YouTube: youtube.com/UTLAnow want to strike, but we will if that is what it takes to win a significant first step in the fight for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. Leading up to UTLA’s giant rally on February 26, hundreds of schools—including Let’s work with fantastic leaders like Rosa, Alexander Science Center (above)—picketed and leafleted in front of their school Beverly’anne, Eunice, Elgin, Gloria, and sites on February 12. See more photos on page 4 and on Facebook. Michael to make victory a reality. 3 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 February school-based actions put LAUSD on notice

CENTRAL WEST VALLEY WEST

Carver Middle School Hamilton High School Monroe High School

SOUTH February 10 VALLEY EAST Sticking Up for Health Care February 12 School Picketing & Leafleting

NORTH

Corona Elementary Burbank Boulevard

HARBOR EAST

Dominquez Elementary Cheremoya Elementary Gates Elementary

Common questions about strikes Impact on retirement, health benefits, probationary employees, and more.

Do I get to vote on striking? with our affiliates to provide modest low- al Employment Relations Act, Section sick leave credit to qualify for a Yes. A strike authorization vote interest strike loans guaranteed by the 3543.5, says that it is unlawful for a public benefit enhancement that comes must be held before a strike. Members UTLA Strike Fund. Also, if at all possible, school employer to “impose or threaten from unused full-pay illness. Ex- should vote to authorize a strike after the strike is over, UTLA will try to to impose reprisals on employees, to amples of benefit enhancements only if they are willing to go out for negotiate makeup time so that students discriminate or threaten to discriminate include the 0.2 percent career factor however long it takes to win a fair will not lose the instructional time and against employees, or otherwise to inter- if a member retires with at least 30 contract and/or fair health care ben- teachers will not lose pay. fere with, restrain, or coerce employees years of service, and the one-year efits. If the leadership decides to call because of their exercise of rights guaran- final compensation factor (rather a strike after receiving membership What happens to my health teed by this chapter,” which includes the than an average of the best three authorization, it is the expectation benefits during a strike? right to strike if state guidelines are fol- years) if one is retiring with at least that all members will participate. As long as you work one day (or are lowed. If the District were to try to violate 25 years of service credit. in paid status) during any pay period this law, UTLA would avail ourselves of 2. Credit is earned for additional How long will a strike last? (month), the District must pay your health every possible legal response to protect work beyond the contract year, and It is impossible to say for sure how benefits costs for that period. After that, if employees from reprisal. such credit goes into the member’s long a strike would last. The 1989 health benefits are terminated, you have Defined Benefit Supplement (DBS) strike lasted nine days. It has been the right to pay for continued coverage Will a strike affect Account. If the member does not the experience of unions throughout under COBRA. my retirement? have a full year of service credit, the country that the more members Your CalSTRS service credit for retire- CalSTRS will supplement credit who participate, the shorter the strike. I am a probationary teacher. ment may be reduced because you are earned from the DBS account to the The key to victory is our unity. We Do I have special cause not being paid while on a strike. To earn member’s Defined Benefit Account. will return to work when we have for concern if I strike? a full year of service credit, a CalSTRS This credit can only be done within achieved a fair settlement, which you During the 1970 and 1989 strikes, not member must earn his or her full annual the same fiscal year the credit was will have the opportunity to vote on. one emergency credentialed or probation- salary, but there are ways to gain service earned. Examples of additional work ary teacher lost his or her job. Strikes are credit: include Summer School, Saturday Do we get paid while on strike? a legally protected activity, as confirmed 1. California law allows CalSTRS to School, Replacement Pay, and Aux- No, but after 10 days, we will work by the courts. The California Education- use up to 2/10 of one year of unused iliary Pay.

4 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 Crowd tops 15,000 at Making Our Stand at Grand rally Massive February 26 action shows that UTLA has the capacity and the will to demand change.

More than 15,000 people flooded Grand Park in downtown L.A. on February 26 in UTLA’s biggest action in recent history. If LAUSD had any doubts about the community unity behind our contract demands, they were crushed by the sight of thousands of educators, parents, and students rallying together in front of City Hall. With contract talks at an impasse and headed into mediation, UTLA members and public education supporters seized the chance to protest LAUSD’s lack of action in negotiations. Despite nearly 20 bargaining sessions over the past few months, District To have staffing and to pay people back?” state and national officials have yet to make legitimate coun- Educators and parents are angry that teachers’ union leaders terproposals on many of UTLA members’ while the economy and school funding Joshua Pechthalt (CFT priorities in the Schools L.A. Students have improved, cuts made during the re- President), Dean Vogel February’s organizing actions included school-site picketing on Feb- Deserve campaign, including class-size cession have not been restored. (CTA President), and ruary 12 at more than 700 sites across LAUSD. At Carver Middle caps and averages, health and human ser- “My number one reason to be here Lily Eskelsen Garcia School, English teacher and chapter chair Jose Buenabad talked to the vices staffing ratios, school cleanliness, due today is that a lot of services have been (NEA President). AFT media about the conditions at his site, where custodial staff has been process for housed teachers, an expanded taken away that have not been brought President Randi We- cut to a minimum, class sizes have not receded from recession-era role for local school leadership councils, back—janitors, nurses, ingarten visited L.A. highs, and educators are waiting for a long-overdue salary increase. elimination of the illegally implemented librarians,” Los Angeles before the rally to lend “UTLA is asking for a comprehensive contract package so that TGDC, and member-directed voluntary Academy math and her support to the we can address all our needs,” Buenabad said. “The District planning and col- science teacher Schools L.A. Students needs to stop wasting taxpayers’ money and reinvest in schools. laboration days. Pedro Moysen Deserve campaign. When you don’t have resources coming down from the District LAUSD is also not said. “With all the Their presence under- level, it’s very difficult. We had pay cuts via furlough days, and doing enough to nonsense about scored that everyone is our pay ranks 47 out of 47 in L.A. County. That’s unacceptable.” address uncompet- iPads and waste watching what happens itive pay in LAUSD at the District, they in L.A. Speakers representing community (Read more about the District’s funding and the eight years tell us they don’t groups, parents, and students also stepped picture in the President’s Perspective on teachers and health have the money. to the mic, including Rosa Miranda with page 2.) and human ser- They say if they the Labor Community Strategy Center, vices professionals give us a raise it parent Eunice Grigsby, and Dorsey High Next up: more organizing and have gone without will lead to layoffs. student Beverly’anne Ogarro, a student actions in support of mediation a pay increase. The Imagine the voters leader in CEJ and the Schools L.A. Stu- In weeks leading up to the rally, UTLA District has not who supported the dents Deserve grassroots coalition. leaders and staff visited more than 500 moved from its 5% tax increases. They The huge turnout at Grand Park was schools to talk with members and hand out raise offer; UTLA were promised the a repudiation of Superintendent Ramon Commitment Cards. The cards ask members is demanding a money would go Cortines’s attempts to undermine UTLA’s to pledge to participate in a variety of actions one-year increase to schools, and we contract campaign by pleading poverty to in support of contract talks, including boy- of 8.5%, retroac- haven’t seen any- the media and threat- cotting faculty meet- tive to July 2014, thing.” ening to lay off staff. ings and protesting and an immediate Tulsa Elemen- UTLA recognizes that unnecessary testing. reopener. tary teacher Laurie LAUSD has financial The vast majority of “We had to declare impasse because Abraham arrived at the rally with a large constraints because members indicated the District has not met our basic crite- crew from her school in Granada Hills. of declining student on those cards that ria,” UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl “We haven’t had a wage increase or a enrollment, increased they were ready to told the crowd. “We need to see improve- cost-of-living increase,” Abraham said. employer contribu- strike if necessary. ment in three things: salaries, working “It’s impactful. We do the job day in, day tions to CalSTRS, A possible strike conditions, and learning conditions. They out, working weekends and at night, and other factors, is still several stages haven’t met that. Our demands are not and we spend a lot of our own resources but the District has away (see chart on radical. When did it become radical to to make sure every child is successful. the funding to reach a this page), and UTLA have class sizes you can actually teach in? Enough is enough, and we need to stand reasonable agreement is clear that the best together and support each other.” this year. way to prevent a Stages of bargaining At the rally, the crowd moved to music Governor Jerry strike is to be pre- by members of Ozomatli and heard strong Brown’s January pared for one. UTLA re e he words of encour- initial budget pro- e ar will continue our ag- W agement posal for 2015-16 gressive organizing from included an increase SE MEDIA work, which is just PAS TIO for public schools IM N as important as what of at least 8%. Since happens at the bar-

FA then, the Legislative Analyst says that gaining table. With the mediation process S C N Either side can A state-appointed T state revenue could be up to $2 billion beginning in late March, UTLA is finalizing IO -F T declare that talks mediator tries to IN more than the projections used to our next series of actions, which will include IA are deadlocked, get the two sides D T I build Brown’s budget, with the O which leads to to reconcile their N training leaders on strike readiness, member G mediation. differences. If G biggest share of that going actions tied to mediation, and a boycott plan E not successful, N Both sides sit down, A fact-finding panel to public schools. Other to put pressure on LAUSD. the mediator U with a legal obligation will send the will issue a report D sources of funding could I T to bargain in good faith parties to with recommended S L T be diverted to the class- Make your commitment: The UTLA

to attempt to reach fact-finding. terms of settlement, R A G I C room if LAUSD would Commitment Card is an essential tool an agreement. but the parties do C N T I not have to A commit to investing in for UTLA to assess our members’ readi- C N agree to If no agreement is A N I the classroom instead ness to take action. If you haven’t already, N

H it. reached, LAUSD can UTLA and LAUSD S

S I of its flawed priorities, be sure to fill out a Commitment Card and legally and unilaterally T present the topics M

N R they intend to impose its last, best, and final P such as appealing the check that you are ready to strike if neces-

I U O bargain. proposals. UTLA can legally hold K S S court decision finding sary (see your chapter chair for a card). By

E a job action, including a strike. E that TGDC was ille- committing to an escalating series of ac- A tentative agreement can be reached at any time in the process. gally implemented. tions, members give the union power. 5 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 UTLA volunteers step up in a big way for key School Board races Voters are engaged at the UTLA Building, in field offices, and out in the community.

By Juan Parrino myriad of LAUSD concerns into Kayser’s Through presentations to chapters, rallies, Board races. Their sacrifice of time to serve UTLA Political Organizer lap, ludicrously blamed him for an Assem- and neighborhood outreach, members are as the credible messengers within the Dis- bly bill, and wrongly made him out to be working to prevent Galatzan from winning trict 3 and 5 contests is much appreciated. The March 3 LAUSD School Board a profiteer and squanderer of tax dollars. outright on March 3. Look to the upcoming UNITED TEACHER primary election has not yet taken place at While the outcome in District 5 remains Once again, UTLA members have for an analysis of election outcomes and the time of this writing, and while UTLA- unknown, the vital role of our members stepped up in a big way for key School our next political challenges. endorsed incumbent Dr. George McKenna in engaging voters is a known quantity. is running uncontested in the race for his Time and time again, when our members District 1 seat, the outcome for our union’s speak truth to power and converse with choice in District 5 remained unknown. In- voters over phone lines and on doorsteps, cumbent Bennett Kayser fought an uphill we make a difference in elections. Through battle against a well-funded opponent in our concerted volunteerism we push back his 2011 election. Now in 2015, Kayser once the deluge of election money by those again was facing off against a challenger who would privatize public education with deep financial support—this time, a and dismantle teachers’ unions. charter school operator. From the UTLA building, to North and The California Charter School Associa- South Field Offices, and phone-bank-in-a- tion, smarting from recent defeats in the box (PBIB) operations, our members are District 1 race and in the contest for state carrying out the critical effort to reelect superintendent of public instruction, has veteran LAUSD educator and teachers’ turned the District 5 Primary Election into Board member Bennett Kayser. In Dis- an unwarranted smear campaign against trict 3, member efforts are focused on Members came together at Vista Middle School, one of many Valley-based actions demanding Kayser. Their first independent expenditure forcing incumbent Tamar Galatzan into no reelection for Tamar Galatzan. mailer was race-baiting at best. The subse- a runoff. A number of challengers could quent flood of literature unfairly poured a prove formidable in a general election.

SEIU Local 99 President Barbara Torres (in purple) joined UTLA activists and leaders at the School Board member Steve Zimmer (center) and activist Carlos Montes (in black hat) were North Field Office for Bennett Kayser. part of the South Field Office push. Unity in red

Thanks to the 300-plus schools that have sent in their red T-shirt pics since the first Big Red Tuesday on September 30. The input has been amazing. We will keep using as many as we can in the coming months. When we wear red on Tuesdays, we tell the District that we are united behind our bargaining demands and the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. Keep the red growing!

Downtown Magnets High School Elementary Visual Arts Teachers

54th Street Elementary RED Rowan Elementary 6 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

Speaking out BIC organizing success story How our school changed LAUSD’s Breakfast in the Classroom “mandate” and created opportunities for working with parents and the community.

By Rebekah Kang, UTLA Chair, and but does not mandate a specific program, “They were not listening to us,” Kirti Baranwal, UTLA Vice Chair, such as Breakfast in the Classroom. Some Lilian Ramos, mother of two chil- at UCLA Community School speculate that BIC has spread so quickly dren at UCLA-CS who attended in school districts nationwide because it the meeting with Food Services, The Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) is being pushed by Partners for Breakfast said. “We told them that the class- program in LAUSD schools has been con- in the Classroom, a consortium of organi- rooms and bathrooms at our school troversial since it was first rolled out in a pilot zations funded primarily by the Walmart are already dirty and we need program in 2011. Teachers support providing Foundation. more custodial staff and we do a nutritional breakfast for students and we In LAUSD, BIC was folded into a School not even have BIC yet. We asked know the impact a healthy meal can have on Board resolution authored by members if they would give us more custo- learning, but LAUSD’s BIC program brings Monica Garcia and Nury Martinez in dians to clean the classrooms every many challenges: It does not respect local de- April 2012. LAUSD turned that resolu- day after children eat breakfast and cision-making rights, depends mainly upon tion into a mandated program without an they said, ‘No, classrooms won’t volunteer student and parent labor, wastes opt-out option, as stated in the District’s get dirtier. Other schools have had valuable instructional time, and ignores the BIC FAQ (“Opting-out is not available,” BIC and it works fine. You have issue of cleanliness in the classroom and it reads). However, LAUSD allowed 30 of nothing to worry about.’ Well, that After learning that the Breakfast in the Classroom program quality food. the wealthiest L.A. schools to opt-out of doesn’t make any sense.” would be mandated at their schools, RFK Community For these reasons and others, the UCLA serving food during instructional time and In January, our administrators Schools staff and parents held a series of meetings to talk staff was alarmed when in September 2014, in the classroom after parents complained. prepared to implement BIC. They about their concerns (above) and then they brought those LAUSD mandated the three K-5 pilot schools, sent letters home to parents, held issues to LAUSD. The District told the schools in January including UCLA-CS, at the Robert F. Kennedy How we organized an assembly for students, and had that they could postpone BIC until May 2015. (RFK) Community Schools campus, to imple- After being told in September about LAUSD Food Services representa- ment BIC in January 2015. After five months the BIC mandate for 2014-2015 for the tives come to train our elementary staff dents at UCLA-CS. “As parents we send of teachers and parents voicing concerns, RFK campus, staff members discussed on BIC. One week before LAUSD’s pro- our children to get an excellent education,” LAUSD has allowed all six schools, grades concerns in our weekly UTLA meetings. posed BIC implementation day at the RFK Martinez said. “With BIC, LAUSD is taking K-12, on the RFK campus to postpone BIC We spoke with parents and listened to campus, K-12 teachers and parents met away time from quality learning and making until May 2015. Here is our story of how we their concerns in weekly parent/teacher and decided that K-5 teachers and parents children do work for free. Children don’t eat organized to change LAUSD’s Breakfast in meetings during non-work hours. We would not do the work to implement BIC. at school because they don’t like the food. the Classroom “mandate.” then created a joint petition. Teachers and parents agreed that teachers Most of the parents in our community feed In November, we gave our signed peti- would not send students to carry rolling our children breakfast and we send them Brief history of BIC tions to our administrators, who forwarded carts of food from the cafeteria to the class- with more food because we know they do BIC originates from a federal initiative the petitions to our District directors. Rep- room. Students would go to the carts, get not eat the food at school. LAUSD isn’t lis- to provide breakfast to all students. Federal resentatives from Food Services came to their food, and eat in the cafeteria. tening to us when we say what we need.” law requires that students in need be fed meet with parents two times. “When Food Services came in to train The day after we decided to resist BIC, us, teachers learned that volunteer student teachers reached out to UTLA and said labor would be required to completely parents and teachers wanted to do a job implement BIC,” Elia Lara, second/third- action and needed UTLA’s help to pub- Committee bulletin board grade teacher at UCLA-CS, said. “That licize it with a news conference. UTLA Upcoming meetings Substitute Committee General really shocked us and raised new concerns responded within 12 hours and sent Meeting: UTLA building. about student safety. That, in addition an organizer to our Friday, January 16, MARCH 4 & APRIL 8 to all of our already existing concerns, UTLA lunch meeting, where teachers and UTLA Area Meetings: See times and The following committees also meet made teachers and parents say, ‘There is parents finalized details of the job action. locations at utla.net. on the same day as the House of Rep- something other than wanting children to We felt ready to honor the concerns of our Early Childhood Education Committee: resentatives from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. eat behind BIC. There are other ways we school community! 7 p.m., UTLA building. (unless noted) in the UTLA building: can feed children. We cannot allow this to Our UTLA chair and administrators Arts Education Committee, Asian- come into our community.’ ” met the afternoon of January 16 with a MARCH 11 Pacific Education, Bilingual Education Raquel Martinez is a mother of four stu- (continued on page 24) Elementary Committee: 4 p.m., UTLA Committee, Chicano/Latino Education, building. Gay & Lesbian Issues, Health & Human What educators and parents want Secondary Committee: 4 p.m., UTLA Services, Human Rights, Inner City, In- building. structional Coaches, Kindergarten Teach- We think breakfast is important, and we want students to eat quality food. We African-American Education Commit- ers, Library Professionals (4:45-6 p.m.), also value our instructional time and the labor and thoughtfulness it takes to tee: 4 p.m., UTLA building. Middle Schools, Multi-Track/Year-Round implement high-functioning programs in school communities. Capably Disabled Teachers Committee: Schools, Non- Classroom/Non-School 4 p.m., UTLA building. Site, Options Committee, Physical Edu- Concerns brought up by BIC mandate What educators and parents want PACE Committee: 6:30 p.m., UTLA cation Action and Dance, Professional BIC is a top-down mandate. Top-down mandates do building. Rights & Responsibilities, Pre-Retirement Each school community decides how to feed children not allow for voices to be heard and school com- Issues, Salary & Finance, School/ Com- and receives support to do so. MARCH 13 munities’ needs to be met. Adult and Occupational Education: 5:30 munity Relations, School Readiness Lan- guage Development Program, Secondary There is a daily loss of 20 to 40 minutes of instruc- p.m., UTLA building. Each school community decides how to use in- tional time. Talking at children while they eat is not School Counselors, Special Education, structional time. MARCH 17 Substitutes, Violence Prevention & School quality instruction. Unjustly Housed Teachers Committee: Safety, Women’s Education. The National BIC implementation relies on the use of volunteer 3:05 p.m., UTLA building. Board Certified Teachers Standing Com- and majority Latino and African-American student/ Fully staff schools to meet needs of student population. mittee: For meeting dates please check parent labor. People need jobs in our communities. MARCH 20 calendar at www.utla.net. UTLA-Retired General Assembly There is food in the classroom on a daily basis without Meeting: UTLA building. Upcoming conferences daily cleanup. There is an increase in an unsanitary No food in the classroom. Keep food in the cafeteria. environment (roaches, rats, etc.) on school campuses. MARCH 25 APRIL 25 There is a lack of quality/culturally relevant food Ask children/community about healthy and culturally UTLA House of Representatives: 6 Investment Workshop: See flyer in (with or without BIC) that is wasted. Many students relevant food they want. Serve it fresh and at the p.m., UTLA building. this issue. do not like the food. correct temperature. 7 Your state of mind has a big impact on how old you feel, so live a little — and live a little healthier.

Celebrate heart health This month, choose a habit (or all 5) to add to your life for a happy heart. 1. Eat to your heart’s content 3. Aim to lose 5. Break up with a bad habit 50% fruits and veggies Make it your goal to get and If you smoke, quit. Your 25% lean protein keep your BMI (body mass heart will heart you. 25% whole grains index) to less than 25. 2. Move that body 4. Watch the pressure 150 minutes a week Maintain a healthy of exercise (like brisk blood pressure —120/80 walking) is all you need. or lower is ideal.

Visit kp.org/heart to learn more about heart health.

Services covered under a Kaiser Permanente health plan are provided and/or arranged by Kaiser Permanente health plans: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, 60245308 November 2014 Inc., in Northern and Southern California and Hawaii • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-364-7000 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite

100, Portland, OR 97232. Self-insured plans are administered by Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company, One Kaiser Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612. Please recycle. United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

did she know what awaited her. She fell California State University, Dominguez Milestones in love with Los Angeles and decided to Hills. She taught education classes and transfer from the telephone company in supervised student teachers. Philadelphia to Los Angeles. She enrolled Juliette and Henry were partners and Passings in Los Angeles City College, taking night true soul mates who enjoyed being with classes and working during the day. each other, especially traveling together. Then, love struck again. It was Pelham Over the years many of their friends joined P. Henry, whom she met on a blind date on them in their travels. They took four world Admission Day in 1955. After their subse- tours. Henry jokingly would say, “Julie was quent date on the sand at Dockweiler State happiest with a boarding pass in her hand.” Beach, Henry was hooked. All his inten- Juliette experienced a number of health tions of returning to Georgia “went out the and personal challenges. With Henry con- window.” They married October 18, 1957. tinually by her side, she endured adversi- A 57-year love affair and friendship began ties with dignity and grace. She refused to that was blessed with one daughter, Pamela be a prisoner of pain and suffering and Rene, who passed away in 1988. After Pa- did not whine, complain, or ask, “Why Juliette R. Henry mela’s birth, Juliette took a leave from the me?” Juliette and Henry simply forged telephone company to complete her educa- ahead and enjoyed life. Perhaps that is her Teacher, leader, and founding UTLA tion. She graduated from El Camino College greatest legacy. She cheerfully embraced member Dr. Juliette R. Henry passed away in 1959 and enrolled at California State life with all its challenges and refused to let on January 14. She was 80 years old. University, Long Beach, where she earned adversity steal her joy. She left the world Juliette was born on January 1, 1935, a BS degree in education. Never one to rest a better place because of the life she lived, in Blackville, South Carolina. She was the on her laurels, Juliette decided to pursue a the students she guided, the people she youngest and last surviving of five children master’s degree in education and finally influenced, and the examples she set. of Emma Harley and Henry Roundtree. an Ed. D. degree at Pepperdine University. UTLA members and leaders past and Warren E. Buckner When Juliette was about three years old, Juliette was the consummate educator. present attended Juliette’s services. Former her mother died and within two weeks, her After earning her BS degree, she began a UTLA officer and State Senator Betty Kar- Warren E. Buckner, retired LAUSD father also passed away. Juliette lived with career with the Los Angeles Unified School nette and Juliette became very close during teacher and longtime UTLA member, her aunt in Blackville and completed her District. She taught at a number of schools, the first big strike in 1970 when UTLA was passed away quietly at his home on elementary and junior high school educa- primarily 232nd Street and Wilmington born. They served on the UTLA Board of Sunday, January 14, 2015. Warren taught tion. After spending a brief time in Wash- Park Elementary Schools and South Gate Directors in UTLA, attended CTA confer- math at Samuel Gompers Middle School ington, D.C., she moved to Philadelphia and Middle School. Her outstanding skills ences and workshops, and participated in and at the Los Angeles Center for Enriched graduated from Kensington High School were constantly in demand. She served many National Education Association con- Studies. He was the UTLA representative in 1952. She attended Temple University as a master teacher and Title I coordinator ventions and conferences together. Kar- for both of his schools and became the in Philadelphia for a year and worked for and worked at 32nd Street Magnet School. nette says that “UTLA is a better organiza- UTLA parliamentarian. He was always an the telephone company as one of the first Juliette received many awards and com- tion than it would have been if she had not outspoken champion of teachers’ rights, African-American telephone operators. mendations for her untiring efforts and been an active participant and supporter, and he was beloved by his students and In 1953-54, Juliette’s life took an im- activism with UTLA and the California and California Teachers Association gained respected by his colleagues. He will be portant turn. One summer she decided Teachers Association and the National greatly from her intuition and experience.” greatly missed. to take a vacation in Los Angeles to visit Education Association. Juliette retired from Former UTLA political director Bill her close friend, Frances McLemore. Little LAUSD in 1996 and joined the faculty at (continued on page 20)

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9 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

Proposition 32 two years ago were critical in turning around the funding for public From the treasurer education in California as we continue to seek long-term solutions. Last year, for the first time in a long time, we didn’t fear the spring RIFs and having to suffer Membership matters as our colleagues were let go. We were Through the union, the collective power of our union is actualized. victorious because of the overwhelming support of labor partners, our state and national affiliates (CFT/AFT, CTA/NEA), level and years of experience. And un- for students with the resources you need legislators, and grassroots organizations. fortunately over the past eight years, our and a fair and just compensation for your But we know that even with the progres- job has been made increasingly more dif- work. Research continues to support the sive movement in California, we must be ficult. Our members have made sacrifices value and importance of teacher unions. diligent as corporate dollars continue to as the economic recession in California One report that continues to be quoted fuel efforts to privatize our schools and and forces beyond our control have placed is “Teachers’ Unions and Compensation: demonize public educators. a greater burden on us. We have expe- The Impact of Collective Bargaining on rienced stagnant wages, furlough days, Salary Schedules and Performance Pay Lessons from Wisconsin burgeoning class sizes and student ratios, Schemes” by Kristine Lamm West and There are national lessons from other and more. Additionally, the corporate busi- Elton Mykerezi in the Economics of Educa- states that caution us not to take our suc- ness reform agenda has been imposed tion Review (February 2011). The authors cesses for granted and to be diligent and upon educators, with high-stakes testing found the following: always prepared. New Orleans, Florida, as the indicator of student achievement. “Collective bargaining increased start- Tennessee, Philadelphia, and Wisconsin Education has become a profit-making ing salaries by 3.9 percent and added have all experienced recent right-wing industry while public school educators an additional 5.4 percent over the first attacks on public education. have been negatively portrayed. Many of five years of a teacher’s career. Teachers’ In Wisconsin, as you may know, Gov- By Arlene Inouye us go home drained by all the extra work unions also support higher wages for ernor Scott Walker, with the support of UTLA Treasurer and heartbroken by the conditions our input, such as education levels, rather the Koch brothers and other right-wing students are forced to endure. than measures of output, such as test funders and organizations, passed Act 10, There is something special about being It is for all these reasons that a union exists. scores. In other words, it pays to be in a the most draconian anti-public sector labor a union that represents teachers and health The union fights for the issues—working union. And the whole community ben- law in the nation. It took away virtually all and human services professionals. UTLA conditions, learning conditions, and sala- efits by union workers. Unions serve as a collective bargaining rights, including the has the privilege of representing a work ries—that we care about. This is negotiated bulwark against wage inequality—which right to arbitration, for public employee force that is dedicated to a quality public through the contract we have with LAUSD now can be illustrated mostly in the unions (police and firefighter unions, which education system. Our members do more that is backed by the collective power of our negative. A fifth to a third of increased had endorsed Walker, were exempt). It left than a job—we live a calling that defines members. income inequality among men is attrib- intact only the right to bargain base-wage who we are. We want to make a differ- uted to the decline in union representa- increases up to the cost of living. The new ence in the lives of children and guide Research shows value tion between 1973 and 2007. That’s about law prohibited “agency shops,” in which students to live their dreams and therefore of teachers’ unions as much as the contribution of increased all employees of a bargaining unit pay we choose a profession where our wages We want to support you to do the job college education to raising wages at union dues. Under these conditions, public are not congruent with our educational of educating, supporting, and advocating the top. Union membership has been sector union membership has plummeted, attacked because it stands in the way of staff has been reduced, and resources to management slashing wages, laying off lobby, organize, and influence elections workers indiscriminately and without have shrunk. due process.” The lesson of Wisconsin is particularly ATTENTION EDUCATORS! alarming because it was always known California: Home to a diverse as a strong labor state with a progressive community and vibrant history. For example, in 1959, Wisconsin TAKE IT TO A labor movement was the first state to legalize collective California is the eighth-largest bargaining for public sector workers. This WHOLE NEW LEVEL economy in the world and the media should warn us that what happened in capital of the nation. Many believe that Wisconsin could happen anywhere. Earn a Master’s, Doctorate, or Advanced what happens in California spreads Bob Peterson, who was elected presi- Certificate Designed for California Educators across the nation. Over the past years, dent of the Milwaukee Teachers Educa- education in California has been hit tion Association during the fight against ¡ Master of Arts with a hard. However, we were able to come Act 10, recently penned a strong piece, Concentration in Dual Language together as unions and organizations to “Why We Need to Transform Teacher elect officials largely in support of public Unions Now” for Rethinking Schools ¡ Doctor of Education education and workers. Even against the (Winter 2014/15 edition). In it, he writes ¡ Preliminary Administrative Services odds of corporate-backed candidates and about the fight against Act 10 and the need legislation, we have been successful. 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Keeping track Breaks in UTLA membership How to stay in “active” status and retain benefits of belonging.

all the little things that make a big difference work for a month, are you still a member Special membership: Another in the life of the union, you probably meet of UTLA? What if you or your family is category to know anyone’s definition of an “active member.” adding a child through pregnancy or adop- During Deasy’s reign of terror on On another level, the UTLA Constitu- tion? What happens to your membership due process, we have had to deal with tion defines “active members” a little more then? What if you leave to work at a non- an increasing number of our members broadly. Active members are those who UTLA-represented charter school for a year, who have been dismissed by the District 1) qualify for membership based on their or take some other “break” from getting a under questionable circumstances. While employment within a UTLA-represented regular LAUSD paycheck? And when you members are challenging their dismissals bargaining unit, and 2) pay their dues on a come back, do you have to do anything judicially, they are no longer employees of regular basis. In simplest terms, this means special to get your membership reinstated? LAUSD, no matter how baseless, unfair, or teachers and health and human services Believe it or not, UTLA has not had a clear retaliatory the dismissal was. And when professionals within LAUSD, or one of the policy on what to do with “not-so-active” your employment status no longer allows L.A.-area charter schools we represent, memberships for as long as I can determine. you to be an “active member” of UTLA, who pay their dues “promptly.” Figuring out what makes someone active you can find yourself in a Catch-22: Just Don’t take my word for it—you can read versus inactive hasn’t always been clearly when you might need UTLA assistance the UTLA Constitution for yourself at utla. spelled out. This has led to problems, mis- most, you can find yourself on the outside By Daniel Barnhart net/constitution. understandings, and the type of inconsistent looking in. UTLA Secretary practices that have left people scratching Fortunately, the founding mothers and New policy deals with their heads about what to do. And when fathers of UTLA wrote into the constitu- What makes a person an “active membership gray zones policies are unclear, nonexistent, or made tion a key provision to permit people who member” of UTLA? For many of us who But how often do we have to pay our up on the spot, it’s hard to get the result you should be allowed UTLA active member- spend day and night involved in the work dues? With payroll deduction, many of us think you should. Inconsistent membership ship, but for some reason can’t currently be of UTLA, organizing chapters, talking with don’t even think about paying dues, which policies have affected the UTLA member- active members, a path to membership. The members about issues, engaging in political in some ways is fine, because it means one ship database in subtle but significant ways, UTLA Constitution establishes three differ- action, and motivating member participa- less thing to worry about in our busy lives. leaving rosters with unexplained additions ent membership categories: active, retired, tion in our contract campaign, we start Under normal circumstances your “active or deletions, voting lists missing voters, and and special members. Special membership thinking of active members as people who membership” is sitting there, waiting for members sometimes wondering whether can be extended to anyone who is recom- come to meetings and do union work. If you to take advantage of it. It’s when people UTLA has its act together. mended by an existing UTLA member and you are walking precincts, visiting schools, take a leave from work, or their paycheck To address these issues, the UTLA Board approved by the Board of Directors. Special setting up and attending meetings, repre- stops for some reason, that we start to enter of Directors recently decided on a long- members pay a much-reduced dues rate senting members in conferences, and doing a membership gray zone. If you don’t overdue operational policy concerning and can continue their membership in our these issues. It’s not the kind of thing that state or national affiliates, which can make will be considered groundbreaking, bold, a difference when it comes to participation Aflac is an extra measure or innovative, but it provides some much- in member benefit programs such as life needed guidance to getting our member- insurance. of financial protection. ship information rock solid. See the im- If you know of someone who could portant summarized highlights in the box benefit from a special membership in UTLA on this page. Going forward, the UTLA When you’re sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits directly to for whatever reason, please contact one of membership department also will start noti- your UTLA Board of Directors members and you, unless otherwise assigned, to help you and your family fying members through email, mail, phone ask them to sponsor a motion to make this with unexpected expenses. calls, and perhaps even text messages when person a special member of UTLA. Please the dues expected of members isn’t match- contact me if you need assistance with For more information about policy benefits, limitations, and ing up with the dues UTLA receives. This the process of making someone a special exclusions, please call your Aflac insurance agent: detailed, information-heavy, and proactive member. Building up and strengthening approach will be a key feature of UTLA’s our membership can take many forms. Carlos Enriquez overhaul of our membership database. Dan can be reached at [email protected]. CA License #0G82017 5120 W Goldleaf Circle, Suite 160 Los Angeles, CA 90056 Keeping your UTLA membership “active” (844) 255-4999 UTLA members can fall into “inactive” membership status for a variety of [email protected] reasons, such as taking a pregnancy leave, because dues are no longer being automatically deducted from their paychecks. During inactive status, UTLA members lose the privileges of belonging to the union, including representation for workplace issues and UTLA voting rights. UTLA has developed a policy for members who are interested in staying “active” during these time periods. • If you miss dues for one month, you have a grace period to get your dues paid up, until the next paycheck. (We don’t want a District screwup to take away a person’s membership.) • You can pay back dues to “fix” a month when you were inactive, but only going back three months at a time. If school’s out and you aren’t on annualized pay, that month won’t count against you. (Our members who are substitutes and adult education teachers get paid only when they work, so we can’t expect people to pay dues over the summer break.) • Every member has to pay their full dues on an annual basis. • If you are gone from UTLA for more than six months, you’ll need to sign a new membership card when you come back unless you have made prior arrangements.

Going forward, the UTLA membership department will start notifying members Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. Worldwide Headquarters | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, Georgia 31999 through email, mail, phone calls, and perhaps even text messages when the dues M2080V2CA 3/14 expected of members isn’t matching up with the dues UTLA receives. 11 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

Godoy (Stevenson MS), Kit McConnell (Stevenson MS), Margarita Vargas (Maple NEA & AFT affiliate actions Primary Center), and Claudine Phillips (Roscomare ES). These educators will be leading the creation, delivery, and dissemi- nation of professional learning experiences Raising the profession and materials in LAUSD. Thank you! Actions on the national, state and local level. Local: We Honor Ours (WHO Awards) Unions honor and We must start to assert our rights at our The WHO awards are awarded annu- school sites and begin to build power around ally to UTLA/NEA members who have engage educators the instruction we deliver. The tagline “pro- given exemplary service to UTLA/NEA fessional development” should scrapped and its membership. Award recipients and replaced with “professional learning.” were determined by the UTLA/NEA WHO Every year we as educators enhance our Awards Committee based on UTLA/NEA daily work by partaking in these profes- member nominations. This year’s Local sional learning opportunities, most of which WHO honorees are Ayde Bravo, M. Victoria we pay for out of our own pockets. Our Casas, Karen Lutz, Gloria Martinez, Maria profession must be raised to include op- Miranda, Brian Muller, and Deborah Solis. portunities to learn from colleagues through professional learning, collaboration with UTLA’s own Mel House in D.C. to accept her colleagues to effectively plan lessons, and NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence. building site-based power. When we exert our power, it signifies that our working con- Valley East member, and UTLA/NEA sec- ditions are our students’ working conditions. retary/treasurer. She was CTA’s honoree COURSES for the prestigious award. Mel received National: NEA Foundation this award for her quality teaching, UTLA for Teaching Excellence activism, and community involvement. $ 199 EACH ! Every year, all NEA state, federal, and This summer, Mel will be representing NEA By Cecily Myart-Cruz direct affiliates nominate one outstanding as she partakes in a Global Educational Fel-  7 ELL COURSES IN ALL UTLA/NEA Vice President educator for the NEA Foundation Awards lowship that culminates with a field study for Teaching Excellence. These prestigious in Peru. Way to go, Mel House.  EARN SALARY POINTS One of UTLA’s key issues in contract awards recognize, reward, and promote Look for information on how to apply for talks centers around the work our educa- excellence in teaching and advocacy for an NEA Foundation award in the next UT. tors do on behalf of students daily: build- the profession.  4 APPROVED FOR ing power through our professional craft. On February 13, the NEA Foundation for State: Instructional Leadership Corps MULTICULTURAL CREDIT! LAUSD talks about revamping professional Teaching Excellence Gala Awards held in CTA has partnered with the Stanford development, but frankly educators need to Washington, D.C., presented the California Center for Opportunity Policy in Edu- collaborate with each other and create a pro- Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence to cation (SCOPE), and the National Board TO GET $199 DISCOUNT fessional learning community themselves. our own Mel House, a P.E. educator, UTLA Resource Center (NBRC) to develop an SUBSCRIBE TO OUR Instructional Leadership Corps (ILC). The purpose is to bring educators and site- NEWSLETTER to get code based leaders together to develop expertise www.cecreditsonline.org/LAUSD to grow the local capacity necessary for improving instruction. This three-year project is centered on reclaiming the role and the $ 79 Special responsibility of professional educators to creatively design and develop learning opportunities for their peers and the children STOPPING DISRUPTIVE in their care. The project consists of four Rate cuts, not cut-rate. clusters of work: recruit and prepare the BEHAVIOR ILC, move the work of the ILC into local schools and communities, grow regional Use PROMO CODE: capacity, and communicate, coordinate, MAR15LAUSD and align with regional and statewide (offer good until 3/31/2015) capacity-building efforts. There are seven members from UTLA We’ve Reduced Our Rates for California Educators. doing this work: Steve Seal (Eshelman ES and UTLA Board member), Zulma Tobar (Harmony ES and UTLA Board member), Online • Anytime • Anywhere Antoinette Rolfe (Harmony ES), Cynthia California Casualty is now offering LOWER RATES and BIGGER DISCOUNTS on bundled Auto & Home Insurance policies. You are eligible to take advantage of these unprecedented, members-only savings... even if you’ve quoted with us before.

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The State WHO honoree is David Goldberg, health and human services staffing ratios, and the Gold Community award is going or the unjust teacher jail system. Winning to the Labor Community Strategy Center. the Schools L.A. Students Deserve will take Building power happens in our tapping into all of our resources—local, schools, in the classroom, and through our state, and national. members. Let’s continue to build power and raise the profession for the schools all National support for of our students deserve. our contract fight We were thrilled to get national support The power of being the for our contract fight and for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve campaign during a 24-hour best educators we can visit by AFT President Randi Weingarten this month. During her short stop, she packed a lot in, including a news conference at Slawson Southeast Occupational Center, a talk at Oc- cidental College, and two school blitz visits. At a Burbank Middle School visit coordi- nated by chapter chair Elaine Burn, Randi watched a drama class rehearsal of Our Town and spoke to staff, who had just received “I couldn’t be prouder than to stand here as a soldier in the campaign for the Schools L.A. an award that morning in a ceremony with Students Deserve,” AFT President Randi Weingarten (above) said at a news conference at School Board member Bennett Kayser for Slawson Southeast Occupational Center on February 4 with UTLA members, adult education being one of 22 middle “Schools to Watch” students, and School Board member Bennett Kayser (left). in the state. The next morning Randi spoke with career tech educators at Slawson South- borhood is a theme of the AFT and of UTLA. This conference brings together educators, east Occupational Center (including chapter Community members and activists were union leaders, administrators, activists, chair Sergio Hernandez) and visited cosme- also invited to the event at Occidental College and civic and community leaders for high- tology, culinary arts, auto shop, and power with School Board members Bennett Kayser quality workshops. But TEACH also offers line workers training programs. UTLA held a and Steve Zimmer, during which Randi, participants overviews of innovative work, By Betty Forrester news conference in support of adult education Martha Sanchez (parent and Alliance for exciting demonstrations of the latest edu- UTLA/AFT Vice President programs and to endorse a motion by Board Californians for Community Empowerment cational technology, thought-provoking member Kayser to add more child care centers Board member), and UTLA President Alex keynote speakers, and much more. Par- AFT, CFT, and UTLA are focusing on in LAUSD—especially on adult ed campuses Caputo-Pearl spoke about the work being ticipants leave the conference armed with building power. This power comes from for the children of the adult students. At this done to achieve the schools all students practical tools and professional knowledge the members and is used to support the news conference, Randi praised the work of deserve. CFT President Joshua Pechthalt to use every day in the classroom. work and the priorities of our members— all educators and health and human services introduced Randi and set the context for Building power at the bargaining table the professionals who serve our students. professionals as the focus of what LAUSD the actions ahead for us all in this campaign. and at school sites, with parents, commu- I am on the UTLA bargaining team, and should be doing to help students at every nities, and elected leadership, includes the every session we bring in different UTLA stage, from early ed through older adult. The Connecting Platinum Apple power of being the best educators we can. members who are experts on the issues on supports needed by communities to help winners with TEACH That is what the movement for the Schools the table, whether it’s restorative justice, students learn and give back to their neigh- UTLA/CFT/AFT will continue to L.A. Students Deserve is about and how provide opportunities for professional our national and state affiliates support us. learning to our members. UTLA’s Plati- num Apple Award winners (nominated by their colleagues for innovative curriculum or outstanding educational program or for exhibiting exemplary instructional techniques) have been invited to attend the AFT TEACH conference. The AFT TEACH (Together Educat- Two LAUSD educators share how they ing America’s Children) conference, held every odd year in Washington, D.C., successfully invested for retirement. Steve celebrates the work we do and provides Schullo co-authored with husband Dan inspiration for the work that lies ahead. Robertson, to reveal how they learned to avoid sales pitches and instead, put their Open Your Own Learning nest egg money into long-term, low-cost Center or Reading Clinic! options available to LAUSD educators Teach at home or open an office. You’ll become a today. Steve and Dan wrote this book Reading Instruction Specialist and teach EVERY student to read. World’s first and only actual to present their ideas learned from the step-by-step protocol. Fastest, easiest, most “school-of-hard-knocks.” effective methodology. Teach all subjects or just reading. P/T after school or F/T. • Earn $60-$300+ per hour The authors will present their “hands-on” story at the UTLA’s • Huge demand-easy to learn • Low cost, why pay $100k+? Pre-Retirement Issues Committee’s “Investment Workshop” • 250+ centers worldwide on Saturday April 25. Check our website then call for a free packet www.AcademicAssociates.org To register, fill out the form: 800.550.9194 www.utla.net/investworkshopregistration042515 or call Evy Vaughn UTLA Conference Secretary (213) 487-5560 PHONICS FOR LATINOS LATINO ABCs IN COMMON PRE-K See the 82 reviews on Amazon.com (4.4 out of 5 Stars) LATINO KDGN Steve and Dan can be contacted at their blog: SPAN/ENG COGNATES – IMAGE WINNERS www.latebloomerwealth.com BICICLETA (bicycle) BOAT (barco) TIGRE (tiger) DOCTOR (doctor) or email: [email protected] AVOID ABC IMAGE MIX-UPS Proceeds will be donated to the Brotherhood Crusade and OSO (bear) PERRO (dog) PAJARO (bird) DINERO (money) Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Both organizations support LAUSD FREE... COGNATE... POSTER!!! GOODBYE DELAYS students’ educational aspirations. www.phonicsforlatinos-abcsincommon.com P.O Box 5314 Culver City, CA 90231 | (888) SPANENG (310) 836-6730 13 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

From the secondary VP Fighting the culture of fear Standing up to autocratic principals and the teacher jail system.

ing reality that we as a union have to turn Housed Teachers Committee continues tackling the issue in negotiations, where around. UTLA is working closely with our to move along in a positive way. We are we are demanding a system that ensures communities and organizations to support in communication with the District on due process and fairness to our UTLA the Schools L.A. Students Deserve, and a regular basis to bring justice to those members. Read our specific proposals at that includes supportive, collaborative who have been removed unfairly from utla.net/contractdemands. school environments where teachers and their classrooms and need to be cleared UTLA is on the move in many areas. parents are free to speak up and have more and returned to teaching. Although the Follow us at utla.net and please feel free of a say in local school decisions. process can be slow, we have had success to contact me at any time. We have allowed the “reformers” to in helping our members. We are also Colleen can be reached at [email protected]. define what education is and should be and who ought to be teaching. Who is really hearing the teacher voice about UTLA support for housed teachers the real needed changes in our schools? Many teachers continue to be the 6237, [email protected]) or UTLA Pushing that voice forward is one of victims of former superintendent John Treasurer Arlene Inouye (213-368-6218, UTLA’s primary aims. Recently I heard Deasy’s “teacher jail” system. Caught [email protected]). a principal tell a faculty that they could off guard and often falsely accused, Unjustly Housed Teachers Commit- not exercise their rights under the UTLA By Colleen Schwab they languish and suffer alone, under tee: UTLA provides support, guid- contract to suspend students from class. UTLA Secondary Vice President house arrest and unsure of what to do. ance, and assistance to all rehoused The teachers at the school questioned Don’t be a victim of unfair job teachers through the Unjustly Housed As a recent visitor to Vietnam and Cam- this mandate and also talked about the actions and false charges. UTLA wants Teachers Committee. The committee bodia with my husband and two sons, District wasting money on iPads when you to know: You are not alone. We are meets monthly at the UTLA building. both of whom are studying to be teachers, there should be counselors and support here for you. The next meeting is Tuesday, March I had the opportunity to visit a few schools. staff for students in need of help. There Call or email the UTLA officers listed 17, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Room 904. What was interesting is that the schools was a high level of frustration among the below and attend the Unjustly Housed The UTLA building is located at 3303 did not have decorated bulletin boards, staff members that was ignored by the Teachers Committee Meeting to get the Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 posted standards, or even Breakfast in the principal. Ms. Principal just reiterated, assistance and support you deserve. (213-487-5560). Classroom, yet the children were actively “Don’t send kids to the office.” Let me UTLA officer contacts: If you’ve been UTLA is ready, willing, and able to listening and were engaged in the lessons. reassure you that your contractual rights recently removed from the classroom, help its falsely accused and unfairly Moreover, the teachers did not seem to are in force, no matter what a misguided please contact UTLA Secondary Vice treated members. Make the call, attend have the culture of fear that is permeating principal might say! President Colleen Schwab (213-368- the meeting, and let UTLA help you. our schools at this very time—a disturb- Our work with the UTLA Unjustly

DON’T JUST WORK Teachers IN EDUCATION. Supporting

Teachers LEAD IT. We are looking for classroom teachers who would benefit from focused support in lesson planning and preparation, classroom environment, and/or delivery of instruction by participating in a joint LAUSD/UTLA program.

Classroom teachers will have the opportunity to collaborate with a Consulting Teacher from the Peer Assistance and Review Program for a period of up to three months. During this time, teachers will gain strategies to hone instruction, promote a positive classroom environment, and impact student learning. If you’re an LAUSD teacher in search of a career challenge beyond teaching, why not lead the transformation in education? If you are interested in participating and have any questions about the program, you may contact the PAR office at (213) 241-5501 or go to our Every year, the Graduate School of Education at California Lutheran University website at www.achieve.lausd.net/PAR to review the Component 3 prepares the next generation of teachers to become the educational leaders of the brochure. To apply for services, complete the Informal Self-Assessment future, right from our Woodland Hills Center. along with the Request to Volunteer form. The brochure and forms are

Earn a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential with an option for found on the website under “Publications”. a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership in an Send by email, school mail, or fax to: accelerated 12-month program with support from Peer Assistance and Review inspired and nurturing faculty. Classes in Woodland Hills 333 S. Beaudry, 14th Floor room 14-138 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Lead the transformation in education. Financial aid and graduate FAX: (213) 241-5498 scholarships available Email: [email protected]

We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you! Graduate School Learn more. of Education 1.888.CLU-GRAD [email protected] “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller CalLutheran.edu/GSOE

14 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 Practical matters: Pension 101 What to know about your CalSTRS benefits.

By Judith Bruner Service credit: CalSTRS members earn no CalSTRS contributions were made. For allow for investment of pre-tax earnings UTLA Compensation service credit at the rate of .005 per day of more information log on to their website through automatic payroll deductions. and Benefits Specialist paid service. Service credit is a factor that and type “Purchase of Additional Service Contact LAUSD Benefits Administration aids in the determination of eligibility for Credit” in the right-hand search box. at (213) 241-4262 for more information. Most certificated personnel are members benefits. Members must have a minimum CalSTRS refund: Members who leave Home loan program: CalSTRS has sus- of the CalSTRS pension system. It is im- of five years of service credit to qualify for CalSTRS-covered employment with less pended its Home Loan Program due portant to know how your pension plan service retirement benefits. The service than five years of service credit who to unfavorable economic conditions. It works. To this end, I’ve broken down the credit earned is included in the Retirement do not plan to return to public school had been hoped that the program would categories of particular interest. Progress Report. Please, please, please, employment may wish to consider re- resume in 2013, but that was not the case. Contributions: Due to the unfunded li- do not just throw the statement in your questing a refund of their account. For CalSTRS continues to monitor opportuni- ability CalSTRS has experienced, member files without looking it over. It is essential more information type “Refund of Con- ties to resume the program in the future. contributions increased as of July 1, 2014. that you make sure you have received a tributions” into the search box on the Member contributions increased from 8% full year of service credit (the figure is CalSTRS website. to 8.15% of your salary via payroll deduc- noted as 1.000 service credit). It is pos- Education opportunities: CalSTRS holds tion for both pre-2013 and post-2013 hires. sible that you may receive only a fractional financial education workshops, including ESTATE PLANNING This amount is credited to your Defined amount if you have used half-pay illness how to develop your personal financial Benefit account. The deductions are taken or been in unpaid status (other than for plans. Information is available on the Want to avoid probate? out pre-tax, thus reducing tax liability. a furlough day) for any time during the CalSTRS website by typing “Counsel- Don’t do it yourself. Let a fellow teacher be your lawyer. Sheila Bayne is a full time school year. To earn a full year of service ing/Workshops” in the search box. The CalSTRS members receive a Retirement teacher with LAUSD and has been an active Progress Report during the fall of the cal- credit a member must have earned their UNITED TEACHER often lists the local member of the California Bar for over 25 years. entire base salary. workshops as well. endar year listing member contributions Complete Estate Planning Package: and interest earned for the prior school CalSTRS website: The website for Additional savings opportunity: It is never n Living Trust year. Beginning in July 2014 the school CalSTRS is www.calstrs.com. You are en- too early to invest in a 403(b) savings n Living Will/Advance Health Care Directives district began to contribute 8.88% of com- couraged to log on to it and explore the program to augment your pension fund. n Power of Attorney pensation to the general retirement fund, site. Forms and publications are available LAUSD lists companies offering this n Trust Transfer Deeds not to individual member accounts, but for download as well. service. Information is available on the n Pour-over Will and supporting documents to fund benefits for all members/benefi- Extra work: CalSTRS members receive LAUSD website (www.lausd.net). Click n Personal consultations ciaries. Also beginning July 1, the state service credit for teaching summer school “Offices” in the top banner, scroll to “Bene- Discount for UTLA Members: of California began to contribute 3.46% and intersession and for certain stipends. fits Administration” and click, scroll down to the general fund and will continue to A member cannot earn more than one year to “2014 403(b) Flyer” in righthand box. pay 2.5% of creditable compensation to of service credit. Additional service credit CalSTRS offers such savings $649 the Supplemental Benefit Maintenance above and beyond a full year is rolled into through a site it maintains. Log on to (A-B trust for spouses: $ 895) Account, which is used to maintain pur- the member’s Defined Benefit Supplement www.403BCompare.com for information. Contact the Law Office of Sheila Bayne chasing power at certain levels. Details on account. A member may also purchase ad- LAUSD also offers a 457(b) deferred at 310-435-8710 or e-mail: [email protected] the increases were published in the July ditional service credit for past employment compensation plan as an additional 18, 2014, issue of the UNITED TEACHER. or for approved leaves of absence for which method to save for retirement. They

15 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 Bilingual education issues English learner program choices.

The LAUSD Master Plan for English Language Education. This is a K-12 the target language is taught for 90% of created, schools communities did not have Learners attempts to expand the programs program offered to both English learn- the day and English 10%, even for English sufficient opportunity to choose this model. of choice for eligible students. With paren- ers and English speakers. The ratio of speakers. But in L.A., 50-50 is the usual Only schools with the transitional model tal consent, students may enroll in one of students in a classroom can be as high as model. Dual-language instruction is cur- were offered the choice, and only small three types of programs. 7 to 3 for either language. Students can rently offered in 57 LASUD schools. committees were permitted to make the The first is Transitional Bilingual Edu- only enter the program in grades K and The current Master Plan offers a new choice. This, again, violated the law giving cation (TBE), formerly known as Waiver 1 unless they have established grade- choice called Maintenance Bilingual Ed- the choice of programs to parents. State to Basic. The stated goal of this program level proficiency in both languages. The ucation (MBE). This is a dual-language law and District policy allow parents to is proficiency in English literacy, and the goal of this program is literacy in two program offered in communities where move their child to a school that offers a program is open to English learners in languages. The instruction is typically there is no significant English-speaking program not available at the home school. grades K-3. By limiting TBE to K-3 in its delivered in a 50-50 language model with enrollment. One hundred percent of the Next Bilingual Ed Committee meeting: Master Plan, LAUSD is not in alignment two classrooms and two teachers, one of students are English learners, but all in- Please join us for the next meeting of the with state law, which allows for a program whom teaches in English and the other struction is given in both English and a Bilingual Education Committee on March 25 at any grade level to open if the parents of in the target language. In LAUSD the target language. The goal of this program at 4:30 p.m. at the UTLA building in Room 20 students request such a program. There target languages are Spanish, Korean, is literacy in two languages. The program 828. We will continue strategizing to support are currently 22 schools that offer TBE. and Mandarin. Research indicates that was created when the Office for Civil the “Multilingual Education for All” bill The second program offered is Dual children actually learn to read sooner if Rights determined that students could not (for November 2016 ballot). All language be denied a language program of choice program supporters are warmly welcome. merely because a school had no significant English-speaking enrollment. Currently —Cheryl Ortega 2014 union dues tax deduction information there are six MBE schools in LAUSD. Director of Bilingual Education Unfortunately, when this program was [email protected] The following are deductions for union dues that you may be qualified to make on your 2014 federal income tax return. These figures are meant as a guideline and may not reflect the actual deductions that were taken. Always consult your tax adviser before taking any of these deductions. = SAVE THE DATE = $689.04 Full-time UTLA member and agency fee $347.04 Part-time substitute member and agency fee 2015 UTLA Leadership Conference $590.04 Children’s center member and agency fee $484.20 Full-time fair share “Organizing for Power” $243.84 Part-time substitute fair share La Quinta, July 31 to August 2 $414.60 Children’s center fair share $1,495.08 Dual full-time UTLA member All chapter chairs, co-chairs, and vice chairs $171.00 Associate member are strongly encouraged to attend.

Investment Workshop All LAUSD employees are invited!

Meet Rick Rodgers, AIFA, Vice President, Director, Innovest Portfolio Solutions 25 National awards for retirement plan design, participant education and investment education Barbara Healy, AIF, CFP, CFS, Consultant Learn about LAUSD sponsored 457 (b) plan, 403 (b), investment products and how to evaluate them, mutual funds, annuities, active vs. passive investments, asset allocation, and much more. Saturday, April 25, 2015 United Teachers Los Angeles Auditorium, second floor 3303 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90010 (Parking structure is off of Berendo St; (Parking and access for the disabled is through the elevators under the UTLA building) 8 am to 3 pm (Check in begins at 7 am; light breakfast and lunch will be provided) Pre-Registration is Required

Go to www.utla.net/investworkshopregistration042515 to register

$5.00 per person (exact change preferred) will be collected at the door For more information, please contact Evy Vaughn UTLA Conference Secretary, 213-487-5560

Sponsored by UTLA’s Pre-Retirement Issues Committee and LAUSD’s Retirement Investment Advisory Committee

16 A.C. 25

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Go to advancementcourses.com/lausd to learn more about our salary point courses and sign up for email updates United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

Involvement opportunity CTA State Council Election CTA State Council Elections Notice for 2016-18 Term 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 Erika Jones All necessary expenses for represen quarterly, has openings for representatives to fill expired terms. If you wish to run UTLA/NEA Election Committee tatives are covered by CTA, including for one of these positions, complete and return the self-nomination form by U.S. hotel, mileage, and food costs. Meetings mail to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz at UTLA. The form must be received UTLA/NEA members will elect CTA begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, 7:15 a.m. Sunday, by 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2015. The election will be held at the April 8, 2015, Area State Council representatives and one Mi- and usually end around 4 p.m. both days. meetings. For those members who cannot vote at their Area meetings, voting will nority At-Large representative in annual Subcommittee meetings on Friday evenings also be held at the UTLA building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8, 2015. elections scheduled this year for the April and voluntary caucus meetings before and 8 Area meetings. These delegates will join after the general weekend meeting times Self-Nomination Form the other UTLA representatives when the can enrich the representative’s knowledge council begins for the 2015-16 school year. of issues facing California educators. UTLA Name The State Council acts as CTA’s policy- delegates are rewarded for their time and making body, meeting four times a year. effort by getting a chance to make a state- Employee number Each representative is expected to serve on wide difference in education. a standing committee, which debates busi- If you find the idea of participating Address ness items involving academic freedom, on a statewide level intriguing, fill out retirement, civil rights, political action, and mail in the self-nomination form on City Zip teachers’ rights, and statewide negotiation this page to run for CTA State Council. issues. State Council representatives also Forms are due by March 13 via U.S. mail Home phone vote for CTA’s statewide officers. In the (no faxes or emails). Forms may also be 2015-16 school year, all State Council meet- dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the Non-LAUSD email address ings will be held in Los Angeles. For duties 10th floor (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz, of the Minority At-Large seat, please see the UTLA/NEA VP) during regular business School self-nomination form on the facing page. 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 and Minority At-Large Signature Date Year-Round Absentee Ballot Request (Required) Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5:00 p.m., March I am requesting an absentee ballot for the CTA State Council Election. 13, 2015, 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., March 13, 2015, by U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Attn: Cecily Myart-Cruz UTLA/NEA VP. I understand that Form must be received by UTLA by March 13, 2015. my request will be checked for accuracy by election committee members. Absentee ballots will be mailed March 23, 2015, and must be received via U.S. mail by 5:00 p.m., April 8, 2015. CTA State Council and Name Minority At-Large election timeline Employee number January 30, February 27: Nomination April 20: Deadline to submit election Address forms, timeline, absentee ballot request challenge in writing to Cecily Myart- forms in UNITED TEACHER. Note: For Cruz, UTLA/NEA Vice President, pro- City Zip newly announced unexpired term, mate- vided a runoff election is not required. rial will appear in February 27 issue only. Please contact Vivian Vega for appropri- Home phone ate form at (213) 368-6259. March 13: Self-nomination forms and Non-LAUSD email address absentee ballot requests due to UTLA April 21: Absentee ballot for runoff sent. building by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail (no School faxes or emails). Forms may also be May 13: Runoff election, if needed, at dropped off at UTLA headquarters Area meetings and at UTLA headquar- School Phone (see the receptionist on the 10th floor) ters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during regular business hours from 9 May 13: Deadline for absentee ballots UTLA area (Circle one) N S E W C VE VW H a.m. to 5 p.m. to be received back by U.S. mail (no Absentee ballot requested for: March 16: Letters sent out acknowl- faxes or emails). edging receipt of nomination forms. CTA State Council Minority At-Large May 15: Election Committee meets at 9 a.m. to count all ballots. Letters March 23: Absentee ballots sent out. April 8 May 13 sent to winners and results will be posted at www.utla.net by the end Check one: CTA/NEA Board member Formal LAUSD leave April 8: Elections at all UTLA Area meetings and at UTLA headquarters of the next business day. Those who I hereby declare that the above information is accurate. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. are not elected delegates will become alternates. Signature Date April 8: Absentee ballots due back to UTLA building by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail May 25: Final date for challenges to Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5:00 p.m., March only (no faxes or emails). be submitted in writing to Cecily 13, 2015, via U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA Vice Pres- 90010. Forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the 10th floor April 10: Area and absentee ballots ident, provided additional runoff (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA VP) during regular business hours counted, 9 a.m. Letters sent to winners election is not required. Please from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. NO FAXES OR EMAILS. and results will be posted at www.utla. contact Vivian Vega for appropriate Form must be received by UTLA by March 13, 2015. net by the end of the next business day. form at (213) 368-6259. 18 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

CTA State Council delegates CTA State Council Election with terms expiring in 2015 Notice for Unexpired Term Jeanne Contreras Cheryl Ortega Are you interested in representing UTLA/NEA members at the state level? CTA (California Teachers Association) State Council, a policy-making body that meets Janet Davis Robin Potash quarterly, has an opening for a representative to fill an unexpired term (2016-17). Norlon Davis Juan Ramirez If you wish to run for this position, complete and return the self-nomination form Ginger Rose Fox Steve Seal by U.S. mail to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz at UTLA. The form must be Juanita Garcia Gregg Solkovits received by 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2015. The election will be held at the April 8, 2015, Area meetings. For those members who cannot vote at their Area meetings, Erika Jones Mary Tello voting will also be held at the UTLA building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8, 2015. David Lyell Self-Nomination Form

Name

Employee number Minority At-Large State Council Address Seat for 2016-17 term City Zip Home phone

UTLA has an opening for a three-year term for the CTA State Council Minority Non-LAUSD email address At-Large position. The Minority At-Large position can only be filled by an ethnic minority meeting qualifications set forth by the CTA EMAC Advisory Committee. School Members must come from one of the following ethnic caucus groups: 1. African American; 2. American Indian/Alaska Native; 3. Hispanic; 4. Pacific Asian Ameri- School Phone can. The State Council Minority At-Large is responsible for active participation in the UTLA/CTA programs and activities, including attending scheduled Service I certify that below is the signature of the candidate whose name appears above. Center meetings, presenting information pertaining to ethnic minorities, and as- sisting in the recruitment of ethnic minorities to participate in CTA. If you wish Signature Date to run for this position, complete and return the self-nomination form to Cecily (Required) Myart-Cruz at UTLA. The form must be received by 5 p.m. on March 13, 2015. The election will be held at the April 8 Area meetings. For those members who Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5:00 p.m., March cannot vote at their area meetings, voting will also be held at the UTLA building 13, 2015, via U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8. 90010. Forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the 10th floor during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz). NO FAXES OR EMAILS. Self-Nomination Form Form must be received by UTLA by March 13, 2015. Name

Employee number Address Anthem Blue Cross cyberattack City Zip Many LAUSD employees already Also be aware that many email ad- have heard that Anthem Blue Cross was dresses have been stolen, so members Cell Home Phone the target of a massive cyberattack in may be subjected to email scams de- School which member data was compromised. signed to get personal information Anthem provides medical coverage for (known as “phishing”). The scamming Non-LAUSD email more than 61,000 LAUSD employees emails purport to be from Anthem but and their families. The company has set they are not. Do not click on any links, I certify that below is the signature of the candidate whose name appears above. up a special website at www.Anthem- or reply to the email or reach out to the Facts.com as well as a dedicated hotline senders in any way, do not supply any at (877) 263-7995 for members to get information on the website that may more information. Information is also open if you have clicked on a link in posted on the LAUSD Benefits Admin- the email, and do not open any attach- istration website at benefits.lausd.net. ments that arrive with the email. Also Signature Date As the investigation progresses, if you get a phone call regarding the Anthem members impacted by this cyberattack, be aware that Anthem is breach will be notified in writing and not calling members and is not asking Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5 p.m., March 13, enrolled in identity repair services and for credit card info or Social Security 2015, via U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA provided with information on how to numbers over the phone, so the phone 90010. Forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the 10th floor enroll in free credit monitoring. call is also a scam. during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz). NO FAXES OR EMAILS. Form must be received by UTLA by March 13, 2015. FSA warning for prospective retirees

If you have a flexible spending account Claims for services rendered after re- Check out the Grapevine page: (FSA), be aware that FSAs cease to receive tirement will not be processed. Retirees funding after you retire. Reimbursements have 90 days after the date of retirement Workshops, exhibits, and more after retirement are issued only for ser- to submit claims for reimbursement for vices rendered while you were active. services rendered while in active status.

19 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

MILESTONES continued his advocacy for better retirement ed Woodside Elementary School, Central a student’s name, even after many years (continued from page 9) benefits when he became president of the Junior High, and Newark Senior High had passed. Many alumni would often Association of Retired Teachers (ART) and School in Newark, Ohio. come back to reconnect with him and to Lambert worked closely with Juliette back at the same time was an active supporter In 1947 he moved to Pasadena and simply thank him for being a memorable when UTLA had “collective begging not when UTLA-R was formed a number of earned an associate of arts degree from and wonderful teacher. bargaining.” As the director of government years later. During his time with ART, which Pasadena City College. He was drafted Theresa Derchan, a teacher who has relations, Lambert brought Juliette and included both community college retired into the Army and served in the Korean served at Osceola for 24 years, said, other educators to Sacramento and Wash- instructors and LAUSD retired teachers, War. After completing his service he “Harvey Thomas was larger than life. ington, D.C., to help spread the teachers’ Sterling led the successful early fight to went on to earn a degree in sociology His strong, powerful voice, both liter- point of view and the needs of students. provide health benefits in retirement. from UCLA. ally and figuratively, resonated with me “Back then we had no voice in Sacramento He leaves behind his wife, Nadine; five On September 15, 1958, Harvey began in so many ways. He was a man who or Washington, D.C.,” Lambert says. “ You children; and five grandchildren. his teaching career the same day that spoke from the heart, and his wisdom should have seen and heard Juliette in Osceola St. Elementary School in Sylmar imparted a sense of importance like the halls of the people who needed to be opened its doors for the first time. very few people have the power to do. brought on board to give UTLA members On June 22, 1999, Osceola honored I will forever hold dear the privilege of the power they have today.” Harvey for 40 years of dedicated service. being able to call him my mentor, my Juliette leaves behind her loyal and In his honor the school auditorium was colleague, but even more importantly, beloved husband, Pelham P. Henry; nephew, renamed “The Harvey L. Thomas” audi- my friend.” Gerald Washington (Elizabeth); niece, Nancy torium. At the dedication, Harvey told the At the age of 75, Harvey retired after Washington; great-niece, Lujuana Wash- students, “You’ve made these 40 years the 44 years of service to the Osceola Street ington; goddaughter, Karen Lee; sisters- greatest of my life. There’s never been a community, but he continued to teach in-law, Estella Henry Reynolds, Ph.D. and morning I haven’t awakened and looked students at Osceola by volunteering twice Ida D. Henry; brothers-in-law, Ralph Henry forward to coming to work. When I get out a week in Theresa Derchan’s fourth-grade (Shirley) and Robert Henry; and other nieces, of bed, I’m raring to go because of the kind classroom for an additional 13 years. nephews, relatives, and friends. of students we have in this community.” A tribute video was made in 2002 to It was this kind of passion and enthusi- celebrate Harvey’s dedication to educa- A longtime union activist and retiree asm that inspired so many of his students tion. You can find that video at https:// leader, Sterling Rachootin died at Kaiser to go on to be successful. Some students vimeo.com/117353423. Hospital on December 28, 2014. described him as tough because he always Harvey is survived by cousins through Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sterling demanded the very best from them. But marriage. He will be dearly missed by Harvey L. Thomas attended Belmont High School, Los Angeles he did it with a light-heartedness and so many. City College, and Cal State Northridge. Ra- Harvey L. Thomas passed away peace- sense of humor that was contagious. chootin taught for 32 years in LAUSD at Cold- fully on January 13, 2015, in Woodland Throughout the years, Harvey would To submit an item: Send details to water Canyon and Valerio Street Schools. Hills. He was surrounded by his close become known to students as “Sir”—a Milestones, UNITED TEACHER, 3303 During his teaching years he participated in friends on the day of his passing. term that evolved not only out of respect Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, the ESL program and worked to bring about Harvey was born on November 8, 1927, for him, but also endearment. Though CA 90010 or [email protected]. Ma- afterschool enrichment programs. in Newark, Ohio, to Bessie and Zelner he carried himself always with a sense terial must arrive at least three weeks In 1981, when he retired, UTLA pre- Thomas. After his mother’s death at two of formal decorum, underneath he was before publication date, and please in- sented him with a lifetime membership, years old, he was taken in and reared by a warm-hearted and personable teacher clude a daytime phone number. Photos honoring his contribution to the fight for his father’s sister, Mary A. Thomas, who who deeply cared about each and every welcomed. We reserve the right to edit retiree benefits. In retirement Rachootin later became Mary A. Green. He attend- one of his students. And he never forgot text for length and clarity.

Utla women’s education committee

Is Proud to present the

“Susan B. Anthony Woman of the Year” Saturday, March 14, 2015

Tam O Shanter

2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los angeles

1:00 p.m.

Honoring UTLA Women of the Year Denise Rockwell-Woods

Jenny Chomori

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UTLA Women’s Education Committee Awards Luncheon

Name

Address

School

Phone (hm) (sch)

For more information call Yvonne Furbush at (213) 368-6219 Cost $40.00, Mail check payable to UTLA Education Committee, Attention Yvonne Furbush, UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010 Reservation

20 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

FROM THE TREASURER corporate business model imposed on (continued from page 10) our schools. It is difficult work that requires more from our membership as counter the relentless attacks. He argues we organize at every school and build that unions must revitalize themselves strong relationships with our parents, through social justice unionism, which students, and communities. We are build- includes organizing around bread-and- ing a movement for the schools our stu- butter issues, reclaiming our profession, dents deserve, which includes the fair and participating in the broader social compensation and better working condi- justice movements. tions that our members deserve. We are investing in a strong, efficient, and united Our collective struggle UTLA not only for today but also for the UTLA has embraced social justice future. For all the reasons above, this is unionism through our Schools L.A. why membership matters, and how the Program Cocktails Students Deserve campaign, which is collective power of our membership is rooted in alliances with teachers’ unions actualized. When UTLA is strong, our Dancing Dinner in Milwaukee, Chicago, Portland, and members are strong too. St. Paul as we all transform our unions Contact Arlene Inouye at ainouye@utla. for these times and fight against the net for questions or comments.

Saturday, May 16, 2015 Law Offices of Daniel J. DeSario The Center at Cathedral Plaza Los Angeles Free Consultation • Over 30 years of experience Retirees and one guest compliments of UTLA

v Family law: Divorce, child custody/ If you are retiring between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015, request a formal invitation online at support, restraining orders 10% discount on hourly www.utla.net/2015retirementdinnerinvite or complete coupon below and mail before April 3, 2015 v Criminal law: DUI/misdemeanors to UTLA, Attn: Rosa Beasley, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. rate and 5% discount For more information, contact Rosa Beasley at [email protected] or (213) 637-5146 and felonies, juvenile defense FORMAL INVITATION REQUEST FORM Limited Seating. Reservations Required v Business and Civil litigation on contingency fees for Name______Emp.#______v Landlord/Tenant LAUSD and their families Address ______v Personal injury City ______State______Zip______8484 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 660 Phone: (323) 655-6538 Phone ( )______Retirement Date:______/ ______(month) (year) Beverly Hills, CA 90211 Cell: (310) 498-7748 School/Retiring Site ______Email: [email protected] Fax: (323) 655-6639 Email address (non-LAUSD)______

21 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 Retires’ corner Note from UTLA-R President Report of the January 23 General Assembly Meeting. By John Perez to the CalPERS and CalSTRS portfolios. UTLA-Retired President Prior to the agreement with CalPERS By Cecelia Boskin our legislative reporter, told us that the money in the trust was in the Los UTLA-R Vice President CalSTRS has been meeting and that we Health benefits:The current MOU on Angeles County Treasury and was only have two representatives at those meet- health benefits worked well for the Dis- returning about 1% per year, far less than President’s report: President John Perez ings. She also said that the legislature has trict and for us. To encourage the Health the rate of inflation. The CalSTRS and reminded everyone of the importance of just gone back into session and there is no Benefits Committee and the District to CalPERS portfolios have produced good voting on March 3, 2015. He spoke of how news at this time. monitor spending as carefully as pos- returns over the past 20 years, with the important the upcoming School Board elec- New business: Eva Giese informed us of sible, while maintaining the high level of average CalSTRS return for that period tion is to retirees. He also asked that retirees a luncheon to be held at Phillipe Restau- benefits that we have, the current agree- being 7.5% per year. Hopefully the new attend the February 12 picketing at local rant on Tuesday, March 10, at 1 p.m. The ment called for a fourth year (2015) if the District trust for retiree health benefits schools and the mass rally in the afternoon cost is $18 and you can sign up by making reserve was $200 million by June of the will return as much as the portfolios of on February 26 to support our actives col- your check out to Eva Giese and mailing it third year. On June 30, 2014, the current CalPERS and CalSTRS have. If the trust leagues in the fight for a good contract and to Eva Giese, 8202 Raintree Circle, Culver agreement was extended for the calendar can get big enough, it will help the Dis- the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. City, CA 90230, no later than March 6, 2015. year 2015 because the reserve equaled trict prepay for retiree health benefits so Treasurer’s report: UTLA-R Treasurer The following people were chosen to the agreed-upon amount. (There is a six- that lifetime retiree benefits will remain Mike Dreebin informed the members of the attend the NEA-Retired Conference in month overlap between the health ben- in our contract. The high cost of health amount in the treasury. He mentioned that if Orlando, Florida, June 26 to 28: Doris efits year, January to December, and the benefits is one reason why UTLA has for there are any excess funds, they will be used Cuarez, Annie Lanoix-Labat, Kent Kel- contract and school year, July to June.) years been for a national health program to send additional members to conferences. legrew, and Jimmy Jones. Bonnie Tomp- Negotiations are due to begin for a new and has supported a single-payer plan. If Health benefits report:Loretta Toggen- kins was chosen as an alternate should one health care MOU. The negotiating posi- the cost of health benefits is lifted from burger distributed a fact sheet from the of the four not be able to attend. tion of the HBC unions is, we believe, fair the District, and all school districts, there LAUSD Health Benefits Committee on Guest speaker: Our guest speaker was to the District, will protect the reserve, and will be more money to educate our kids what is happening with health benefits CalSTRS Chief Operating Officer Cassandra will continue the policy of the members and all the kids in California. negotiations for 2016-2018. Our benefits Lichnock. She used a PowerPoint presenta- not having to pay monthly premiums PACE contributions: At the January 23 will remain the same in 2015. tion to explain how CalSTRS has changed for our health care as so many of our UTLA-R General Assembly our members PACE report: UTLA-R Vice President its funding to keep our pensions support- colleagues in other school districts do. contributed $1,470 to PACE and checks Cecelia Boskin spoke on the importance ed. She also mentioned that the average We must remember that our excellent that were sent to V.P. Cecelia Boskin of contributing to PACE. She thanked CalSTRS member retired at age 62 with health plan covers more than 150,000 in- pushed that total, at the time of this print- those members who contribute at each 54% of their salary. Lichnock told us that dividuals—actives, retirees, and depen- ing, to $1,989. Over the past few years meeting as well as those who make one teachers live longer than other retirees and dents—and is not inexpensive. The cost to PACE contributions from UTLA-R have large contribution. All members are California teachers live even longer, with the District is the better part of $1 billion. been running at $4,000 or more per year. If urged to make a contribution by mailing more than 400 retirees over 100 years of age. We as retirees must also remember that the you can make a contribution, send a check your check made out to PACE to Cecelia Adjournment: Following the drawing dollars that pay for our health care come to Cecelia Boskin, 3547 Federal Ave., Los Boskin, 3547 Federal Ave., Los Angeles, for flowers, the meeting was adjourned at from the same pot of money that pays for Angeles, CA 90066. CA 90066. A total of $1,470 was collected 12:25 with a moment of silence to honor the salaries of our active colleagues. Our Who goes to preschool? A recent Edu- at the meeting—an all-time high. longtime UTLA, UTLA-R, CTA, and NEA active colleagues and UTLA have to make cation Week study shows that only 40% Legislative report: Mary Rose Ortega, member Juliette Henry, who passed. tradeoffs between new employees, salaries, of children in families making $49,000 or and benefits. These tradeoffs are part of less are enrolled in preschool. The number a zero sum game with available District for families making $100,000 or more is Law Offices of dollars. A little more in this means a little 64%. We know that preschools help and Free legal less in that. a quality preschool is as important for a Christopher S. Reyes consultation The District is also in the process of kid as quality K-12 schools are. SBN#276570 with this ad! developing an irrevocable trust to help Support the campaign for the Schools prepay for retiree benefits for active Dis- L.A. Students Deserve: Watch the UTLA Divorce Real Estate Transaction Law trict employees as they become eligible website for activities that support UTLA’s Spousal Support Evictions for lifetime benefits. The District has ne- campaign and join in when possible. Child Support Contract Law gotiated with CalPERS to manage the Custody Partnership Agreements fund, which is a mixed portfolio similar Perez can be reached at [email protected]. Divorce Mediation Corporation Prenuptial Credit Repair Wills/Trust Tax Services Power of Attorney Financial Services Join the UTLA Military and Living Wills Notary Services Restraining Orders Tax IRS issues Veterans’ Affairs Committee Spanish / Armenian / Persian The UTLA House of Representatives The committee hopes to track individual approved the creation of a permanent cases, assist in grievances, assist in locating UTLA Standing Committee on Military legal counsel, pursue UTLA resolutions and Veterans’ Affairs in 2013. and other actions, promote legislation and The committee exists to inform UTLA public awareness of Reserve/National members about programs such as the De- Guard and veterans’ issues, and assist in partment of Defense Employer Support media relations with respect to LAUSD of the Guard and Reserve Ombudsman violations of laws protecting service Service, rights they possess under the members and veterans. federal Uniformed Services Employment Any interested teachers and health and Reemployment Act and similar federal and human services professionals are and state statutes, and available private asked to please contact fellow UTLA resources, such as the Service Members’ member Captain Ralph J. Ortolano, Jr., Law Center operated by the Reserve Of- USN, at [email protected] for more Call for Appointment 818-352-0800 ficers and Reserve Enlisted Association. information. Sunland Glendale Los Angeles 8201 Foothill Blvd. 655 N. Central Ave. #1700 5218 York Blvd. Ph: 818-352-0800 Ph: 818-649-7629 Ph: 323-908-6739 Moving? Changing addresses? Fax: 818-352-0900 Fax: 818-273-9426 Keep UTLA updated by sending your new information Direct Cell: 818-809-6486 Free Legal Workshop Email: [email protected] 1st Saturday of Each Month to the Membership Department by email to www.creyeslaw.com 9:00am-5:00pm [email protected] or by fax to (213) 368-6231. 22 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS, SENIORS or ASIAN PACIFIC COMMITTEE CONFERENCE GRADUATING STUDENTS, are you looking for MONEY to BUS TRIP TO MANZANAR further your EDUCATION and FUTURE... Saturday, April 25, 2015 6 AM – 9:00 PM (Details below) WORKSHOP SESSIONS (2): Saturday, March 14, 2015 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Includes light breakfast, dinner & instructional materials) – Tentative Date & Monday, April 20, 2015 4 PM – 9:30 PM (Includes light dinner & instructional materials) UTLA Headquarters 3303 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 2 blocks west of Vermont Ave. at Berendo. Parking structure is off Berendo 46th Anniversary Pilgrimage BUS TRIP TO MANZANAR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE (Includes lunch/dinner, snacks, bus transportation, conference materials & point credit information) Twentieth Annual Saturday, April 25, 2015 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Stonewall Scholarship Bus pick up: UTLA Parking Lot SE corner of Laurel Plaza “20 Years of PRIDE!” 3303 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles OR @ Laurel Canyon and Oxnard

Do You... For more Information please Cost: $120.00 - Deadline: March 11, 2015 ...believe in equality for all people? contact Enrollment Limited to the first 45 participants ~ all others will be put on a waiting list ...find inspiration in members of the Evy Vaughn, Scholarship Secretary (213) 637-5148 No refunds after March 11, 2015 LGBT community? ...give your time and talents to others? Donald Willis, Committee Chair (909) 240-7364 ...excel in artistic expression? LAUSD Approved, two salary points available. Article 3.3 Multicultural Specific Conference. Request for additional information may also be To qualify for 2 salary points, you must attend all 3 sessions. If so, see your College sent by email to [email protected] Counselor or go to Please enroll me in the UTLA Asian Pacific Committee’s Manzanar Conference. Enclosed is my check to register me in Winners will be notified by May 11, your conference. Sign up on the Learning Zone, keyword: manzanar www.utla.net/scholarships 2015 for scholarship application and Name______Employee#______guidelines All entries must be mailed or delivered Address______no later than 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2015 to Home Phone ______School Phone______United Teachers Los Angeles Stonewall Scholarship E-Mail______Program Attn: Evy Vaughn SALARY POINTS NEEDED YES NO 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Fl Please make check payable to UTLA Asian Pacific Committee. Send check and this form to Jenny Lam, c/o UTLA, 3303 Los Angeles, CA 90010-1794 ⎕ ⎕ Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010 via U.S. Mail with proper postage affixed. For information, contact Jenny Lam at [email protected]. Please Post

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To start your transformation, get in touch today. 310.568.2366 or 866.503.5467 [email protected] gsep.pepperdine.edu

23 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

The Support Network Free Orientations Are you interested in National Board Certification for 2015-16? Monday, April 20, 2015, 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm Tuesday, April 21, 2015, 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm Thursday, April 23, 2015, 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm Saturday, April 25, 2015, 7:30 am – 12:00 noon Did your school celebrate Read Monday, May 11, 2015, 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm Tuesday, May 12, 2015, 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm Across America? Thursday, May 14, 2015, 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm Saturday, May 16, 2015, 7:30 am – 12:00 noon Read Across America is a national day your school held a RAA celebration this celebrating reading—this year on Monday, year, be sure to send the photos to UTLA United Teachers Los Angeles March 2—sponsored by the National Educa- for possible use on Facebook and in the 3303 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010 tion Association and the California Teachers UNITED TEACHER. (Validated parking in rear of building, off Berendo Street) Association, along with many of the coun- Please sign up by going to www.thesupportnetwork.net and filling out the online survey. You try’s leading literacy and youth groups. Send your Read Across America shots will receive a confirmation by email from Michael de la Torre, NBCT, program coordinator. L.A. schools have a proud tradition of to [email protected]. Please include Please remove filters or add to your address book to accept emails. Signing up by phone will joining in on the fun and holding special your school name, contact person, and not be accepted. Walk-ins and late comers will not be admitted. RSVP will only be accepted reading-themed events for students. If event details. up to 48 hours prior to an orientation. 75 participants is the maximum for each orientation. Please encourage your colleagues to attend a meeting. SPEAKING OUT does not mandate a specific program, such (continued from page 7) as Breakfast in the Classroom). Monica TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SUPPORT NETWORK, CANDIDATES Garcia and Nury Martinez wrote a Board MUST ATTEND AN ENTIRE ORIENTATION MEETING. representative from LAUSD School Board resolution for BIC; John Deasy initiated a All information is tentative and subject to change. Member Monica Garcia’s office. They three-year implementation plan to bring You do not need to join TSN to pursue NBPTS certification. shared concerns that we had about im- BIC to all schools. The LAUSD School Salary points can be earned for The Support Network program.. mediate implementation of BIC and shared Board approved it. the fact that parents and teachers were • To create the best decisions for our NBPTS info: www.nbpts.org or call 1-800-22-TEACH planning a press conference to publicize it. school communities, UTLA members and TSN info: www.thesupportnetwork.net or call 213-251-1444 parents need to work together. What we won! • UTLA chapter chairs need to hold We received notice later on January 16 weekly/biweekly UTLA chapter meetings that there was no need to hold a news so members can regularly communicate conference with UTLA. UCLA-CS as well face to face. as the other five pilot schools on the RFK • UTLA members can help parents meet campus could postpone BIC implementa- regularly to discuss issues at our sites. tion until May 2015. • LAUSD wants to mandate a one-size- fits-all program. Schools need to continue Lessons we learned sharing experiences. LAUSD says BIC is . com (that might help you too!) working well, but we know that at most • BIC comes from a federal initiative to sites it is not. GENERAL DENTISTRY - ORTHODONTICS - PERIODONTICS - ENDODONTICS - ORAL SURGERY provide breakfast to students (federal law • Secondary teachers’ voices are as im- PEDODONTICS - COSMETIC DENTISTRY - SNORING / SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT requires that students in need be fed but portant in expressing concerns about BIC as elementary teachers voices are. 17 Southern California locations and growing! Serving your Local Unions 7 days a week! • UTLA is advocating for more local shared decision-making rights as a contractual demand and UTLA will support school sites that are organizing in that effort. Evening & Weekend StartDon’t Forget using to appointments • Shared decision-making at local useyour your 2015 2015 school sites takes a concerted effort to CALL FOR YOUR listen to all stakeholders. • Shared decision-making is the key to CONSULTATION! BenefitsDental Bene ts. making the best decisions that meet the needs of the school and the community. • LAUSD does not want negative pub- licity around its BIC implementation, American Made history, or plan. BRACES as low as • If we create a vision, share our own ** mplants narratives, and determine what we need, $98 per month we can change BIC as well as other top- * down mandates and serve students better! 0% FINANCING $998 Placed by Experienced Periodontist NO INSURANCE? Show Your Best Self Join Aava Club! • College & Scholarship Application Consulting TEETH WHITENING! • Essay Preparation • Interview Preparation FREE Supervised Play Area Ask for details. Service o ered while parents receive dental treatment Dr. Shirag Shemmassian (at most locations) ZERO OUT OF POCKET COSTS ♦ Ivy League Graduate ♦ NSF & Soros Fellow * Available For those who qualify. ** Ask for details. O ers may not be combined. for most Unions! (323) 825-9374 [email protected] www.shemmassianconsulting.com 24 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015

United Teachers Los Angeles East & North Areas Become a College Counselor Announce their With our 7-course certificate—offered entirely online! Get the skills you need to counsel students and help them identify their Ruben Salazar Memorial post-high school options. Scholarship Contest 2015

Ruben Salazar was a journalist for the Los Angeles Times. He was killed in 1970 while covering the National Chicano Moratorium Against the War in Vietnam and the ensuing riot through the streets of East Los Angeles. In 1971, UTLA’s East Area initiated a scholarship fund in his memory. It is now sponsored by UTLA’s East and North Areas.

This is the 44th year that UTLA awards scholarships to Graduating Seniors enrolled at any LAUSD High School, Continuation School, or High School Completion Program at a LAUSD Community Adult School.

Scholarship Applications & Information may be : - downloaded at www.utla.net/scholarships - requested by email at: [email protected] - requested via phone 800/ 556-8852 ext. 206

Applicant Form & Essay or a Poem must be : - received by 5:00 PM — Friday, April 10, 2015. Ideal for: -received via mail or can be dropped off to: • Teachers & administrators working with secondary students United Teachers Los Angeles • High school & junior/middle school guidance counselors c/o: Ruben Salazar Scholarship Committee Eric Barrientos • Private & independent college counselors 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Learn more. Visit uclaextension.edu/Counselor Los Angeles, CA 90010-1794 or call (310) 983-1181

Winners will be notified by April 24, 2015 explore. experience. expand.® Scholarships will be presented at the 44th Annual Awards Dinner held on Thursday, May 7, 2015

15808-14

15808.indd 1 7/29/14 9:5325 AM United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 UTLA Classifieds CLASSIFIED AND DISPLAY AD POLICY: UNITED TEACHER will not accept ads for legal services in the areas of worker’s compensation or personal injury; nor advertising for tobacco or alcoholic beverages; nor advertising deemed misleading or offensive to members; nor advertising inconsistent with the programs and purposes of United Teachers Los Angeles.

HOME LOANS TRAVEL and TSP Program Advisor. Looking to job share at your school for the 2015-16 Multiple Subject 6th-Grade Teacher: Candidate school year. I have experience in primary and upper Thinking of buying a home? Learn how to go BLACK PARIS - TEACHERS & OTHERS - See How needs to have a strong science background and grades and have taught gifted, ELD, and students through the process from beginning to end in our Josephine Baker, Miles Davis, Paul Robeson, etc. enjoy incorporating regular hands-on labs and proj- with special needs. I prefer to teach the afternoons fun, interactive educational session. Perfect for first- enriched French Culture - July 6-15, 2015...Join ects to enhance our magnet and develop scientifi- in the West or North Valley areas. If you are look- time homebuyers, buyers re-entering the market or us! E-Z Payment Plan. Visit www.equator3Tours. cally literate students. ing for a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher, please anyone who wants to learn how to navigate today’s com, (212) 348-5449. Single Subject in History and English Teacher: Can- contact Angineh Andreas at (818) 515-9477 or sellers’ market. Down payment assistance will be didate needs one of the following credentials: [email protected]. Thank you. explained. Pre-qualification available after class. EXPERIENCE GHANA PANAFEST JULY 26-AU- a. Single subject credential in history and single Refreshments will be served. Saturday, March 7, GUST 7, 2015. An African Heritage Cultural Jour- subject credential in English; b. Single subject Job share partner wanted as soon as possible at 2015 12:30-2:30 P.M. Century21 My Real Estate ney...Join us! E-Z Payment Plan. Visit www.equa- credential in history and a supplemental to teach your school or mine. My school is on Westside. Company 7825 E. Florence Avenue, Downey. Call tor3Tours.com, (212) 348-5449. English; c. Single subject credential in English and a Third grade. I have 20 years’ experience teach- (213) 909-1349 with questions or to RSVP. supplemental to teach history. Candidate needs an ing and I’m very flexible, responsible, and open to engaging history and English program that will en- learning new things. Please call or text for more in- LAUSD EMPLOYMENT hance our math, science, technology magnet and formation. Thanks. Adrienne (310) 494-8422. develop 21st-century learners. HOME SECURITY Enthusiastic and experienced elementary school Job share/employment Application process: Interested candidates, please job share partner wanted for the 2015-2016 school BRAND NEW OFFER. UTLA Members & Affiliates available ads in LAUSD send a letter of interest, a current resume, and two year. Location must be at their school. Preferred lo- Only. FREE HOME SECURITY SYSTEM YOU ONLY employment section are FREE. letters of recommendation to Patrick Henry Middle cations include West L.A./Mid-City. Please contact PAY MONITORING! Monitored by #1 Alarm Security School, Dr. Sandra Cruz, Principal, 17340 San Jose me at [email protected]. Company in the Nation! Call for Details: (714) 804- Street, Granada Hills, CA 91344; phone (818) 832- 3870; fax (818) 368-7333; Email: [email protected]. 0450. Offering Peace of Mind! LAUSD POSITIONS Job Share with an enthusiastic, experienced teacher DEADLINE: Friday, March 27, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. AVAILABLE starting 2015-2016 in District 1 in the West Valley. This Visit the school website to view flyers detailing job elementary school position is at a National Blue Ribbon description and desirable skills for each position: JOB OPPORTUNITY Patrick Henry Middle School and Patrick Henry and California Distinguished school in Chatsworth that https://www.edline.net/pages/Patrick_Henry_Mid- Math, Science, Technology Magnet are expanding has a 10 out of 10 rating on greatschools.org. There is dle_School/openings. Video of our magnet pro- TEACHERS—Primerica is expanding locally looking in the 2015-2016 academic year. We are accepting synergy among the teachers at my school. I am also gram can be found on YouTube: https://www.you- for teachers who want part-time and summertime applications for the following positions: open to teaching at your school in the West Valley area tube.com/watch?v=iZNZoaAYi2g. work. Put your skills to work. No experience need- Magnet Coordinator/Targeted Student Population as well. Please contact me, Kerri at (818) 497-1282 or ed, set your own hrs. Only need to be ambitious. (TSP) Program Adviser: The position will include re- [email protected]. South Shores Elementary Magnet School for the Call and ask for Mr. Pratt at (310) 641-1566. sponsibilities associated with being the magnet co- Visual and Performing Arts (located in San Pedro, ordinator of our math, science, technology magnet Job share partner wanted for 2015-2016 for a RSP K-4 ESC S) is seeking highly qualified applicants for program at a traditional school in Local District 4. My teaching positions for the 2015/2016 school year. partner teacher went back to full time. Position is for Candidates must be knowledgeable in teaching the afternoons, split days. Great program, assistant, Common Core curriculum, as well as demonstrate and school! Must have a special education credential. initiative in applying the new standards in creative Stepping up Thanks! Contact M. Abraham at [email protected]. and engaging ways in the classroom to reach all for the health of the community learning abilities and modalities. Extensive experi- Job share partner needed for the 2014-2015 school ence working with children in the visual and per- year to share my RSP position. I am at a wonder- forming arts, with a strong emphasis in dramatic ful school in Highland Park (East Area). I would like performance, directing, or vocal music instruction, to split days. Must have experience with Special is required. Experience in integrating technology Education, have a clear Special Education Creden- into the classroom is favored. Please email a cover tial and knowledge of Welligent to complete IEP’s. letter with your resume to Please email a cover let- Forms must be submitted by April of 2015. Please ter with your Please email a cover letter with your contact Leandra at (323) 304-8045. resume to [email protected]. Job share partner needed. I teach Social Studies at a Southside high school. Looking for a partner LAUSD JOB SHARE to teach in the spring of 2015 and possibly longer. Please contact Sarah at [email protected]. Reduced workload special ed position at Carlson The mathematics department at Downtown Magnets Hospital School: wonderful position at UCLA—it’s High school is seeking a job-share candidate for the heaven! Work on the campus in lovely setting with At UnitedHealthcare, we’re dedicated to the communities we 2015-16 school year. We are a high-functioning, estab- outpatient middle and high schoolers. Have all the serve and believe nothing should stand in the way of quality, lished, collaborative department and we are looking for perks of being at UCLA and working alongside their affordable health care. a candidate who loves to be in the classroom and is faculty. It’s truly a “dream job” with much staff sup- primarily focused on student learning! If you’re interest- port, rarely any discipline problems, high-functioning, We provide a broad portfolio of health care plans as well as ed, please email your resume to: [email protected]. polite, academic kids. Never do an IEP—really! Only dental, vision, life and disability offerings to help you get the for one year with me as next year will be my final year right coverage at the right price. to do the reduced workload (my partner retired). But How To Place Your UT Classified Ad this could get your foot in the door for Carlson (best Print your ad from your computer or use a typewriter. Count For more information, call Anthony Campbell at special ed school around!). Looking to do semester the number of words in your ad. Area code and telephone 415-778-3845. number count as one word. Email and web address count on, off for 2015-16 year. Email or call Patrick Mc- as one word. Street address counts as one word. City and Guire, [email protected], or (310) 581-1973. state, including zip code, count as one word. Abbreviations and numbers are considered words and are charged indi- vidually. The classified ad rate is $1.50 per word for each Job share partner wanted for 2015-16 school year. time your ad runs (there is no charge for LAUSD job share/ Elementary school in Eagle Rock. Position is for the employment available ads). Multiply the number of words in your ad by $1.50. This is the cost for running your ad one mornings. Please call/text Heidi at (818) 400-7260. time in UNITED TEACHER. If you’re running your ad in more than one issue, multiply the one-time total by the number of issues you wish the ad to appear. We have a ten word ©2014 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Health plan coverage provided by or through Looking to job share for 2015-16 school year in an UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company and UnitedHealthcare of California. Administrative services minimum ($15.00). All ads are payable in advance by check provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc., OptumRx or OptumHealth Care Solutions, Inc. RSP program in District 1. I have experience in co- or money order. Please make check payable to UTLA. The teaching, a special education credential, masters deadline to receive your classified ad at the UTLA Commu- Behavioral health products are provided by U.S. Behavioral Health Plan, California (USBHPC) or nications Dept. is noon on the Monday that falls two weeks United Behavioral Health (UBH). in SPED and fluent with Welligent. Please email prior to the publication date. Any questions? Call (213) 637- [email protected]. 5173. Mail ad and payment to Classifieds, UNITED TEACH- UHCCA691267-000 ER, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. 26 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net February 27, 2015 UNITED TEACHER GRAPEVINE Evenings for Educators origins in the rainforest and use among the Summer seminar on Korean cated, more creative, and more expres- at LACMA Maya and Aztec, to contemporary issues history and culture sive use of language. Lummis will lead For more than 30 years LACMA’s Eve- related to its cultivation and consumption. Explore Korean history, culture, contem- discussions to encourage developing a nings for Educators series has provided The course includes a chocolate-making porary issues, and Korean Americans at group of strategies for each participant’s K-12 teachers with opportunities to talk workshop with the owner of L.A.’s only the USC-KAFE Summer Seminar for K-12 particular classroom assignment and about, discover, and create works of art. bean-to-bar chocolate shop. Approved Teachers, July 12 to 17. This collaborative field of study. Learn how to help stu- On April 14, learn about the exhibition for one LAUSD salary point (multicul- program of the Korea Academy for Educa- dents “get something on the page” to “Nature and the American Vision: The tural). Registration $60 (includes parking, tors (KAFE) and USC Korean Studies Insti- talk about—a starting point. The work- Hudson River School.” The artists from the breakfast/lunch, course materials, and tute is sponsored by the Korea Foundation shop will be held on Saturday, April Hudson River School, together with 19th- chocolate). Visit www.international.ucla. and held on the USC campus. Successful 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arroyo Seco century writers, helped forge a uniquely edu/lai/outreach for more details and to applicants will demonstrate interest in Regional Library Community Room, American voice that has come to define apply. Contact: Cynthia Gomez at Gomez@ learning about Korean history and culture 6145 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90042. national identity. Explore the relationship international.ucla.edu or (310) 825-4572. and the ability to create lessons based on Fee is $45 per registrant. Registration between art and civics through realistic what they learn. One or two LAUSD salary due by March 30. Online registration and romantic depictions of the Americas Salary point workshop on using points available. For more information, www.lummisday.org/events or down- from the exhibition. Tickets are $15 per visual texts to teach writing visit www.koreaacademy.org or email load application to register by USPS. For person for the evening, which runs from In the salary point class “Using Visual [email protected]. information: Carmela Gomes, gomescar- 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, Texts to Teach Writing,” participants will [email protected] or (818) 429-8755. please visit www.lacma.org/programs/ learn how to use documentary, film, and Workshop on using poetry education/evenings-educators or call (323) TV in their classrooms to teach analytical, to sharpen writing skills Low-cost tech salary 857-6093. persuasive, and creative writing to their Suzanne Lummis, Los Angeles poet, point workshops students. They will obtain instructional cofounder of L.A. Poetry Festival, and QuikiTech.com is offering eight classes, Chocolate in the Americas: Salary strategies and ideas to design lessons UCLA Extension Writers’ Workshop with each class being only $50 per salary point workshop at UCLA for their grade level that meet Common instructor, will be holding a workshop point. Classes include Microsoft Office, Explore the history, science, and heri- Core standards. The classes will be held “Poetry: The Word, Written, Read and Excel, Word, Gmail and Google Tools, tage of chocolate (cacao) in this two-day on consecutive Saturdays, March 14 and Imagined,” for grades 6 through 12 Teaching Students 21st Century Technol- workshop (March 21 and 28, 8 a.m. to 4:30 March 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ham- teachers. The program has been ap- ogy Skills, Technology for Math, the iPad p.m.). Using different fields of science, ilton High School. There is a $25 material proved by LAUSD for three professional Enabled Classroom, and Keynote. Go now social science, and the humanities, the fee. The class is worth one salary point. development hours. Learn to develop to http://quikitech.com. For any ques- course will examine the history of choco- Please contact Curtis Hartman: curthart- techniques to expand communication tions, contact Donny Wise, instructor at late and its impact in the Americas, from its [email protected]. skills that are based in more sophisti- QuikiTech, at (424) 256-9789.

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*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate as of 2/24/15. Rate subject to change without notice. Fees will reduce Federally Insured earnings; substantial early closure fees may apply. Minimum opening balance of $1000 must be maintained for the entire term. Dividends are paid monthly. For current rates visit californiacu.org.