Award-Winning Newspaper of United Teachers Los Angeles • www.utla.net Volume XLIV, Number 11, August 21, 2015 An open letter to members The UTLA Board of Directors is united in support of the 2015-2017 UTLA Strategic Plan and in support of investing in our union.
Our students, our union, our profes- Deserve and we have shown in the last membership dues than any other edu- Group Legal Services. If we do not act sion, and public education are under year that we can win. We have developed cators’ union in California. When our now, our union could be bankrupt or a attack by corporate privatizers funded an eight-point strategic plan that includes state and national affiliates raise dues, shell of its former self in a few years. by billionaire “reformers” who seek to campaigns in the following areas: it comes out of UTLA’s budget, unlike By investing in our union, like every turn education into a business, and stu- • Contract Bargaining in other unions where such increases are serious organization does, we can win dents into test scores. We face attacks in • Shaping Local Control Accountability “passed through” to the membership. Our critical improvements for our students, the media, in politics, and from LAUSD Plans (LCAP) current dues structure has not changed communities, and profession. We can take and charter employers that have been • Public School Accountability and in 45 years, has resulted in a dangerous on our adversaries, get rid of our structural heavily influenced by organizations like Sustainability structural deficit, has required us to take deficit, protect our benefits, provide the the Broad Foundation, which promotes • Charter School Educator Organizing money from the limited strike fund to pay legal services that UTLA members want continued underfunding and inequities • Building Successful School Models for our contract campaigns, and does not and need, and bring to life the strategic that affect students. • Site Empowerment, Contract allow us to provide UTLA members with plan through putting money toward more We continue to struggle with LAUSD Enforcement, Member Rights the legal support they deserve. school site support, parent/community and charter employers over funding pri- and Working Conditions We are calling on UTLA members to organizing, an expanded research depart- orities, and we know that we must be • Electoral Politics, Legislation, support the strategic plan and to approve ment, and an aggressive public relations prepared to fight back when LAUSD and Social Issues a dues increase from the January 2016 rate campaign. Now is the time to fund our attacks our healthcare and retiree ben- • Building a Stronger UTLA of $63 to $82 a month, approve a “pass union and our future. efits in 2017. A key to our victory will be generating through” mechanism, and approve a full In the face of these attacks, we have the resources to fund our union appro- AFT/CFT-NEA/CTA merger on the local Sincerely, a vision for the Schools L.A. Students priately. We contribute less—far less—in level to allow members access to CTA The UTLA Board of Directors
Alex Caputo-Pearl Ayde Bravo Karla Griego Gloria Martinez Steve Seal PRESIDENT SOUTH AREA DIRECTOR NORTH AREA DIRECTOR EAST AREA DIRECTOR HARBOR AREA DIRECTOR
Cecily Myart-Cruz Ayesha Brooks Ingrid Gunnell Maria Miranda Rebecca Solomon NEA AFFILIATE VICE PRESIDENT SOUTH AREA DIRECTOR EAST AREA DIRECTOR SOUTH AREA DIRECTOR NORTH AREA DIRECTOR
Betty Forrester Aaron Bruhnke Mel House Bruce Newborn Adrian Tamayo AFT AFFILIATE VICE PRESIDENT HARBOR AREA CHAIR VALLEY EAST AREA DIRECTOR VALLEY WEST AREA CHAIR EAST AREA DIRECTOR
Juan Ramirez Victoria Casas Darrell L. Jones Paul Ngwoke Mary Tello ELEMENTARY VICE PRESIDENT VALLEY EAST AREA DIRECTOR SPECIAL ED DIRECTOR CENTRAL AREA DIRECTOR HARBOR AREA DIRECTOR
Colleen Schwab Wendi Davis Erika Jones Crawford Alex Orozco Kirk Thomas SECONDARY VICE PRESIDENT VALLEY WEST AREA DIRECTOR WEST AREA CHAIR VALLEY EAST AREA DIRECTOR NORTH AREA CHAIR
Arlene Inouye Warren Fletcher Matthew Kogan Cheryl L. Ortega Zulma Tobar TREASURER UTLA PAST PRESIDENT ADULT/OCCP ED DIRECTOR BILINGUAL ED DIRECTOR CENTRAL AREA DIRECTOR
Daniel Barnhart Kelly Flores José Lara John Perez Julie Van Winkle SECRETARY CENTRAL AREA DIRECTOR CENTRAL AREA CHAIR UTLA-RETIRED PRESIDENT NORTH AREA DIRECTOR
Fredrick “Rick” Bertz Marco A. Flores Noah Lippe-Klein Javier Romo Jennifer Villaryo SUBSTITUTES DIRECTOR PACE CHAIR WEST AREA DIRECTOR VALLEY WEST AREA DIRECTOR WEST AREA DIRECTOR
Melodie Bitter Corina Gomez Rodney Lusain Gillian Russom Ingrid Villeda VALLEY WEST AREA DIRECTOR EARLY EDUCATION DIRECTOR WEST AREA DIRECTOR EAST AREA CHAIR SOUTH AREA CHAIR
Linda Gordon Scott Mandel Elgin Scott HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR VALLEY EAST AREA CHAIR HARBOR AREA DIRECTOR
UTLA’s eight-point strategic plan
Read more on pages 4 and 5 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 United Teacher President’s perspective
PRESIDENT Alex Caputo-Pearl NEA AFFILIATE VP Cecily Myart-Cruz AFT AFFILIATE VP Betty Forrester UTLA’s strategic plan builds on victories ELEMENTARY VP Juan Ramirez SECONDARY VP Colleen Schwab After winning short-term battles, we need to prep for the longer-term war. TREASURER Arlene Inouye SECRETARY Daniel Barnhart By Alex Caputo-Pearl Up for Health Benefits . . . February 12 and three out of four LAUSD School Board EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jeff Good UTLA President School Site Picketing . . . February 26 Stand races. at Grand Rally. We continue to stand toe-to-toe with The column below is from Caputo-Pearl’s You also did something as part of this the billionaires as we support the Alliance BOARD OF DIRECTORS state of the union address delivered at the escalation that was quite amazing. Our charter educators in their brave efforts to NORTH AREA: Kirk Thomas, Chair (Eagle Rock ES), UTLA Leadership Conference on July 31. members organized faculty meeting boy- organize a union against an aggressive Karla Griego (Buchanan ES), Rebecca Solomon Our members made history last year. cotts across the entire city. In the tradi- anti-union campaign from management. (RFK UCLA Comm. School), Julie Van Winkle (Logan Span School) You built around the Schools L.A. Students tions of the labor movement and the civil And, finally, in the last year, you sent SOUTH AREA: Ingrid Villeda, Chair (93rd Street ES), Deserve, organized work sites, hit the rights movement, of job actions and civil the message that we live by the old union Ayde Bravo (Maywood ES), Ayesha Brooks streets, hit the airwaves, and built a cam- disobedience, we showed moral author- adage, “An injury to one is an injury to (Markham MS), Maria Miranda (Miramonte ES) paign that was covered by media outlets ity by taking a risk while promoting an all.” When 609 layoff notices were sent EAST AREA: Gillian Russom, Chair (ESP Academy), Ingrid Gunnell (Lane ES), Gloria Martinez (Rowan ES), from the New York Times to National Public alternative vision. out, we immediately initiated the “All Adrian Tamayo (Lorena ES) Radio to the European press to La Jornada How did you organize it? You went to a the Pieces Matter” campaign, working WEST AREA: Erika Jones Crawford, Chair (CTA newspaper in Mexico. chapter chair training, you had one-on-one with adult education, SRLDP, health and Director), Noah Lippe-Klein (Dorsey HS), Rodney Lusain (Los Angeles HS), Jennifer Villaryo (Grand View ES) We did that. Who did that? Who are conversations with your colleagues, you human services, elementary teachers, sec- built support for the action, you worked ondary teachers, and more, to fight for vital CENTRAL AREA: José Lara, Chair (Santee EC), our folks who made history? Your UTLA Kelly Flores (Maya Angelou), Paul Ngwoke (Bethune Board of Directors. Your UTLA manag- lists, and you built an accountability student programs and positions. MS), Zulma Tobar (Harmony ES) ers and staff. Our guests and our affiliate system with your colleagues so that there More than 250 of those layoff notices VALLEY EAST AREA: Scott Mandel, Chair (Pacoima partners from around the state have now been rescinded, and Magnet), Victoria (Martha) Casas (Beachy ES), Mel House (Elementary P.E.), Alex (David) Orozco (Madison MS) and country, who have given LAUSD Superintendent Ramon VALLEY WEST AREA: Bruce Newborn, Chair (Hale us such a huge lift. And, now Cortines has stated publicly that Charter), Melodie Bitter (Lorne ES), Wendi Davis for the most important people he intends to rescind 241 more (Henry MS), Javier Romo (Mulholland MS) who made history, our back- adult education notices. HARBOR AREA: Aaron Bruhnke, Chair (San Pedro HS), Elgin Scott (Taper ES), Steve Seal (Eshelman ES), bone: chapter chairs, co-chairs, We are not going to rest until Mary Tello (De La Torre Jr. ES) vice chairs, House members, we have thrown every punch we ADULT & OCCUP ED: Matthew Kogan (Evans CAS) and leaders at work sites. can in the fight to win back those BILINGUAL EDUCATION: Cheryl L. Ortega (Sub Unit) So, why did we take up programs and positions. EARLY CHILDHOOD ED: Corina Gomez (Pacoima EEC) the challenge to make history last year? Because students HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: Linda Gordon Taking on the billionaires all over Los Angeles—like the You, and the broader energy SPECIAL ED: Darrell Jones (Byrd MS) family members of my former of “people power,” were a huge SUBSTITUTES: Fredrick Bertz students at Crenshaw High part of all that we accomplished PACE CHAIR: Marco Flores School—deserve more. last year. But, we wouldn’t have UTLA RETIRED: John Perez Elijah Simmons’ cousin de- UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl, with his son and wife, waits to be been able to pull it off without serves lower class sizes. Steph- called on stage to deliver the State of the Union address at the UTLA critical, additional resources and AFFILIATIONS anie Alvarez’s sister deserves Leadership Conference. staffing from our affiliates: CFT, American Federation of Teachers National Education Association more time with her counselor. CTA, AFT, and NEA. Tauheedah Shakur’s niece deserves a clean was massive participation. And, we wouldn’t have been able to do STATE & NATIONAL OFFICERS and safe school. Yahaira Suchite’s brother We didn’t just demonstrate moral au- it without the UTLA House of Represen- NEA DIRECTOR: Sonia Martin Solis deserves ethnic studies and the arts. James thority. We showed grassroots power that CFT PRESIDENT: Joshua Pechthalt tatives voting overwhelmingly to draw CTA PRESIDENT: Eric Heins Law’s uncle deserves adult education disrupted business as usual and highlight- money from our strike fund to support CTA DIRECTOR: Erika Jones Crawford classes. Fabiola Leyva’s sister deserves ed what our schools really need. organizing. While it would be nice to cel- CFT VICE PRESIDENT: Betty Forrester high-quality early education. What else did we do last year? Our ebrate 2014-15 by saying it was an unquali- NEA PRESDIENT: Lily Eskelsen Garcia Students all over deserve high-quality charter school members mobilized and AFT PRESIDENT: Randi Weingarten fied success and then close the book, to do special education, bilingual education— had contract victories across several dif- so would be foolish. UTLA COMMUNICATIONS high-quality education, period. So, what ferent schools and employers. In LAUSD Let’s be clear and clear-eyed. Last year, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Alex Caputo-Pearl did you and your co-workers do last year bargaining, you won a great agreement we did relatively well in a series of short- DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Suzanne Spurgeon as first steps in building the movement for on health benefits, and you won a great COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS: term battles, but it is a much longer-term Kim Turner, Carolina Barreiro, Tammy Lynn Gann the Schools L.A. Students Deserve? contract agreement. war we are involved in. Our adversaries ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Laura Aldana Well, you were able to do one thing Let’s hear it for 10%. Let’s hear it for in that war are some of the richest people quickly, and you’re going to like this victories around class size, counselor on the planet Earth, and they are attempt- EDITORIAL INFORMATION one . . . you sure liked it back in October, ratios, due process, and evaluation. ing to build new layers of segregation in UNITED TEACHER when you sent the most prominent corpo- And we came out in historic numbers to schools, continue to defund public edu- 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Fl., LA, CA 90010 Email: [email protected] rate superintendent in the United States approve those agreements, about as close cation, privatize public goods, destroy UTLA main line: (213) 487-5560 packing. By getting John Deasy out of L.A., to unanimously as you can in a 35,000- teachers’ unions, and roll back civil rights ADVERTISING we sent an early message: Schools aren’t member organization. and the social safety net. Senders Communications Group Bruce Loria: (818) 884-8966, ext. 1107 businesses, students aren’t numbers, our What message did we send to the city What adversaries are we talking about? profession isn’t a stop-over, and fighting and the country with that vote? That we’re We’re talking about Eli Broad, a billion- UNITED TEACHER accepts paid advertisements from for educational, racial, and social justice is proud of what we organized for, and we’re aire who was one of John Deasy’s biggest outside companies and organizations, including UTLA a dead-serious, on-the-ground endeavor, moving forward. supporters, and who is putting on a full- sponsors and vendors with no relationship with UTLA. Only approved vendors can use the UTLA logo in their ads. The not a convenient set of words you use to We also took important steps toward be- court press to make sure that a corporate content of an advertisement is the responsibility of the try to advance yourself to the U.S. Depart- coming a social movement union. Many of reformer is the next LAUSD superinten- advertiser alone, and UTLA cannot be held responsible ment of Education. Goodbye, John Deasy. you organized across the city with parents, for its accuracy, veracity, or reliability. Appearance of an dent. Through his institute and his funding, advertisement should not be viewed as an endorsement You did something else that took a building fantastic events like the Class Size Broad has trained and placed more than 120 or recommendation by United Teachers Los Angeles. little longer. You took the first steps in and Staffing Bus Tour. corporate reformers into high-level man- building UTLA into an organizing union. We worked with community organiza- agement positions in school districts and United Teacher (ISSN # 0745-4163) is published We built escalating actions that more and tions to support undocumented students corporate charters across California. He is monthly (except for a combined June/July issue) by more members, parents, students, and and their families, to organize Black Lives close with the management of the Alliance United Teachers Los Angeles, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., community members got involved with Matter and Latino Lives Matter panels, to charter chain, a management that is disrupt- 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Subscriptions: $20.00 per year. (Price included in dues/agency fe over time. push back against the school-to-prison- ing the educational program by attacking of UTLA bargaining unit members.) Periodical postage Give one single clap when you hear pipeline by fighting for additional coun- educators who simply want a voice. paid at Los Angeles, California. POSTMASTER: Please something you were involved in: Red selors, and more. Broad puts himself forward as a progres- send address changes to United Teachers Los Angeles, Shirt Tuesdays . . . October Sticker Up for When it came to elections, you stood sive concerned about income inequality, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Telephone (213) 487-5560. Class Size and Staffing . . . November 20 toe-to-toe with the billionaires and were standing next to L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti Regional Rallies . . . February 10 Sticker able to win the state superintendent race (continued on next page) 2 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE • Strengthening Our Union We’re talking about common-sense unacceptable alternatives. Are we going (continued from previous page) Those strategic anchors lead us into standards like equity and access for all to accept that? eight issue areas that will define our work. students, management by the public not Fourth, we must support charter school in rallies to raise wages. Yet, while he pub- First, contract bargaining in LAUSD and by corporations, financial transparency, educator unionization and voice. Thou- licly stated that he supported Proposition UTLA-represented charter schools. In the and more. Quite simply, if you use public sands of educators and tens of thousands 30, he scandalously sent money to a PAC in LAUSD contract, we have reopeners this money, you have to serve and be account- of students, whose parents we need to Arizona that funneled cash into the cam- year around class size, staffing, and evalu- able to the public. engage, are in charter schools—more than paign to defeat that very proposition. And ation. There are several reopeners and con- Public school accountability’s partner any other place in the country. It is the right if this wasn’t bad enough, Broad made sure tract renewals across UTLA-represented is public school sustainability. This means thing to do to support these educators’ he also gave money to the effort to pass charter schools. In order to prevent a com- that we have to fight for basic regula- right to a union and professional voice. Proposition 32, which attacked unions. petitive race to the bottom in learning con- tions that create an entire school system And, it is an essential thing to do to work What other adversaries are we talking ditions, working conditions, and pay, and that works collaboratively, publicly, and with these educators and engage these about? We’re talking about billionaire John instead to create a progressive launching under regulations—not competitively, parents as we organize to win basic stan- Arnold. Arnold gives money to the Walton pad from which to build all contracts, we influenced by corporations, and without dards, basic regulations, and coordinated Foundation of Wal-Mart fame; to Parent contracts that raise the floor for learning Revolution, which destabilizes schools; to conditions and working conditions. Students First, which is key to the Vergara Read more When I taught at Crenshaw High and Bain lawsuits that target teachers Elements of UTLA’s two-year strategic plan...... page 4 School, I took on a student teacher each and unions; to Teach for America; and year from UCLA. Kristi McLaughlin was to several organizations that were key to Expanded member support through Group Legal Services...... page 16 one of the best, connecting with students destabilizing public education and creating and families, teaching critical thinking new layers of segregation in New Orleans. The need for a dues pass-through...... page 18 rather than narrow test-taking, and always But, there’s more. Arnold gives enor- Completing a full merger of UTLA...... page 19 sitting in on our weekly union meetings. mous sums of money to extraordinarily When she was finished with student conservative organizations like the Man- teaching, and with jobs in LAUSD hard to hattan Institute. That institute promotes must organize around bargaining this year. regulations. Only this will ensure that all come by, Kristi took a job with a charter policies that directly hurt our students Second, we have to inject the Schools students are served. school. She didn’t drink the anti-union and their families by advocating against L.A. Students Deserve priorities into Quite simply, rampant deregulation was Kool-Aid; she just took a job. civil rights and immigrant rights. And, the the District-wide LAUSD Local Control not good for the economy—and it’s not Kristi is an educator serving the stu- Manhattan Institute wants to destroy the Accountability Plan and charter system good for schools and students. Just visit a dents of Los Angeles. She has great ideas rights of public sector workers who have Local Control Accountability Plans. These Prop. 39 co-located school to get a picture about teaching and schools, and she is a served our communities by leading attacks LCAPs guide and direct state funding. of the deregulated, competition-laced en- great advocate. We need to be connecting on health care benefits and by attempting We have a huge opportunity to link vironment that we need to correct. with, learning from, and building a move- to eliminate defined-benefit pensions. them to our reopeners and push for further These are schools where students who ment with the Kristi McLaughlins of Los Sisters and brothers, this is what we are investments in class-size reduction, health used to have a dance studio or counsel- Angeles charter schools. facing, and we should have no illusions and human services and other staffing, ing center, and parents who used to have Fifth, we need to highlight, support, and that Eli Broad and John Arnold are faraway student services, classes that make a well- a parent center, suddenly do not have build successful school models. For too forces that don’t touch us. rounded curriculum, and real educator them. They are told that the solution is to long, UTLA, with our silence, has allowed From Prop. 30 to the LAUSD super- development and support. compete for students and families. others to project themselves as experts on intendent search to the Alliance charter Third, we must take on the issue of No. We’re tired of our students, over- teaching, learning, and school improve- struggle, Eli Broad is pushing against us. public school accountability—fighting for whelmingly students of color, being used ment. Eli Broad, John Arnold, and John Add to this that many of his billionaire basic standards across all publicly funded in free-market experiments, where they Deasy have stepped into that vacuum. friends have benefited from an Office of schools, District and charter alike. are constantly given a choice between two (continued on page 25) the General Counsel at LAUSD, led by David Holmquist, that writes sweetheart contracts for corporations while promot- ing “law and order” for educators and In this issue students. Microsoft, DeLoitte, Apple, and Pearson have all been beneficiaries of LAUSD’s loosey-goosey, corporate- 4 UTLA’s eight-point strategic plan 4 Unity in red friendly contracts. And, it is the funding How we will carry forward the campaign for the Schools L.A. and influence of people like John Arnold Students Deserve. 7 Accolades for educators that have shaped the public debate on health benefits and pensions, and that vir- 5 Key part of strategic plan: restructuring our dues 10 Honoring our Unsung Heroes tually guarantees that LAUSD and many Increasing our dues will build a stronger UTLA. charter employers will aggressively attack our health benefits in 2017. 24 Bilingual education issues 6 LCAP and LCFF: The basics UTLA’s unprecedented The state’s historic funding shift offers new opportunities to 27 Practical matters: Career long-term roadmap make sure spending meets our students’ needs. increments As never before, we will need to be ready to build escalating actions, and we will need to build the capacity to strike in 28 UTLA-Retired 2017. Will we be ready? Are we going to start getting ready now? 30 Classified ads While Broad and Arnold stand for the 1%, we have to just as clearly stand for the 31 Grapevines rest of us: our students, their families, our co-workers, our profession. That is funda- mentally what the Schools L.A. Students Deserve campaign is about. I’m excited to share with you that the UTLA Board of Directors has approved a strategic plan for 2015-2017 that carries the Get connected to UTLA Schools L.A. Students Deserve campaign Facebook: facebook.com/UTLAnow into its next phase. A strategic plan is a long-term roadmap. Twitter: @utlanow It is unprecedented for UTLA to have a YouTube: youtube.com/UTLAnow plan of this clarity and breadth—and we need it. The plan is based on three strategic Site leaders discuss the new UTLA strategic plan at a core training session at the anchors for UTLA over the next two years. UTLA Leadership Conference. • Standing for Fairness • Fighting for Resources 3 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 UTLA’s 2015-2017 strategic plan Its eight points are the union’s road map for the next two years.
UTLA is embarking on the next phase of the Schools L.A. Students Deserve cam- paign as we enter the new school year. Our road map is the UTLA 2015-2017 Strategic Plan, which was developed and approved by our Board of Directors. The plan builds on the hard-won victories of last year and expands our vision and resolve. This plan is ambitious because it has to be. We face more challenges to our profession and to public education than we did just a year ago. We must organize and fight on many fronts, but we know from our experience last year that when we all work together we have the power to win. UTLA officers and board members will be visiting schools in the coming weeks and months to get your input, and chapter chairs will be meeting with staff at their school sites as we continue to build UTLA into a stronger organiz- ing union. The plan is built around three strategic anchors: Standing for Fairness: Improving all schools for all students. Corporate com- petition doesn’t work. Fighting for Resources: Getting our stu- dents what they need. Doing so means (continued on next page) UTLA site leaders at the Leadership Conference (above) gave crucial feedback on the strategic plan.
Unity in red
When we wear red on Tues- days, we tell the District that we are united as colleagues in the cam- paign for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. Keep the red growing!
New school year, new red T Tuesdays: Send new shots of your staff wearing red to UTnewspa- RED [email protected]. 74th Street Elementary
Castlebay Lane Elementary Glassell Park Elementary
Madison Middle School Rinaldi Adult Learning Center 4 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015
STRATEGIC PLAN • Preparing for the huge battle over financial transparency. If a school uses and concerns: Local School Leadership (continued from previous page) LAUSD health benefits, and full con- public money, it has to serve and be ac- Councils, budgets, Prop. 39 co-locations, tract renewal, in 2017. All signs point countable to the public. class size, curriculum, bad principals, taking on the billionaires. toward LAUSD and charter employers • Fighting for basic regulations that grievances, Breakfast in the Classroom, Strengthening UTLA: Building a UTLA aggressively going after benefits in the create an entire school system that works clean/safe schools, restorative justice, ex- that can fight for our students and pro- coming years. collaboratively, not competitively, to cessive testing, existing and new sections fession. ensure that all students at all schools are of contracts, and more. Those anchors inform the eight issue 2. Shaping LAUSD’s and UTLA- served in a sustainable way. areas we must engage in through organiz- Represented Charters’ LCAPs 7. Electoral Politics, Legislation, ing with members and parents: (Local Control Accountability Plans) 4. Charter School Educator and Broader Social Issues The LCAPs, which direct how state Organizing and Voice Our priorities include: 1. Contract Bargaining in LAUSD funding is spent, offer a major oppor- UTLA will continue to support organiz- • Organizing for a state revenue initia- and Charter Schools tunity to inject into these plans Schools ing more educators who currently do not tive or legislation through the Make It Priorities for contract negotiations at L.A. Students Deserve priorities, such as have a union. Nationwide, more and more Fair coalition. LAUSD and UTLA-represented charter class-size reduction, health and human charter educators are unionizing to gain a • Organizing for LAUSD Board, state schools include: services and other staffing, student ser- voice in their workplaces for the benefit of legislature, and charter management • Addressing class size, staffing, and vices, classes that make a well-rounded their students and their profession. support of the Schools L.A. Students educator development and support in curriculum, and real educator devel- Deserve. LAUSD reopeners for 2015-16, including opment and support. UTLA will be 5. Highlighting and Building • Strengthening PACE, our political attention to special education, ELL ser- organizing coalitions with educators, Successful School Models program, and our approach to social issues vices, and more. parents, and community to develop UTLA will give strength to educational that affect our students. • Securing further pay increases and LCAPs in LAUSD and UTLA-repre- best practices as we organize around cur- improvements on class size and staffing sented charters for 2016-2019 around riculum, school climate, staffing (including 8. Building a Stronger UTLA in LAUSD reopeners for 2016-17. this goal. (For more on LCAPs, read an health and human services), teaching not This includes two key components: • Achieving strong agreements in all FAQ on page 6.) testing, adult and early education, and • Restructuring UTLA dues to prepare UTLA-represented charter schools that cultural relevance, including ethnic studies us for the challenges ahead (read the are in bargaining. 3. Public School Accountability and visual and performing arts, in a full- summary on this page). and Sustainability union-contract environment. • Organizing agency fee payers to UTLA STRATEGIC PLAN This priority has two key elements: become members of UTLA in the context • Fighting for basic accountabil- 6. School Site Empowerment, of the anti-union Friedrichs v. CTA case. Standing for Fairness ity standards across all publicly funded Contract Enforcement, Member The suit seeks to eliminate the collection Rights, and Working Conditions of “fair share” representation fees from Fighting for Resources schools—District and charter alike—on common-sense issues such as equity and Last year showed that school-site or- individuals, which would create a class Strengthening Our Union access for all students, management by ganizing gets results, and this site-driven of “free riders” who benefit from union the public and not by corporations, and work will continue on all the key issues membership without paying dues. Key part of the strategic plan: Restructuring our dues Increasing our dues will build a stronger UTLA.
A key part of UTLA’s two-year strategic charter schools that drives plan is a dues restructuring that would down wages for educators and increase the regular full-time member rate learning conditions for students. UTLA members pay much lower dues by $19 a month, starting in 2016. • Inadequate school funding UTLA members currently contribute that amplifies the impact of than other teachers’ union members the lowest membership dues of any local income inequality. teachers’ union in the state (see comparison • The outsized influence of Teachers’ Union Monthly Dues 2015-16: a comparison chart). When our affiliates decide, through unaccountable billionaires who New York (UFT) $104 their representative bodies, to raise their are funding everything from Pasadena $103 dues to do the critical state and nation- School Board campaigns and the Centinela Valley $99 al work that they do, every other union spread of unregulated nonunion Lennox $95 “passes through” this increase to members. charters to attacks on employee Beverly Hills $94 As it is now, any increase in state or national pensions and court cases tar- Long Beach $94 AMU (Green Dot) $94 dues comes out of UTLA’s own budget, geting tenure, due process, and Glendale $92 creating a huge structural deficit that is not union rights. San Diego $91 sustainable. Our restructuring will include Redondo Beach $91 a “pass through” to fix this problem. As part of the dues Santa Monica-Malibu $91 A $19 increase would still keep us below Manhattan Beach $90 restructuring, we Inglewood $90 most other locals but would give us the re- would also gain: Palos Verdes $89 sources we need to build a stronger UTLA Torrance $88 for the challenges ahead and to fight for • More resources to continue Hawthorne $88 the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. the crucial work of supporting Baldwin Park $88 El Segundo $88 There is more about dues restructuring school sites, including contract Chicago Teachers Union $88 in this UNITED TEACHER, and UTLA enforcement and protection of El Monte High Union $88 members will be discussing this crucial members’ rights. Burbank $88 issue with leadership and with colleagues • Increased support for parent Lawndale $87 in the months ahead. The dues increase and community organizing to Fresno $87 UTLA eff. Jan. 2016 $63 would have to be approved by a vote of build power for the Schools L.A. the UTLA membership. Students Deserve priorities. $ $20 $40 $60 $80 $100 $120 • Funds for an aggressive With a dues increase, we gain the public relations campaign to counter the dues restructuring involves fully merging • Expanded legal coverage through Group resources to take on an array of “bad teacher” and “failing schools” media our state and national affiliates at the local Legal Services. The abuse of “teacher jail” attacks, including: spin that gives fuel to the corporate re- UTLA level. Instead of choosing either has shown us that educators now more formers. AFT/CFT or NEA/CTA, UTLA members than ever need comprehensive legal as- • An expanded research department to would belong to both, getting “two for one” sistance. A fully merged UTLA would give • Threats to our healthcare in 2017, dig deep into District finances in support membership and access to all the benefits our members access to CTA Group Legal when LAUSD will likely go after our fully of bargaining and to connect the dots and privileges of all four associations at one Services, which would greatly enhance paid healthcare for active employees and between billionaire outsiders, local poli- dues rate. A full merger will also increase the legal protections already provided by fully paid retiree healthcare, as will union- ticians, and LAUSD sweetheart contracts our influence in important bodies like the UTLA in crucial areas such as dismissals, ized charter employers. for corporations. L.A. County Federation of Labor and in the suspensions, RIF layoff notices, and cre- • Expansion of unregulated nonunion • “Two for one” affiliate membership. The state and national labor movement. dentialing issues. 5 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 LCFF and LCAP: The basics The state’s historic funding shift offers new opportunities to make sure spending meets our students’ needs.
As part of our new strategic plan, UTLA more than the base for their districts. Even ism rates, middle school and high school nizations consult with teachers, principals, will be working with parents and commu- if students fit into more than one of the dropout rates, and high student gradua- school personnel, pupils, and local unions, nity members to shape LAUSD’s and charter above categories, they are only counted tion rates. but frankly this does not mean that stake- managers’ Local Control Accountability once (referred to as an “unduplicated 6. School climate as measured by holders will be engaged in a meaningful Plans (LCAPs) to support our priorities in pupil”). Some categories of high-needs student suspension and expulsion rates, way unless we demand that they are. the Schools L.A. Students Deserve campaign students are missing, such as students as well as other local measures. In addition to the formal consultation and specifically through contract reopeners. with housing-insecure families and special 7. Course access and enrollment in a role in plan development, LCAP pres- Below are the basics behind the LCAPs education students, though individual dis- broad course of studies. ents an opportunity to ensure that the and the legislation that gave life to them, tricts can, as LAUSD has, include homeless 8. Other student outcomes, if available, program and goals set out by the LCAP the Local Control Funding Formula youth as a targeted subgroup. in a broad range of subject areas. genuinely meet the needs of students and (LCFF). UTLA will be holding trainings • Concentration grants: Districts that have enables educators to lead that effort. Part in the coming months for site leaders on a high concentration of high-needs students How do the LCAPs provide of UTLA’s new strategic plan involves organizing around the LCAPs. (more than 55%) get more money in the an organizing opportunity? working with parents and community form of concentration grants. They get an LCAPs provide opportunities to orga- members to shape LAUSD’s and charter What is the Local Control additional 50% of base funding for all “un- nize at multiple points: at the District level managers’ LCAPs to support our priori- Funding Formula? duplicated pupils” above the 55% threshold. in the development of the plan and then, ties in contract reopeners and the Schools The Local Control Funding Formula, There are still pockets of money in the once it’s in place, at school sites to ensure L.A. Students Deserve campaign, such as signed into law in 2013, was a historic shift state funding for programs such as special that administrators are following it and class-size reduction, health and human in how state funding is provided to school education and early childhood education. implementing it appropriately. services and other staffing, classes that districts and charter school governing During plan development, the law re- make a well-rounded curriculum, and real boards. It is driven by equity, with funding What are the Local Control quires that school districts or charter orga- educator development and support. determined by a district’s level of high-needs Accountability Plans? students. The LCFF allows flexibility to Under LCFF, all districts and charter develop creative strategies that are relevant organizations are required to have a Local Connecting with the community to a school district’s student population. It Control and Accountability Plan that de- also demands accountability: School districts scribes how they intend to meet annual Valley East holds special education workshop for parents. must have qualitative and quantitative goals, goals for all students. The plan is deter- show how those goals will be met, and report mined by the school district or charter or- on which ones were met. ganization—not the school site. The LCAP must follow eight state priorities: How does the LCFF work? 1. Basic services as defined by the Wil- LCFF eliminates revenue limits and liams settlement (i.e., properly creden- almost all state categorical programs and tialed teachers, sufficient instructional allows school districts more funding for materials, and facilities in good repair). high-needs students, following the ratio- 2. Common Core state standards imple- nale that high-needs students need more mentation. support. Its funding formula is based on: 3. Parent involvement. • Base grants: Districts and charter 4. Student achievement as measured schools get a base amount for every student by statewide assessments, the Academic (broken down by grade level), with add-ons Performance Index, Advanced Placement for programs that are expensive and/or examinations, the Early Assessment Place- desirable, such as K-3 class-size reduction ment, A-G or career technical education and grades 9-12 career technical education. sequence course completion, and English • Supplemental grants: High-needs stu- learner reclassification rates. dents (students in poverty, English lan- 5. Student engagement as measured guage learners, and foster youth) get 20% by attendance rates, chronic absentee-
UTLA meeting board At a UTLA Valley East special education workshop for parents, UTLA member Debbie Solis details the process of requesting an IEP. Upcoming meetings from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (unless noted) in the UTLA building: Arts Education Com- By Michael Gonzales State Council Special Education Commit- mittee, Asian-Pacific Education, Bilingual Parent/Community Organizing tee with me, led the presentations, with AUGUST 26 & Education Committee, Chicano/Latino Committee (PCOC) the support of two special education Education, Gay & Lesbian Issues, Health Valley East Area activists and translators, UTLA teacher SEPTEMBER 30 Olivia Ledezma and special education UTLA Area Meetings: See times and & Human Services, Human Rights, Inner For years, many parents of children with paraprofessional Manny Solis. The team locations at utla.net. City, Instructional Coaches, Kindergarten special needs have been getting the short presented on an array of topics, including Early Childhood Education Committee: Teachers, Library Professionals (4:45-6 end of the stick, and unless they find an the IEP process, parent rights if they dis- 7 p.m., UTLA building. p.m.), Middle Schools, Multi-Track/Year- Round Schools, Non-Classroom/Non- advocate to help them with the District agree with IEP goals, the future of special School Site, Options Committee, Physical bureaucracy, they struggle to get the ser- education, and the differences in special SEPTEMBER 2 Education Action and Dance, Professional vices they require. Even our own UTLA education services at independent charters Elementary Committee: 4 p.m., UTLA Rights & Responsibilities, Pre-Retirement members who are parents of children with and traditional public schools. Parents building. Issues, Salary & Finance, School/Com- special needs often have problems figuring also received free resources from LAUSD’s Secondary Committee: 4 p.m., UTLA munity Relations, School Readiness Lan- out the LAUSD system. Special Education office, El Nido Family building. guage Development Program, Secondary To address this, UTLA Valley East held Services, Patty Lopez’s office, School Board African-American Education Commit- School Counselors, Special Education, a Special Education Workshop last May member Monica Ratliff’s office, UTLA, tee: 4 p.m., UTLA building. Substitutes, Violence Prevention & School for parents at Pacoima Community Center and the Pacoima Neighborhood Council. Capably Disabled Teachers Committee: Safety, Women’s Education. to inform them of their rights as parents Overall the event was a huge success, 4 p.m., UTLA building. of children with special needs and to and the parents were very excited to be PACE Committee: 6:30 p.m., UTLA Adult and Occupational Education: empower them with knowledge on how working with UTLA, because parents building. Check time and updated meeting info to navigate the school district. and educators want the same thing: for at www.aeutla.net. As a long-time Pacoima Neighborhood students to be successful. We are looking SEPTEMBER 16 The National Board Certified Teachers Council member, I partnered with As- forward to holding another special educa- The following committees meet on the Standing Committee: For meeting dates semblymember Patty Lopez to organize tion workshop and to continue to embrace same day as the House of Representatives please check calendar at www.utla.net. the event. UTLA members Debbie Solis ways to connect with parents and the and Darrel Jones, who are on the CTA community. 6
United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 Unfair practice charges against Alliance go to next step Management has to answer to charges that it illegally interfered with its educators’ right to unionize.
Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Alliance teachers, who are fighting for charter educators continue to organize the right of teachers to organize without their union with UTLA as their unfair fear of reprisal. labor practice complaints against Alli- “There is definitely an element of hope ance management go to the next step on for me and other teachers as well that August 21, when the Public Employment we can get a fair and neutral process so Relations Board (PERB) will hold an in- we can just have an open conversation,” formal settlement conference regarding Gertz-Ressler High School teacher Elana Alliance’s interference with educators’ Goldbaum said. right to unionize. If an agreement is not reached at the At the end of June, PERB issued two August 21 session, a formal hearing unfair practice complaints after Alliance edu- will be set before an administrative law cators filed charges in April. The complaints judge. Six hundred Alliance educators charge that Alliance violated state laws by, continue their campaign for unioniza- among other actions, blocking email from tion at the 27-school chain for the 2015- UTLA-affiliated Alliance Educators United 2016 school year. to Alliance employees’ work email address- Nationwide more and more charter es, refusing access by UTLA organizers and educators are unionizing as they seek members to Alliance schools, denying UTLA a vehicle to have a voice in their work- its right to represent employees, and instruct- place and advocate for what they need ing teachers that they could not distribute to educate their students. union-related flyers on campus. The PERB charges confirm the unprec- Charter school organizing in the news: edented anti-union campaign by the Al- Read more about the rising trend of char- liance against its own teachers and coun- ter school educators organizing in “When selors who support organizing a union. Charters Go Union” at http://prospect. The PERB complaint was welcomed by org/article/when-charters-go-union.
Accolades for educators LAUSD honors Rookies of the Year.
A new award program called “Rookies Winners were chosen by a committee of the Year” honored 23 first-year LAUSD that selected from a field of 87 nominated teachers. Winners were selected from teachers. The award recognizes engaging more than 900 teachers in the District teaching styles, effectiveness, and strong who were new to the job in the 2014- classroom routines, among other things. 2015 school year. The prize included It’s supported by the California Credit a Dodgers baseball game in August, Union, which created the Rookie of the enjoyed from a private suite, as well as an Year program, and Security Benefit, a appearance on the stadium’s jumbotron. retirement savings company.
The full list of winners: UTLA members at the UTLA Leadership Conference show their support for the Alliance educa- • Emily Aguon, second grade, West Athens Elementary School tors’ fight to unionize. • Rosalinda Aleman, fifth grade, Franklin Avenue Elementary School • Jasmine Allen-Matora, special education, 24th Street Elementary School • Edgar Avalos, special education, Middleton Street Elementary School Search for next • Rachel Axelrad, first grade, Hillcrest Elementary School • Sara Benyaminy, kindergarten, West Hollywood Elementary School superintendent begins • Jessica Blake, third grade, Trinity Street Elementary School The LAUSD School Board initiated during the search for his replacement. • Rigoberto Cruz, sciences, Franklin High School the search for the next superintendent UTLA is calling for an open, trans- • Alexander Dinh, biology, Downtown Business Magnet School last month by issuing a request for parent interview process that is inclu- • Cindy Flores, kindergarten, Van Nuys Elementary School bids to firms that would help in the sive of educators, parents, and the com- • Jessica Garcia, kindergarten, Wisdom Elementary School selection process. The action is the first munity. Deasy, it must be noted, was step toward replacing current LAUSD promoted to superintendent without • Teasha Gilliam, fifth grade, Dr. Owen Knox Elementary School Superintendent Ramon Cortines, who any public involvement or an open in- • Lorenzo Hidalgo, special education, Bridge Street Elementary School has said he would like to step down terview process. The next superinten- • Maria Huerta, fourth grade, Saticoy Elementary School by December. dent must be a collaborative leader, and It is another superintendent— our schools don’t need another gradu- • Melissa Ally Kim, first grade, Weigand Elementary School former LAUSD head John Deasy— ate from the Broad Academy, the train- • Aja Koester, English, Nava College Preparatory School who is casting the longest shadow ing ground for corporate “reformers” • Heidy Lopez, first grade, Queen Anne Elementary School over the hiring process. Deasy re- who push their educational agenda on signed under pressure last year, schools while failing to give equitable • Kelsey Meek, biology, Washington Preparatory High School following the iPad scandal, which resources and support to students. • Jose Pillado, special education, Leichman High School became the target of an FBI investiga- LAUSD School Board President • Julia Rosenmeyer, kindergarten, 96th Street Elementary tion, and the botched rollout of the Steve Zimmer has said that there is MiSiS records system. UTLA played not a deadline for filling the position, • Enrique Rodriguez, special education, Sheridan Elementary a key role in holding Deasy account- but that he would like to be at the final • Robert Sears, special education, Cochran Middle School able for his failed leadership, and stage by 2016, with the new superinten- • Patrick Sherwood, math, Humanities & Arts Academy at Narbonne High School the union will help shape the debate dent in place by the 2016-17 school year.
7 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 UTLA Leadership Conference 2015: Organizing for Power Overflow crowd of site leaders gets ready to take on new school year.
UTLA’s annual Leadership Conference with their school-site experiences, and is a big part of how the union prepares key action steps UTLA must take to ac- for the new school year, and this year’s complish them. The core training ses- fully booked event was a compelling sign sions that followed covered school-site that our site leaders are ready to take the issues that members can organize their campaign for the Schools L.A. Students school around, such as difficult princi- Deserve to the next level. pals, contract enforcement, and member UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl’s rights. A campaign strategy chart was in- Friday night State of the Union address troduced as a tool to help chapter leaders (reprinted in this issue) framed the issues and members develop and implement facing the union. After taking time to mark campaign plans that empower educators last year’s successes earned through col- and our school communities. lective action—including winning contract The two days of trainings and work- and health benefits agreement victories in shops were punctuated by a series of the District and several UTLA-represented special guest speakers and panel dis- charter schools—Caputo-Pearl laid out a cussions that looked at a broad range of two-year strategic plan that is ambitious in its issues—from charter school organizing to scope and honest about the challenges ahead. the power of working with parents and “Last year, we did relatively well in the community. a series of short-term battles, but it is a UCLA Labor Center Director Kent much longer-term war we are involved Wong and Loyola Marymount Professor in,” Caputo-Pearl said. “Our adversaries Antonia Darder delivered frank remarks in that war are some of the richest people about the threats facing public education Markham Middle School teacher and Central Area Board member Ayesha Brooks (in tan shorts) on the planet Earth, and they are attempt- and teachers’ unions. leads an introductory workshop on restorative justice circles and their potential to help stop ing to build new layers of segregation in Wong said that these are “challenging the “school to prison” pipeline. schools, continue to defund public edu- times” for teachers’ unions. He cited as cation, privatize public goods, destroy one example the anti-union Friedrichs v. public sector unions,” Wong said. “Lower poverty that impacts so many of our com- teachers’ unions, and roll back civil rights CTA case, which would eliminate the col- unionization rates mean lower wages, munities as not an inevitable fact of life. and the social safety net.” lection of “fair share” representation fees lower labor standards, but it also weakens “Poverty is a creation,” she said. “We The next morning at the conference, from individuals and create a class of “free labor influence in the public policy arena, are embroiled in a long-term struggle.” chapter chairs reviewed UTLA’s strate- riders” who benefit from union member- leading to a widening divide between the She also decried education policy that gic plan by breakings into groups to talk ship without paying dues. 1% and the 99%.” shuts the community out. about the plan’s goals, how they connect “Friedrichs is part of a broader attack on Darder urged the crowd to see the “To create education solutions without teachers, students, and parents is nothing but a sham,” she said. “Education must be a humanizing process. It’s not about making a difference. It’s about being the difference.”
Watch video highlights from the con- ference on UTLA’s YouTube channel: www. youtube.com/user/utlaNOW.
Deep thanks to the 2015 Leadership Confer- ence Committee: Arlene Inouye (Chair), Cecily Myart-Cruz (Co-Chair), Rosa Beasley (Con- A Saturday panel at the Leadership Conference looked at public school Sunday’s panel on “The Power of Member, Community, and Political ference Secretary), Vivian Vega (Conference accountability and charter school organizing from different angles. Organizing” brought educators and organizers from Chicago to talk about Secretary), Jose Buenabad, Laura Carls, Susana Lorena Street teacher Adrian Tamayo (far right) discussed how co- how they work together to fight school closures, privatization, and the failed Casas, Carmen Esterman, Joe Esterman, Cami location has divided families at his school. Pacoima Charter teacher education policies of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. From right to left: Jitu George, Ingrid Gunnell, Donna Horowitz, Mel Rosio Anaya (left) talked about how the teachers pushed back against Brown, national director of Journey for Justice Alliance and a local organizer House, Stacey Michaels, Claudia Rodriguez, an attempt to get rid of UTLA at the school. Alliance Gertz-Ressler at Kenwood Oakland Community Organization; Jennifer Johnson, staff Ana “Marcy” Rubio, Elgin Scott, Loren Scott, High School art teacher Alisha Mernick (middle) discussed her priori- organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union; Susan Sadlowski Garza, a Evy Vaughn, and Susan Wright. ties in joining colleagues to organize a union, which include having a Chicago teacher activist who is also a newly elected city council member; greater voice in curriculum decisions. and panel moderator Colleen Schwab, UTLA secondary vice president. Corrections
In the list in the July UT of members who volunteered for the 2015 School Board campaigns, the following individuals should have been listed: Melodie Bitter Victoria Casas Evelyn Celic Janis Lukstein Scott Mandel Bruce Newborn Alex Orozco Margaret Carol Sullivan Bobby Vinas
Alert us to errors or omissions: UCLA Community School teacher Rosa Jimenez leads a parent organiz- Angelica Reyes and Javier Gomez, members of Advancing Justice AAJC in Please send corrections to UNITED ing workshop exploring strategies for working with the community on L.A., facilitate a discussion in a Sunday workshop on how educators can TEACHER by email to UTnewspa- site-level issues such as Breakfast in the Classroom as well as on broader support undocumented students. UTLA’s strategic plan includes continu- [email protected]. campaigns such as the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. ing our work on social issues that impact our students and their families. 8 All children develop at their own pace, both physically and emotionally. But you can help give your children all they need to be their healthy best — including lots of playtime and plenty of affection.
Celebrate childhood It’s never too soon to get started on a path to wellness. Introduce your kids to healthy habits early on, when they are more likely to stick. Take a tech break. Build them up. Explore. Studies show that too much Help boost your child’s self- Encourage exercise by doing tech time for children is linked esteem by focusing on his or it as a family. Take walks, ride to struggles at school, attention her individual strengths. Just bikes, or head to the beach, problems, sleeping disorders, remember to stay flexible about a lake, or a local swimming and obesity — so keep it in check. your idea of success — not every pool for a swim. child excels in the same way.
Visit kp.org/children for more tips on giving your kids a great start.
Services covered under a Kaiser Permanente health plan are provided and/or arranged by Kaiser Permanente health plans: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, November 60245311 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 August 21, 2015 Honoring our Unsung Heroes UTLA celebrates members who power our union.
The backbone of UTLA is its members— chapter. As a brand-new UTLA activist, especially those skillful, passionate indi- she also joined our Area Steering Com- viduals who, often without title or recog- mittee, where she has played a critical role nition, dedicate themselves to working in helping us build an organizing culture. for better schools and a stronger union. But even that wasn’t enough for Marcie! At the Leadership Conference, 13 of these As an Eastside resident and alumna of Unsung Heroes received recognition for Eastside schools, she was interested in their accomplishments, whether it was building closer ties between the union fighting off a Parent Trigger campaign, and parents and community organiza- uniting with parents against a lemon tions. She volunteered to be East Area principal, or helping topple a School Parent/Community Outreach Coordinator Board incumbent. On hand to give out (PCOC) and worked with the PCOC team the awards were two solid friends of to plan this important new work for UTLA. UTLA—State Senator Tony Mendoza This included hosting a parent forum at (former UTLA Board member) and As- John Periolat (left) and Diane Newell with Jennifer Albright with Assemblymember Mike her school, supporting Chapter Parent semblymember Mike Gipson (former Valley West Area Chair Bruce Newborn. Gipson and Harbor Area Board member Steve Seal. Action Liaisons (CPALs), participating UTLA staff member). in the class-size caravan, and building a Unsung Heroes are chosen by UTLA relationship between UTLA and our local Area leaders and members, who had this neighborhood council. Marcie brings new to say about what makes each of them ideas, hard work, and boundless enthu- deserving. siasm to our fight for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. Rosa Jimenez & Jenny Chomori NORTH AREA Larry Shoham WEST AREA Teacher, mother, and community or- ganizer Rosa Jimenez has been organiz- Larry Shoham is an amazing advocate ing for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve for educators, students, and the commu- before the UTLA campaign even started. nities we serve. His creative genius made For years, she has been working tireless- him a great addition to the organizing team ly with the grassroots Schools L.A. Stu- Laura Carls (center) with Assemblymember Mike Larry Shoham with West Area Chair this past year, where he helped design the dents Deserve coalition, and this year she Gipson and South Area Chair Ingrid Villeda. Erika Jones Crawford. “All the Pieces Matter” campaign as well stepped up as the North Area Parent and as the highly successful regional rally at his Community Outreach Committee Liaison. home school, Hamilton High. Larry has a Rosa is an inspiration to her students and can-do attitude and always volunteers and their families, her daughter, her coworkers, supports the efforts both in West Area and and North Area. citywide. His collaborative leadership at During Jenny Chomori’s epic career his school site has helped make Hamilton in LAUSD, she has raised awareness for West Area’s home base and has increased workers’ rights, women’s rights, and the union participation from the members rights of the Asian community in South- there. Larry is also a phenomenal teacher ern California. Through her work on the and ignites a spark in his students, whether Asian Pacific Education Committee, she it be from using hip-hop skills to teach a has taken hundreds of UTLA members lesson or integrating community activism to Manzanar and educated them about to inspire the next generation. the Japanese-American internment. She Marcela Chagoya (on left) with Holly Jackson and Javier Cruz (center) with State Senator walked the line in ’89, and to this day East Area Chair Gillian Russom. Tony Mendoza and Central Area Chair Jose Lara. Javier Cruz & Holly Jackson she continues to advocate for her sisters CENTRAL AREA and brothers in UTLA—particularly in North Area. The North Area wishes her Javier Cruz has been serving as chapter Not pictured: the best in her retirement and hopes that chair of 20th Street Elementary School Juan Catalan, instead of losing a UTLA activist, we will for the past two years. This year Javier Julie Carson, be gaining a UTLA-R activist. organized his chapter and was successful and Lisa in both stopping the Parent Trigger and Kallman, who Laura Carls & Juan Catalan removing the lemon principal at his school were not in SOUTH AREA site. Javier is a very humble teacher who attendance at is loved by his colleagues and students, the event. Laura Carls serves on the Leadership and when he first became chapter chair, Conference Committee, the Elections he was somewhat reluctant. He was not Committee, and the South Area Steering prepared to fight off an attempted hostile Committee with dedication and commit- takeover of his school, but he stepped up ment. As a South Area Steering Commit- to the challenge anyway. Javier organized tee member, Laura has been instrumental Jenny Chomori (second from left) and Rosa Jimenez (third from right) with North a series of community forums, community in ensuring the success of our union cam- Area Board members Karla Griego, Julie Van Winkle, and Rebecca Solomon and walks around his school, and after-school paigns. Through constant communica- State Senator Tony Mendoza. leafleting to inform parents of what pulling tion with our members and taking on the “parent tricker” would truly mean. He tasks, Laura has remained involved and members of our union. He engages others Marcela Chagoya also organized his chapter to make sure supportive during our organizing. Laura in conversations dealing with education EAST AREA they stayed united throughout the cam- can be counted on to show up, volunteer, and also encourages others to educate paign. Javier Cruz put in countless unpaid represent, and participate. The endless themselves on issues that affect our pro- Marcela Chagoya is an incredible new hours in planning and organizing to make number of hours of personal time she fession and impact our students. Juan leader bringing energy and passion to many sure 20th Street stayed a public school. has contributed to South Area does not leads by example; when he commits to aspects of our work in the East Area. Moti- Since 2009 the lemon principal at Mack go unnoticed. a task we can count on other members vated by the excitement around our contract Elementary had been intimidating both Juan Catalan is the chapter chair at 75th joining him in doing the much-needed campaign, Marcie stepped up to become parents and teachers at Mack Elementary Street Elementary School, and he inspires work. Juan is determined, focused, and chapter vice chair at Stevenson Middle School—that is, until she met her match and embodies activism. He encourages enthusiastic about the potential we have School, where she has worked with the in Holly Jackson this year. Holly led a South Area members in becoming active as an organized area. chapter chair to build a vibrant and active (continued on page 21) 10
United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015
Affiliate actions Uniting for education across the globe Taking action at the state, national, and international level.
PHOTO COURTESY NEA By Cecily Myart-Cruz UTLA/NEA Vice President NEA’s message at the RA . . . Unite, Inspire, Lead! The NEA’s Annual Representative As- sembly (RA) was held in Orlando, Florida, from July 3 to 6. It is the world’s largest democratic assembly, where caucuses, committees, leadership groups, and dele- gates from state and local unions convene to set policy and chart the course for NEA for the upcoming year. RA delegates dealt with complex issues with far-reaching implications for our profession, including testing, privatiza- tion, and equity and access in schools. It is not enough for educators to speak out about toxic testing; we must also partner with parents, community groups, and other education allies to share this work so that educational justice will be realized for every child. Another new business item (NBI) that was passed addresses the issues of in- stitutional racism. It calls for a coalition of partners to work collaboratively to The California delegation on the opening day of the NEA Representative Assembly. eradicate policies that perpetuate insti- tutional racism in education and expand activism, from helping to organize a bus Statewide: Lobbying Education International: 7th World educator-led professional development in caravan of students and educators to for Ethnic Studies Congress for Quality Education the areas of cultural competence, diver- protesting an Arizona law that legalized On July 8, I flew to Sacramento to testify Every four years, teachers and sity, and social justice. racial profiling to speaking against local in front of the Senate Education Commit- other education employees convene to NEA continued its stance around social school closings and the distribution of tee on behalf of AB 101, the Ethnic Studies discuss, debate, and set goals across the justice by awarding UTLA Central Area pink slips. His most recent efforts led bill authored by Assemblyman Luis Alejo. globe. Education International is the Chair Jose Lara with the first NEA Social to making ethnic studies a graduation AB 101 passed the committee with bipar- world’s largest federation of unions, Justice Award for his work with the Ethnic requirement in LAUSD, as covered in tisan support on a 9-0 vote; the next stop representing 30 million education em- Studies Now Coalition. the December 2014 UNITED TEACHER. is Senate Appropriations. ployees in about 400 organizations in The award is given to an NEA member In his remarks to the delegate assembly, We must realize Ethnic Studies now 170 countries and territories around who demonstrates the ability to organize Lara said, “Social justice is a verb. It is a for every California student. I’m proud the world. I was honored to attend my and engage educators, parents, and the sense of community and responsibility that of this work and that UTLA has been a third EI World Congress, and there was community to advocate on social justice goes beyond the classroom. It is fighting vital part of the movement. The Ethnic a definite social justice theme to each issues that impact the lives of students, for the most vulnerable in our society. And Studies Now Coalition is an example of resolution presented. Public education fellow educators, and the communities today, it is precisely those students, the most what we can do collectively! For more is a democratic and fundamental right they serve. vulnerable and historically oppressed, who information, please visit www.ethnic- for all. We must unite worldwide and Lara has a long history of social justice are left out of our curriculum.” studiesnow.com. proclaim this with one voice so that we
PHOTO BY YOLANDA TAMAYO PHOTO BY EDDIE SMITH
At the NEA RA, UTLA Board member Ingrid Gunnell urges passage of a resolution Noting that LAUSD has the largest number of in support of removing the Confederate flag UTLA members take a pause with former NEA President Reg Weaver. From left: Gloria charters in the nation, UTLA Board member from public spaces. “We, as a union, will be Martinez (UTLA Board member), Marcela Chagoya, Adrian Tamayo (UTLA Board member), Elgin Scott speaks in support of organizing on the correct side of history,” Gunnell says. Weaver, and Yolanda Tamayo. charter educators. 12 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 PHOTO COURTESY NEA all can have the schools our students deserve. The social justice, progressive agenda discussed and debated at the World Congress doesn’t just begin with each country, state, and local—it begins with us individually, and we now have the re- sponsibility to act. We must spread the news about what public ed- ucation means for the youth (our future), and worldwide we must take back our profes- sion because we are the education experts. We must realize the importance of com- UTLA Central Area Chair Jose Lara, here with NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia, was given munities working to- the NEA’s first-ever Social Justice Award for his work with the Ethnic Studies Now Coalition. gether to ensure the best public schools for every student. The other side uses embraced UTLA and created spaces zero. We are excited, en- poverty, ignorance, and fear to keep where we can add our perspective to ergized, and ready to go our students from aspiring to meet the work as well. forth, speaking truth to their dreams and goals. But education This year will be especially challenging power and champion- UTLA/NEA Vice President Cecily Myart-Cruz casts a vote at is what transforms children’s lives. for all of us. There are privatizers and ing public education for Education International’s Seventh World Congress for Quality I appreciate the work our affiliates corporatists looking to profit off public every student because Education. EI is the world’s largest federation of unions, repre- do on our behalf and how they have education, and in L.A., we are at ground they deserve it. senting 400 organizations in 170 countries worldwide. 2015 UTLA NEA-RA delegates in attendance
NORTH AREA SOUTH AREA EAST AREA
WEST AREA CENTRAL AREA VALLEY EAST AREA
VALLEY WEST AREA HARBOR AREA 13 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015
From the secondary VP Organizing for a stronger voice at school sites Your dues fuel UTLA’s work with school communities to take on pressing issues, from reconstitution to school safety.
spring. The District suddenly announces that the school would be reconstituted and L.A.’s Promise would manage the site. With the efforts of chapter chair Cathy Proctor and co-chair Alan Newman, UTLA engages in an intense and aggressive organizing campaign, which includes teachers, parents, and students signing petitions and holding a press conference to publicly object to the takeover of the school. The community expresses outrage that LAUSD officials were taking such a drastic and destabiliz- ing step at a school the District had failed to support. Next thing we know, out goes L.A.’s Promise, but teachers still need to reapply for their positions. The interviews By Colleen Schwab happen, and not all teachers are accepted UTLA Secondary Vice President back. UTLA reminds the District that this is a Reed Investment school and the major Here we go again. Another school year goal of a Reed school is to stabilize the is upon us, filled with classroom setup, faculty of the school. This is followed by lesson planning, and copying, along with a series of meetings with the District and the myriad of before-school events that their lawyers while UTLA holds firm that educators throughout the District partake the teachers who want to be at this hard- in prior to the first day of school. A coun- to-staff school should be allowed to stay. Obama Global Prep chapter chair Catherine Proctor blasts LAUSD’s decision to reconstitute selor told me recently that she has already Soon after, teachers who want to stay are the school. By organizing, UTLA members scored a partial victory, securing a second round of spent countless hours programming and invited to “instructional dialogues” with interviews for staff required to reapply for their positions, the cancellation of a partnership not balancing classes so that every student the area superintendent and the new prin- vetted by the community, and a new accountability system for school resources. and teacher will have the best learning cipal. I was part of the process in support environment possible, even though the of our members, who were courageous and classes are still quite large. A nurse told me committed enough to subject themselves to what is needed and I will work with the funds to fight off these attacks. That is one of she spent her weekend reviewing student another meeting. The results are worth the District to problem solve. There is an air the reasons for the UTLA dues restructuring health records and reorganizing the health battle: Most of the educators who wanted of respect and cooperation between our that is part of our two-year strategic plan. office to better accommodate students. to return to Obama were asked back. teams that is refreshing. Increasing our dues by $19 a month will Teachers from my former school tell me Now we begin the task of serving Now take a look at Markham Middle enable UTLA to become financially stabi- that they are working in their classrooms this school. The excitement is there. The School, which has a lot of safety issues lized and will signal to our foes that UTLA and attending professional development in passion for the students of the neighbor- and other concerns that teachers and stu- is on the move and will get the truth out anticipation of the challenges they know hood is there. In fact, I would be remiss if dents face on a daily basis. I arranged about public schools and the outstanding await them beginning August 18, when I did not mention that I am very encour- a meeting with Superintendent Ramon educators who strive to serve our students that first student walks in the room. aged by the efforts of the new principal. Cortines and members of the Markham every day. Your dues support the organiz- But why is this year unlike all other He has already worked with the local staff. The meeting was scheduled for 45 ing work of UTLA, whether it is fighting years? First, we start with an invigorated law enforcement agencies to ensure that minutes, but it lasted two hours! Thanks reconstitution at Obama, addressing safety UTLA. Yes, the 10% salary increase, con- students are able to walk to school in a to the UTLA members at the site, we are issues at Markham Middle School, or any tract language on reassigned teachers safe neighborhood, and he reached out on our way to reshaping how the school of the other ways members and their union and class size, and fully funded health to make teachers feel welcome and part operates, opening up communication with advocate for our students and a quality and benefits have contributed to the “invigo- of the Obama team—an aspect that was the District, and involving educators in equal public education system. ration,” but truly it is the UTLA profes- missing for the past five years from this the running of Markham. The attacks are real and are coming from sional membership of educators com- school. Imagine that: teachers as part of This year’s UTLA Leadership Confer- all corners of the political spectrum. Just con- mitted to their chosen careers who are the team in building the school! More- ence core training focused on organizing sider Governor Chris Christie’s recent attack making the difference across the District. over, I will be visiting the school with at school sites—like the efforts at Obama on teachers’ unions, saying they should be Let’s take a look at Barack Obama Global the superintendent on a regular basis to and Markham—to create schools where “punched in the face.” How is it acceptable Preparatory Academy and the events of last offer support and have discussions about UTLA members are part of the decision for an elected official to say something so making and problem solving of the school. violent and offensive? It shows how deeply Education, as you well know, is not an the anti-teacher rhetoric has spread and ordinary punch-the-clock business. It how much we need to fund an aggressive is truly a family in a small community public relations campaign—which is a prior- striving to overcome enormous obstacles ity under the dues restructuring plan—to while achieving exceptional results that broadcast the amazing work you do every are personalized to all students. And as if day. It’s time to tell our stories. this is not enough, we are faced with the Let’s continue our work together . . . let’s continued threats against public educa- get the Schools that L.A. Students Deserve tion and our union on a daily basis. That through our new strategic plan and let’s is why we have to organize our schools beat the attacks on public education. We for power. We know what our schools and can do this! Si se puede! communities need. We know where we have to go for our students, but the road ahead is not smooth or even. UTLA Secondary Committee UTLA faces local and national challenges First Meeting of the Year: that will require money and effort to take September 2, 2015 on. The anti-public education politicians 4:30 p.m., UTLA building and wealthy businesspeople are coming at us fully funded and ready to spend millions Election for Chair and Vice Chair to break our backs. We are strong and we Please join us! have numbers, but we need to have more 14 We’re with you all the way
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NEA & AFT affiliate actions Merging for power Fully merging UTLA will bring us a stronger voice, better benefits, and the enhanced protection of Group Legal Services.
of our affiliates—would give us a bigger voice on the state and national level, including with Group Legal Services: the AFT-affiliated L.A. County Federation of Comprehensive support Labor and the California Labor Federation. for members Working together, we are stronger, louder, and more powerful in our fight to protect public As part of UTLA’s strategic plan, education and improve our working condi- members are being asked to endorse a tions and our students’ learning conditions. dues increase and a full merger of our Access to more individual member ben- union, which would give us access to efits: Our affiliate unions each bring many and the ability to pay for CTA’s Group additional benefits to members. Their large Legal Services, among other benefits membership numbers give them the pur- of merging. As the abuse of “teacher chasing power to access a wide array of jail” has shown, educators now live high-quality programs and services for in a climate where we could find our- our families and ourselves, including com- selves unexpectedly in need of legal petitive prices on financial, insurance, and assistance. GLS would enhance the health products and discounts on shop- legal protections already provided by By UTLA/AFT Vice President Betty UTLA” in our two-year strategic plan, we ping, travel, and entertainment. UTLA for members in crucial areas: Forrester & UTLA/NEA Vice President are asking members to support a full merger Each school leader who attended the • General employment-related Cecily Myart-Cruz of our union, so that all of us would stand recent UTLA Leadership Conference advice together as members of CFT/AFT and should have picked up pamphlets to take • Dismissals or suspensions As a UTLA member, you belong to a CTA/NEA. A full merger would bring us back to school that outline your individual • Reduction-in-force layoff community of colleagues working for the a stronger voice, better individual member opportunities: “Unlock All the Benefits dismissals Schools L.A. Students Deserve. This com- benefits, and enhanced legal protection. of Your NEA Membership” and “AFT+ • Credential reviews munity includes affiliation with state and A stronger voice on the state and na- Member Benefits.” You can learn more national teachers’ unions. When you became tional level: Through our affiliates, UTLA and about your benefits at www. neamb.com/ • Employment-related criminal a UTLA member, you made a choice to our elected delegates and representatives have learnmore (phone 800-637-4636) or aft. matters also join either the American Federation of a voice in the democratic policy decisions and org/benefits (phone 800-238-1133). You • STRS disability allowance appeals Teachers (and its state affiliate, the Califor- in the committees and taskforces that build must know your current affiliation to Legal assistance subject to terms and nia Federation of Teachers) or the National programs at the national, state, and local levels access these specific benefits, but with a conditions outlined at cta.org. Education Association (and its state affiliate, (regular reports on affiliate actions appear in completed UTLA merger, you would be the California Teachers Association). our UT columns). A full local merger—because able to access all of the advice, discounts, sations have ranged from the absurd to the As part of the goal to “Build a Stronger all of our members would now belong to all resources, and services that now are only unsubstantiated but all, ALL, of our members available through your one affiliate mem- deserve representation. UTLA spent hun- bership. Truly two for the price of one! dreds of thousands of dollars in defense of our New comprehensive legal protection members—and it still was not enough. Deasy, through Group Legal Services: Employment- and his billionaire backers like Eli Broad, knew related legal services are also a major benefit ENHANCE YOUR our resources were limited, so they targeted offered through one of our affiliates. UTLA our members in the hope of bankrupting our members were hard hit when former Superin- CAREER OPPORTUNITIES solidarity and our bank account. tendent John Deasy began sending hundreds Learn to Create Positive Change in Schools and Organizations CTA’s Group Legal Services program ur EdD in Educational Leadership for Change of our members to “teacher jail.” The accu- While Earning Yo has a team of lawyers throughout Califor- nia that provide expanded legal services and greater funding to affiliated members. WHY FIELDING? A member may be referred by his or her ¡ Blend in-person and online learning local union for advice, consultation, and legal representation on dismissals, cre- ¡ Reputable and collaborative faculty dentialing, and other legal issues. Having ¡ Customize your degree GLS protection is also part of a checks- and-balances system, making sure that District administrators think twice about LEARN MORE TODAY pursuing frivolous or political dismissals. Teacher jail continues to be a problem. ¡ Register for an info session: We’ve made progress on the number of www.fielding.edu/InfoSess people housed, and our contract agreement has important new language on procedures, ¡ Contact an admission advisor: but we recognize that as teachers we now 805.898.4026 live in a climate where we could be accused [email protected] of anything for any reason and find our- selves in need of legal assistance. With a www.fielding.edu/UTLA complete merger of all UTLA members into each affiliate, members would have APPLY NOW TO access to the expanded legal coverage under START IN JANUARY Group Legal Services and a new tool for fighting billionaire attacks on our educators. This past year, UTLA proved that we are stronger for students, at our workplace, and in our communities when we speak and act together. When we can unite as a fully merged local union, we’ll have double ben- efits for our own personal and professional Fielding is a nonprofit global leader in blended and online education and lives and more power as we fight together is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). with our state and national unions for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. 16 EVERY COURSE ENRICHES EVERY CLASSROOM.
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From the treasurer The lowdown on UTLA’s low dues Our outdated dues structure and no “pass through” impede our building a stronger UTLA.
scores to evaluations and the Vergara case attack on tenure and due process. The Because UTLA lacks a “pass through,” we are bottom line is that UTLA’s resources under our current dues structure aren’t enough vulnerable to state and national crises, which now, and won’t be for the future. can bring state and national dues increases. What is a “pass through” and UTLA’s operating budget why doesn’t UTLA have one? When UTLA members sign the mem- $12,000,000 “Schwarzenegger” + bership card, we are given the choice of belonging to the American Federation of $10,000,000 No Pass Through Teachers (and its state affiliate, the Califor- nia Federation of Teachers) or the National $8,000,000 Education Association (and its state affili- ate, the California Teachers Association). $6,000,000 UTLA dues are separated into money By Arlene Inouye that goes to these national affiliates, state $4,000,000 UTLA Treasurer affiliates, and to UTLA. UTLA members elect representatives to go to the affili- Since the January 2012 issue of the ates’ governing bodies, where we have $2,000,000 UNITED TEACHER, six months into my a voice in state and national issues (for first term as UTLA treasurer, I have been an example, see the report from the NEA $ 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 writing about UTLA’s structural dues Representative Assembly on page 12). This problem. During the past three and a half is where decisions about state and national When our affiliates decide through their representative bodies to raise years, in forums ranging from school site dues are determined. When our affiliates their dues to do the critical state and national work that they do, every visits to House of Representatives meetings, decide through their representative bodies other union “passes through” this increase to members. Lacking a “pass we have discussed why UTLA’s member- to raise their dues to do the critical state through,” UTLA has always had to take money out of our budget to ship dues are structure is unsustainable. and national work that they do, every pay for any increases, resulting in a drop in our operating budget. The 2015 Leadership Conference other local union “passes through” this launched UTLA’s 2015-17 strategic plan, increase to members. Lacking a “pass which stands for fairness, an ongoing through,” UTLA has always had to take fight for resources, and strengthening our money out of our operating budget to pay union. This plan includes investing in our for any increases. Every other California teachers’ union so that we can effectively counter Do you remember in 2005 when then- union local pays more in dues the corporate attack on public education governor Schwarzenegger tried to take and continue to fight for the Schools L.A. away due process, seniority rights, and Students Deserve. Here are some facts school funding through a series of ballot Beverly Hills - $94 Burbank - $88 Pasadena - $103 about our dues and what we need to do measures? Our state affiliates had to right- to strengthen our union. fully raise dues to win that fight, and win that fight we did. But because UTLA does How are UTLA dues determined? not have a dues pass-through, the affiliate The UTLA Constitution was written in dues increase had a devastating effect on 1970. It established membership dues as our budget. It took $6 million from our 1.5% of a beginning teachers’ salary, and it operating fund, increasing the structural requires a full membership vote for an in- deficit that we have today. crease. Other teachers’ unions have updated Our affiliates have stepped up with Lennox - $95 their dues structure in the face of the current UTLA in state and national fights against attacks on health benefits and defined benefit corporate reform, toxic testing, and all the pension systems, the privatizing of our other concerns that bring public school schools, and more. UTLA has not. educators together. If it wasn’t for CFT and CTA, we wouldn’t have been successful How do our dues compare with Proposition 30, which brought in to other locals? millions of dollars for school funding at a UTLA members pay the lowest member- time when every other state in the nation ship dues of any local teachers’ union in was cutting school funds. the state of California (see chart on page 5). During these fights, though, unlike Teachers’ unions close to our size pay far every other local union in California, we * higher dues: In New York, United Federation have had to send out more money than *Effective Jan. 2016 - $63 of Teachers members contribute $104, and our current dues bring in because we lack Chicago Teachers Union members pay $88. the “pass through.” This is the underlying increase, why do we need to change our As I said before, Los Angeles is ground UTLA members, part of the second-largest reason we have a structural deficit that is dues structure now? zero for the attacks on public education, teachers’ union in the country, will only pay unsustainable for UTLA. We were able to achieve those victo- and we are positioned to make a difference $63.33 after the January salary increase. ries—and begin building our power as a for our students, for our members, and for We pay far less in dues despite being Why can’t we just keep on true organizing union—through one-time our profession and even to influence what ground zero for attacks on public educa- doing what we are doing? money moved from our strike fund and happens nationally. tion and the teaching profession. Here are You might be thinking that we did unprecedented financial support from our You can read more about our strategic just some of the battles we have faced in pretty well last year: We secured a great affiliates, the CFT, CTA, AFT, and NEA. plan on page 4 and throughout this issue. L.A. over the past few years: the abuse of contract, with a 10% salary increase and Neither of these is sustainable. We look forward to seeing you at school teacher jail, Public School Choice giveaway unprecedented new language on class Today we must address our structural site and department visits that we will be (now thankfully ended), divisive Parent size, counselors, and other issues. That dues problem so that we can be strong for making in the new school year. Revolution campaigns, the unregulated contract was supported by more than the future. We are a stronger union today, growth of charters, and billionaire-funded 95% of our members. After a year of ac- but the challenges we face tomorrow are Contact UTLA Treasurer Arlene Inouye at lawsuits like Doe v. Deasy on linking test complishments achieved without a dues greater than they were yesterday. [email protected]. 18 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015
Keeping track “Two for the price of one” union membership Completing a full merger will give UTLA educators membership in both the NEA and the AFT.
and anticipated the hopes and aspirations of our membership. Take a look at “Appendix A” to the UTLA & OUR AFFILIATES Merger Agreement of 1970. Some of the “UTLA Negotiating Goals” sound just as Currently: With full local merger: applicable in 2015 as they were in 1970: Members must pick Members belong to all “Teachable Class Size ... Fully integrated curriculum [with] racially and ethnical- ly mixed illustrations and treatment ... Firm duty-free conference period for ALL teachers.” The teachers of 1970—who did OR AND not have a collective bargaining agree- ment with LAUSD, nor a union that was recognized to negotiate one, and were subject to all manner of disparate treat- ment—wanted the same kinds of things By Daniel Barnhart that we want today: things that are good UTLA Secretary for kids, good for teaching, and good for our families as well as those we serve. Our From time to time, as part of the job founding documents set forth a policy of of helping to maintain the records of the the organization as to the “Dedication union, I am asked to look at the UTLA to the abolition of racism or any and all UTLA is affiliated with both national teachers’ unions (AFT and NEA) and their Constitution. As odd as it may sound, I’ve types of discriminatory treatment of chil- state-level affiliates (CFT and CTA). UTLA members currently must choose come to appreciate the document and all dren and teachers.” I find this evidence between the AFT/CFT and the NEA/CTA for their affiliation. If UTLA completed of its many appendices (it can be found of forward-thinking vision and commit- a full local merger, all members would belong to both and be able to access the online at utla.net/constitution). While ment on the part of our founders reas- benefits and resources of all of our affiliates for the same rate, essentially getting references to “notifying members of the suring as we struggle to figure out how two memberships for the price of one. Board by telegram” or bargaining for a to support movements for educational top teacher salary of $20,000 can make the justice in concrete ways, while making document seem dated, and even anachro- concrete improvements in the lives of our Other parts of these documents remind our constitution came up short, and we are nistic, I am often struck by how well our members. These documents challenge me us of the challenge of being a better union. left with a “partial merger” where some union’s founding members understood to be a better union leader. The Los Angeles teachers of 1970 came of our members are part of one affiliate, together to write a constitution that would and others are part of the other. Member combine two local unions and to organize surveys, discussions, and site meetings tell themselves for what would ultimately be us that the majority of our members not a huge strike that year for union recogni- only don’t see a big difference between tion and a decent contract. Reading the the two affiliates, but can’t tell which side constitution, it is clear that our founders of the pre-1970 divide in our union they wanted to both build a strong union for belong to. our members and to bring unity to a land- Our members are confused and dis- scape that had seen competing factions appointed when they find one affiliate and disunity. program that they like and can’t be a The main section of the constitution part of, and don’t get it when we have lays out a structure for officers and a Board to explain that we really aren’t as united of Directors that is markedly different than as we say. Completing a full merger in the one we live in; in the main constitu- our local, like our brothers and sisters tion there are no “AFT Vice Presidents” in San Francisco and many other places or “NEA Vice Presidents” and no “NEA have done, would mean that our members Directors” or “AFT Directors” as we cur- would belong to both the NEA/CTA and rently have on the Board of Directors. the AFT/CFT and get “two for the price of This document was written to emphasize one” when it comes to union membership. unity and to be a model of governance As part of the goal to “Build a Stronger without regard to state and national affili- UTLA” in our two-year strategic plan, ation. The founders wrote this document we are asking members to endorse a full this way because they expected a full, na- merger of UTLA, so that we all would tional merger of the two national teachers’ belong to both of our affiliates. Our local unions—the NEA and the AFT—to take governance structure would not change, place within months of its adoption. UTLA but a full merger would give us a much was the first merged local in the country, stronger voice on the state and national and we thought that our example would level—including with the AFT-affiliated “go viral” (or at least the 1970s’ version of L.A. County Fed—and give members “viral”) and lead to nationwide unity. We access to comprehensive legal coverage were leading the way in L.A., and soon the through CTA’s Group Legal Services (read rest of the country would follow our lead. more on page 16). Unfortunately, that convergence of the I know our union brothers and sisters NEA and AFT on a national level still who have gone before us wanted us to hasn’t taken place, and our constitution be together then, and would want that reflects that challenge because we never for us now. I can tell this, not because of did complete that full local merger that a hidden message buried in old records, our foremothers and forefathers envi- but because of the name they gave us as a sioned for us. When it came time to figure union, “UNITED Teachers Los Angeles.” I out how to divvy up dues money and to hope to join you sometime soon in voting complete the full merger of our AFT/CFT to complete the vision of our founders and members with our NEA/CTA members, complete the full merger of UTLA. 19 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015
From the elementary VP School-site organizing gets results A stronger UTLA will help us build on successes from last school year.
parents, children, and teachers chanted many of our sites. Our campaign for the ship, and more. We have billionaires like their demands with a unified voice, we Schools L.A. Students Deserve in LAUSD Eli Broad who have openly challenged the walked into a crowded multipurpose room brought many community members and institution of public education by starting for the meeting. Soon after it began, the educators together in demanding a quality a drive to send half the student popula- parents and teachers walked out. They education for all of our students. That tion in LAUSD to unregulated nonunion felt that once again, the District had disre- cannot happen if we don’t have the re- charter schools. Clearly these wealthy cor- spected them by not coming ready to listen sources and school leadership we need. porate types have no idea of what it takes to their issues but rather giving them the Issues and concerns do not get resolved to educate a student, but they are willing usual presentation. Clearly the parents by themselves; neither can they be fixed to invest millions of dollars for their cause. were not willing to back down in their by a simple call to the District. The lessons We don’t have the billions that some fight to get rid of a problem principal, and learned this past year are that it takes time of our opponents have, but we do have they continued organizing, holding news and work to come together with the com- the power of our membership and the conferences and a three-day boycott of the munity and parents to be able to bring power of our collective dues. Those dues school. This month, it was announced that about these changes. For too long LAUSD fund our fight-back. As part of UTLA’s the administrator would not be returning leadership has not been willing to listen two-year strategic plan, we are asking for the new school year. to either teachers or parents, but with the members to support a dues increase of By Juan Ramirez Organizing like this occurred in other power and unity UTLA built last year, $19 a month so we can build power for UTLA Elementary Vice President schools as well last year. It took these types we are seeing signs that LAUSD is more the challenges ahead. The resources gen- of actions, as well as having UTLA leader- willing to address local issues by working erated by a dues increase will allow us to A few months before the end of the ship meet with District leadership, to come with the stakeholders at these sites. provide greater support at sites dealing past school year, I joined the parents and to some agreement about how to solve We have a long way to go, and we with serious issues, like the problem teachers at Mack Elementary school for an serious concerns at school sites. In several cannot stop now. We have a somewhat principal at Mack Elementary, as well as after-school demonstration against their cases, administrators were removed, and friendly School Board, we have a chance to expanding our parent and community administrator. They were picketing outside parents and teachers were given the relief influence the hiring of a new collaborative organizing and funding an expanded the school in advance of a meeting with they demanded. superintendent, and most important of public relations campaign. District leadership. Parents had demanded This past year we had great success all we have UTLA members stepping up We had a successful year, but we need to that meeting because they felt that for too in many areas, including working more to help organize their school sites. This is keep working together if we want to save many years, their concerns with the prin- closely with parents, which has been good; however, the assaults on our profes- our profession and public education. We cipal’s retaliatory and intimidating man- driven by our UTLA Parent/Communi- sion continue to grow. We are facing court cannot engage in this fight alone; we need agement style had not been addressed. ty Outreach Committee (PCOC) and the challenges, funded by outside interests, each other in the coming years. Remember, After an exciting demonstration where chapter parent action liaisons (CPALs) at that attack due process, union member- teachers united will never be defeated.
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20 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 Changed status? What you need to know about your UTLA membership Get
UTLA bargaining unit members can at utla.net) and you will not be able to vote does not provide us with these changes. connected have a change in membership status for in a UTLA election. Lapses in member- Updates can be emailed to membership@ a number of reasons, such as switching ship must be addressed within 90 days to utla.net, and the changes will be verified. to UTLA from full-time to part-time status or being maintain continuous UTLA membership. Retired teachers: To stay active in UTLA, hired as an administrator. Your member- Associate membership: A member who retired teachers are encouraged to join UT- ship—and any deductions you may have takes a job in the AALA bargaining unit LA-Retired. Membership in UTLA-R brings signed up for—can be affected when you (principal or assistant principal) may apply you continuation of the UNITED TEACHER change status. for associate member status to keep any newspaper, continued benefits from your Full-time employees switching to part- active insurance policy already in place UTLA Membership Card, representation time: If you move from full-time status to by payroll deduction. This can be done on the UTLA Board of Directors and the part-time status, call the UTLA Member- by writing a letter to the UTLA Secretary, UTLA House of Representatives, participa- ship Department so that we can adjust who will then present it for approval to the tion in UTLA-R elections and activities, and your dues accordingly. LAUSD does not Board of Directors. Once it is approved, additional benefits. Call the Membership provide UTLA with this information. the Membership Department will make Department to sign up or go to www.utla. Not currently working: If you are on the necessary adjustments. net/retired. Dues are a little more than $2 a disability or have retired, please call the Welcome back! AALA members rejoining month, deducted from your STRS pension. UTLA Membership Department and let us UTLA: If you were an AALA member and Any other change in status: The above know. LAUSD does not provide us with you are now in the UTLA bargaining unit, examples are the most common change that information. If you have insurance you need to rejoin UTLA, even if you were in status an employee might experience. premiums taken out each month, you need a member before. The system will register If you experience a change in status not to contact the insurance company and pay you as a “fee payer” until you complete a outlined above, please notify UTLA of the Facebook: them directly or notify them if you want membership application. change as soon as possible. to terminate the policy. Changes to your address or contact facebook.com/UTLAnow Inactive status: Our membership system info: If you move or change your phone To contact the UTLA Membership De- automatically moves you to inactive status number or email address, please contact partment: Please call (213) 487-5560 Twitter: @utlanow whenever you owe dues for more than the UTLA Membership Department so that and ask for Membership. You will be con- one month. Consequently, you will stop we can make the changes. This will ensure nected with the first available Member- YouTube: receiving the UNITED TEACHER for that that you continue to receive the UNITED ship Specialist. You may also email the youtube.com/UTLAnow month (although it can be accessed for free TEACHER and other mailings. LAUSD department at [email protected].
UNSUNG HEROES of what Lisa has reported up the chain. Share your school’s good news! (continued from page 10) She has been a chapter chair for a long time and has been doing yeoman’s work. Send details on awards, honors, special events, and campaign to remove the principal by or- great schoolwide programs to [email protected]. ganizing relentlessly with the staff until Diane Newell & John Periolat they had 90% participation rate in their VALLEY WEST AREA actions. They collectively wrote and signed a letter of no confidence, gathered letters Diane Newell has gone far beyond from former teachers, and drafted a 22-page her role as chapter chair at two schools. report documenting all the wrongs done by As secretary of the Valley West Steering the administrator. However, the most im- Committee, she has taken care of count- pressive action Holly took was organizing less responsibilities for UTLA, and she with parents to hold multiple protests and has worked for many local and state cam- press conferences. Once parents and teach- paigns. Diane is also the chair of the UTLA SHAPE ers united, they finally got the attention Secondary Committee and created teacher of LAUSD officials. Parents even started conferences to help her fellow educators. EDUCATION a boycott of Mack Elementary and pro- During the 2013-2014 school year, John tested together with teachers in front of the Periolat held the teachers together in unity from school. Holly demonstrated that working while the District attempted to destroy Beyond with parents is the best way to fight back Woodland Hills Academy with two interim against a lemon principal. Holly Jackson principals, who were sent there to system- the has demonstrated tremendous courage in atically break the school of its strong union the face of a bully principal who retaliated ties. John worked with UTLA to fight back Classroom against multiple teachers who spoke out. and remove these two poison pills and replace them with a principal who helped Julie Carson & Lisa Kallman to start the rebuilding process. VALLEY EAST AREA CSUN’s online Master of Arts in EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION Jennifer Albright is an award-winning program that prepares K-12 educators for a variety Julie Carson has been instrumental in HARBOR AREA our fight against former School Board of leadership positions, including Principals, Superintendents, Depart- member Tamar Galatzan and has been Jennifer Albright has worked in LAUSD ment Heads, Program Managers, Directors, Site Administrators and more. doing excellent work. She is a true activist, for 22 years, starting out as a library aide. She and her Repairs Not iPads website was the taught third and fourth grades at Taper for • 2-year program, 100% online launching pad for many of our successes. 18 years and has been a chapter chair for 11 • Flexible schedule for working adults A true hero, Julie was also very active in years. In 2003 she worked to remove a lemon the Scott Schmerelson campaign, hosting principal in a solid campaign, alongside events in her home. then-staff member Mike Gipson and then- Apply Now For Spring 2016 Lisa Kallman embodies what an ideal UTLA Board member Frank Anderson and chapter chair is and should be. She stands many Harbor Area activists and the teachers up for faculty, often times when she is at her school site. She has volunteered when Learn More: go.csun.edu/UTLA not supported. She does this because she UTLA has asked in the election campaigns knows it’s the right thing to do. She voices of Tom Torlakson and Dr. Vladovic and has issues to her cluster leader and/or other worked phone banks on Propositions 30 UTLA leaders. At least twice this year, and 32. She has been on the Harbor Area UTLA has been apprised of things going Steering Committee for the past two years on in LAUSD elementary schools because and has stepped up whenever called upon. 21 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015
Involvement opportunity CTA State Council CTA State Council Elections Unexpired Term election notice Are you interested in representing UTLA/NEA members at the state level? CTA (California Teachers Association) State Council, a policy-making body that meets By Laura Carls & for representatives are covered by CTA, quarterly, has openings for representatives to fill unexpired terms. If you wish to Deborah Schneider-Solis including hotel, mileage, and food costs. run for one of these positions, complete and return the self-nomination form by U.S. UTLA/NEA Election Committee Meetings begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, 7:15 mail to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz at UTLA. The form must be received by a.m. Sunday, and usually end around 4 5:00 p.m. on August 31, 2015. The election will be held at the September 30, 2015, UTLA/NEA members will elect CTA p.m. both days. Subcommittee meetings Area meetings. For those members who cannot vote at their Area meetings, voting State Council representatives for unex- on Friday evenings and voluntary caucus will also be held at the UTLA building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 30, 2015. pired terms at elections scheduled this meetings before and after the general year for the September 30 Area meetings. weekend meeting times can enrich the Self-Nomination Form These delegates will join the other UTLA representative’s knowledge of issues representatives when the council begins facing California educators. UTLA del Name for the 2015-16 school year. egates are rewarded for their time and The State Council acts as CTA’s pol- effort by getting a chance to make a state- Employee number icy-making body, meeting four times a wide difference in education. year. Each representative is expected to If you find the idea of participating Address serve on a standing committee, which on a statewide level intriguing, fill out debates business items involving aca- and mail in the self-nomination form on City Zip demic freedom, retirement, civil rights, this page to run for CTA State Council. political action, teachers’ rights, and state- Forms are due by August 31 via U.S. mail Home phone wide negotiation issues. State Council (no faxes or emails). Forms may also be representatives also vote for CTA’s state- dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the Non-LAUSD email address wide officers. In the 2015-16 school year, 10th floor (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz, all State Council meetings will be held UTLA/NEA VP) during regular business School in Los Angeles. All necessary expenses hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. School Phone
I certify that below is the signature of the candidate whose name appears above. CTA State Council Signature Date Year-Round Absentee Ballot Request (Required) Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5:00 p.m., August I am requesting an absentee ballot for the CTA State Council Election. 31, 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., August 31, 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 August 31, 2015. my request will be checked for accuracy by election committee members. Absentee ballots will be mailed September 18, 2015, and must be received via U.S. mail by 5:00 p.m., September 30, 2015. CTA State Council Name Unexpired Term election timeline Employee number July 17, August 21: Nomination forms, October 12: Deadline to submit election Address timeline, absentee ballot request forms challenge in writing to Cecily Myart- in UNITED TEACHER. Cruz, UTLA/NEA Vice President, pro- City Zip vided a runoff election is not required. August 31: Self-nomination forms and Please contact Vivian Vega for appropri- Home phone absentee ballot requests due to UTLA ate form at (213) 368-6259. building by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail (no Non-LAUSD email address faxes or emails). Forms may also be October 19: Absentee ballot for runoff sent. dropped off at UTLA headquarters School (see the receptionist on the 10th floor) November 4: Runoff election, if needed, during regular business hours from 9 at Area meetings and at UTLA head- School Phone a.m. to 5 p.m. quarters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 4: Deadline for absentee UTLA area (Circle one) N S E W C VE VW H September 1: Letters sent out acknowl- edging receipt of nomination forms. ballots to be received back by U.S. mail Absentee ballot requested for: (no faxes or emails). September 18: Absentee ballots sent November 6: Election Committee meets CTA State Council out. at 9 a.m. to count all ballots. Letters September 30 November 4 September 30: Elections at all UTLA sent to winners and results will be posted at www.utla.net by the end Check one: CTA/NEA Board member Formal LAUSD leave Area meetings and at UTLA headquar- ters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. of the next business day. Those who I hereby declare that the above information is accurate. are not elected delegates will become September 30: Absentee ballots due alternates. Signature Date back to UTLA building by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail only (no faxes or emails). November 16: Final date for chal- Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5:00 p.m., August lenges to be submitted in writing 31, 2015, via U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA October 2: Area and absentee ballots to Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA 90010. Forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the 10th floor counted, 9 a.m. Letters sent to winners Vice President, provided additional (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA VP) during regular business hours and results will be posted at www. runoff election is not required. Please from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. NO FAXES OR EMAILS. utla.net by the end of the next busi- contact Vivian Vega for appropriate Form must be received by UTLA by August 31, 2015. ness day. form at (213) 368-6259. 22 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net May 15, 2015 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net May 15, 2015 August 21, 2015 Everyone knows that buying in bulk is a The Support Network Free Orientations Are you interested in National Board Certification for 2015-16? better value. Are you interested in National Board Certification for 2015-16? 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25 25 23 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 GRAPEVINE will address many aspects of the Arab School field trip opportunities video lessons, a Facebook page to share (continued from page 31) World and Islam, including ethnic and at Caltech ideas, and lots of support. There will be religious diversity, history, cultural ste- The California Institute of Technology time to make lesson plans during class the information, and use a credit card to pay reotypes, current political issues, and rela- (Caltech) is offering school field trip op- too. For more info, go to Bartt.net, or email the registration fee, or send a check made out tions with the U.S. Information on teaching portunities. Join Caltech graduate students Bartt at [email protected]. You can also call to Lummis Day Community Foundation, resources and strategies, plus guidelines as they explore the wonder and mystery or text Bartt at (818) 568-3595. Inc., and mail to Lummis Day Community on meeting California and Common Core of science through STEM-related movies Foundation, P.O. Box 50543, Los Angeles, standards, will be provided. The class will and interactive discussions and demon- Poetry workshop for teachers CA 90050. Registration limited to 20 par- meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days strations. School-day programs in the per- Suzanne Lummis, Los Angeles poet, co- ticipants. Contact Carmela Gomes at gom- and includes Middle Eastern lunch. Cost forming arts are also available. For more founder of L.A. Poetry Festival, and UCLA [email protected] or (818) 429-8755. is $35. To register, go to www.Fellowshi- information, contact May Herrera at mhh@ Extension Writers’ Workshop instructor, pOfReconciliationLA.org. Print the tear-off caltech.edu or (626) 395-6059. will be conducting the workshop “Poetry: California Subject Matter Project form and follow the mailing instructions The Word Written, Read, and Imagined” Seminars for teachers of with your check. Questions or late registra- Salary point class on ukulele on using poetry to sharpen writing skills world languages tion: email Jeff Cooper (1thucydides@att. Musicians and nonmusicians are and inspire creativity. The workshop, de- L.A. STARS, a regional center of the Califor- net) or call Rosa Melendez (818-748-7085). welcome at “Ukulele for Teachers,” Bartt signed for grades 6 through 12 teachers, nia World Language Project, has announced Warburton’s workshop taught at the Coffee is approved by LAUSD for three hours of its professional development seminars for the Salary point class on peak Gallery Backstage in Altadena. The class is professional development. Lummis will 2015-2016 school year. Programs for teach- performance practices a fun, basic introduction to ukulele, geared lead discussions to encourage developing ers of ELD, foreign languages, Spanish for “Peak Performance Practices for the toward teachers and taught by LAUSD a group of strategies for each participant’s Spanish speakers and AP language, literature Classroom and Sports” is based on a holistic Teacher of the Year and ukulele virtuoso particular classroom assignment and field and culture will take place on the campus systems practice for strengthening the body, Bartt Warburton. You’ll learn a few songs of study. The workshop is on Saturday, of Occidental College on Saturdays. All training the mind, opening to the inherent within minutes. Learn to use ukulele in September 26, 2015, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the programs will highlight the Common Core esprit, and leading a happier life. Your 30 Common Core lessons, for every grade Arroyo Seco Regional Library Community Standards and 21st-century skills. For addi- hours outside class will be in applying this level and every content area. The class Room, 6145 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, tional information, please contact us at (323) class experience for your teaching/coaching. meets on three Saturdays, September 5, 12, 90042. Fee: $45 per registrant. Registration 259-2949, via email at [email protected], or visit $20 materials fee. One salary point available. and 19, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ukuleles due by September 15, 2015. Online regis- www.la-stars.net, where you can download Learn brain energizers, whole brain learning can be provided, with prior arrangements. tration at www.lummisday.org/events or information and applications. modalities, concentration techniques, whole- The class fee is $99. Bartt provides lessons, download application to register by USPS. body fitness practices, stress reducers, and beginner chord/song charts, booklets, For information: Carmela Gomes: gomes- Salary point class on so much more for the K-12 classroom and/ instruments (with prior arrangements), [email protected] or (818) 429-8755. learning about Islam or for the sporting arena and your personal The LAUSD salary point class “Learning life. When: Five Wednesdays, September About Islam and the Arab World” will take 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. Where: place on two Saturdays, October 17 and Van Nuys Middle School, 5435 Vesper Ave., Bilingual education issues 24, 2015, at UTLA’s Bernstein Professional Sherman Oaks, CA 91411. Instructor: Kurt Development Center (3303 Wilshire Blvd., Krueger, NBCT, founder of Success Systems Game changer for EL instruction. 8th floor). The course meets LAUSD’s mul- International and the Institute of Sports Psy- ticultural requirement for teachers and chology 1981. Call, text, or email for more health and human services professionals. info and to sign up: (818) 399-0771 or suc- Many teachers and coordinators have strategies have returned. The entire ELD With a series of expert presenters, the class [email protected]. received training on new rules and regula- process will be more “conversation”- tions for the instruction of English learn- oriented as opposed to “vocabulary”- ers. The training was presented by the oriented. Multilingual Multicultural Education For 2015-16, class organization will Department of the District. Rules for the remain as determined by now-obsolete ELD 2015-2016 year are: levels, including not having more than two • ELD portfolios are gone. A new consecutive levels if possible unless you system of recording ELD progress is in have a waiver. Starting in 2016-17, the same the developing stages, but not currently theory will apply, but with overall CELDT ready for release. There will be new report score used as organizing criteria. TEACHERPALOOZA!! cards too, but keep using the old ones until Teachers will be “given the opportunity midyear because they’re still working on to create their own materials,” since much Free “open house” for teachers the new ones. of it will not be provided by the District. • CELDT is gone, but we will keep This could be good—it allows for creativ- Saturday 9/26/2015 at 1:30pm, reservations required giving it until the new test, ELPAC, is ity. But I would not like to return to the rolled out (interestingly, no one at the days of teachers having to make all their Gianni Schicchi training could remember what ELPAC own materials. I knew teachers years ago stood for). The ELPAC will be aligned with who were translating whole textbooks Common Core standards, as opposed to because the District did not provide them CELDT, which is aligned with California in Spanish. state standards. The CELDT will still be We are seeing more allowances for used to trigger identification and assign- teacher creativity alongside of more tightly ment of students, along with current ELD controlled lessons. How are these two ap- levels and some teacher input. The teacher proaches reconciled? Que será, será. input piece is not clear to me, but I will Multilingual education: The Multilingual continue to enquire. Education for a Global Economy bill will • ELD levels 1-5 are gone. Students will appear on the 2016 ballot. This calls for a be designated as emerging, expanding, parent option for multilingual education and bridging. These are not to be consid- for children throughout the state. Pro- Robert Millard Robert ered as equivalent to ELD levels because grams would be offered to both English of the difference in alignment with the learners and English speakers. Classes new standards. would be taught in English and a target LA Opera loves teachers & we want to prove it! • Treasures will no longer be used as language that would be determined by • Learn about YOUR opera company and all it has to offer you prescribed curriculum, but individual parental request in each community. Cur- units may continue in use at the teacher’s rently the bill is known as SB 1174. and your students discretion. Our students need your brains and your • Watch our production stage manager “call” part of a performance • As teaching strategies, SDAIE will be energy to organize for the passage of the • Take a backstage tour • Hear a live opera recital known as Integrated ELD; that is, wrapped Multilingual Bill. The Bilingual Education into core subjects. ELD will be known as Committee will meet on September 16, • Meet opera stars and staff • Enter to win free opera tickets Dedicated ELD; that is, specifically taught 2015, in Room 828 at 4:30 p.m. English language skills. Call 213.972.3157 or [email protected] I did like the approach for opening-of- —Cheryl Ortega LA Opera, 135 N. Grand Ave, Downtown LA 90012 year lessons called Start Smart, which is Director for Bilingual Education very language experience-oriented. Old [email protected] 24 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE of any local teachers union in the State months-long, city-wide dialogue with our 15,000 people in Grand Park. We built (continued from page 3) of California. We range from paying $32 members about this dues restructuring. power when members knew that their less per month per member than educa- That will culminate in a membership vote actions had led to concrete results. We That needs to stop. tors in the tiny Lennox district right next sometime this academic year. built power when all of the LAUSD School As we highlight UTLA members like to us, to paying $41 less per month per That dialogue is embedded within the Board members and elected officials from Katie Rainge-Briggs, Jorge Lopez, and member than huge New York City across following immediate action steps coming around the state spoke in support of our Kirti Baranwal, who are building com- the country from us. out of the strategic plan. agreement. We built power when we stood munity school models, and as we or- Just as important, when our affiliate First, officers, staff, and directors will with parents at bus tours, caravans, com- ganize across schools to give strength partners in CFT, AFT, CTA, and NEA be doing a school site visit blitz over the munity forums, press conferences, and to true best practices, we build better decide through their representative bodies first months of school to discuss the overall School Board podiums. schools and give lie to the claim that to raise their dues to do the critical state strategic plan with members, including the Let’s be clear: We are a more powerful teacher union contracts stand in the way and national work that they do, virtually dues restructuring. union than we were a year ago, but we of school success. every other union in the state of California Second, very early on in the school year, must be a stronger union tomorrow than Sixth, we need to focus on school site passes that cost through to members. we will be having chapter chair train- we are today because the challenges in empowerment, contract enforcement, UTLA has not done this for 45 years, ings on how to consolidate our contract front of us are greater and more dangerous member rights, and working conditions. which has led to a structural deficit that, victories from last year—in particular, than they were yesterday. Whether it is preparing our members and if left unaddressed, will leave us either how to organize at the school site using When I see you here tonight, when we parents to organize around school site bankrupt or dramatically weakened within the new MOU on class size and the new have a Leadership Conference that is burst- budget priorities, taking on a bad prin- the next few years. language on evaluation, and how to use ing at the seams with attendance, when I cipal, enforcing the new class size MOU, Resources-wise, we were able to achieve the new grievance procedure to solve hear your excitement, I know that we’re fighting against too much testing, organiz- our victories last year because the House problems at schools and organize pres- all ready to continue building that power ing for a healthy, clean, and instruction- of Representatives drew from the Strike sure on principals. for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve, for ally sound alternative to Breakfast in the Fund and because the affiliates gave UTLA Third, we will be having a second a UTLA that stands for fairness, that fights Classroom, building a truly functioning support far beyond what is typical. Neither round of chapter chair trainings. These for resources, and that invests in itself for restorative justice program, or challenging of these is sustainable. will address organizing Local School Lead- current and future fights. the principal through the power of our new We, as UTLA, need to take care of ership Councils at school sites. Make no mistake about it—it’s not going grievance language, this school-site-driven our own house. After much research, And, the trainings will address a city- to be easy. But, we will do this in the same work is essential. I’m thrilled that the core number-crunching, and deliberation, wide strategy, working with parents and way we took every step last year: together. trainings in the Leadership Conference put we believe that UTLA needs a $19 per community, to shape LAUSD’s and charter Let’s dialogue with our members about forward a tool for organizing that will help month per full-time member increase in managers’ Local Control Accountability the critical issues we face as a union. Let’s build exactly this kind of school-site work dues. I know that we went for eight years Plans to support our priorities in contract build on last year’s victories. Let’s organize across the city. without a pay increase—and I know that reopeners and in the broader Schools L.A. with members and parents around the Seventh, we need to continue engaging every penny counts. Students Deserve campaign. It will be an strategic plan. in electoral politics and legislation. This A $19 per month increase acknowledges aggressive start to an aggressive, two-year Let’s, together, go down in history as year brings us the opportunity to organize our members’ tough situations financially, strategic plan. the UTLA that refused to shrink from the the new LAUSD School Board around the still leaves UTLA with lower dues con- challenge, that made the hard decisions, Schools L.A. Students Deserve priorities. tributions than almost every other local Refusing to shrink and that did what we needed to do for It brings us the opportunity to organize union in California, but addresses our from the challenge the students, for our union, for public for more school funding by expanding deficit and gives us critical resources to Sisters and brothers, I’ll end with this. education, and for the future. We will do UTLA’s role in the Make It Fair coalition build the Schools L.A. Students Deserve We built power when we stood with over this together. that seeks to ensure that billionaire com- campaign. mercial property owners pay their fair Nineteen dollars is a responsible share of taxes. number. With this kind of dues restruc- This year also brings threats: a well- turing, the union can increase school site funded initiative that will attack educator support, parent/community organizing, pensions and a possible Supreme Court legal support and member defense, and CREATI VITY decision in the billionaire-backed Friedrichs can build an aggressive public relations v. CTA case that would make it legal for campaign. IN THE FALL 2015 employees to gain the benefits of the union Every one of these is essential in the without contributing their fair share of war against the billionaires. It is criti- CLASSROOM SATURDAYS dues. We need to expand our engagement cal to know that being in the weakened 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM in the political arena. financial state we’ve been in over the SEP 26TH, OCT 3RD, While all of this is a lot, it all comes back past many years has made us even more Join us at our beautiful campus for five fun and engaging OCT 24TH, NOV 14TH, to our three strategic anchors: Standing of a target. DEC 5TH for Fairness, Fighting for Resources, and A significant part of the strategy behind workshops for K-12 classroom Strengthening Our Union. John Deasy’s teacher jail was to drive our teachers and teaching artists. HANDS-ON CLASSES Our strategic plan is aggressive because legal costs up so much that we fail finan- it has to be, it is honest because it never cially. Their strategy has had a negative Visual Arts | Ceramics EARN 2 LAUSD OR 2 MSMU Music | Dance | Drama helps to falsely diminish challenges in impact on us financially, for sure, but just SALARY POINTS EXTENSION UNITS* Poetry | Playmaking front of us, and it calls on all of us to be as importantly we were not able to serve long-distance runners because it is over a our members legally in the way that we Common Core Connections two-year span. should have during the Deasy years. ELD Strategies “I see this work has impacted my own passion for Community Building This is why another piece of the restruc- teaching and connecting art and other subjects Integration of the Arts Antiquated dues structure turing that UTLA needs is to become part together.”- Alison, 6th-8th grade teacher holds us back of CTA Group Legal Services, which is an Across the Curriculum Sisters and brothers, it is because of expanded legal program that will directly the challenges we face, and because we help our members. “This was an REGISTER SOON! need to be long-distance runners, that In sum, to build the strategic plan, to amazing experience Space limited to and one of the 30 participants we, together, need to be the UTLA leader- fight the billionaires, to win what will be most useful I’ve had ship—including chapter leaders, activists, the existential threat to health benefits as an educator.” Registration due by -Griselda, 9th-10th “Full of Board of Directors, officers, staff, every- in 2017 and to continue the fight for the September 15th grade, Social brain–compatible one in this room—that bites the bullet, Schools L.A. Students Deserve, UTLA must strategies to help Studies teacher FEE: $175 (including materials) takes responsibility for the organization, increase dues, address the pass-through our students FREE PARKING and does something that hasn’t been done issue, and become a fully-affiliate-merged achieve in all REGISTRATION FORMS: subjects.” www.inner-cityarts.org since 1970. union to have access to CTA Group Legal -Johanna, 4th We need to change our membership Services. grade teacher Work-study scholarships available. dues structure. At tomorrow’s lunch Quite simply, UTLA needs to invest in *Additional $80 fee for 2 units from Mount St. Mary's University. session, you’ll learn more about this, which itself the way serious organizations have is the eighth piece of the strategic plan. But, always invested in themselves, from the INFORMATION let me give you a couple of punch lines. civil rights movement of the 1960s to the [email protected] Our dues structure hasn’t been movements of our adversaries today. (213) 627-9621 ext. 113 changed in more than four decades and This weekend, especially in tomorrow’s ANNENBERG PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 720 KOHLER ST. LOS ANGELES, CA 90021 is severely antiquated. UTLA members lunch session and core trainings, we are contribute the lowest membership dues taking the first steps in what will be a deep, 25 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015
DON’T JUST CTA/NEA professional WORK IN growth opportunities EDUCATION. Free conferences for the 2015-16 school year.
• Are you a member of the California Teachers Association (CTA)? LEAD IT. • Are you new to the educational profession—five years or less? • Are you interested in professional development? • Are you interested in networking with other educational professionals across the state? • Are you interested in what CTA does for you?
If so, you are eligible to enter your name in a drawing to be held at UTLA headquarters on October 19, 2015, to attend any one of the outstanding CTA/NEA conferences for the 2015-16-school year.
To enter, please complete and return the coupon below via U.S. mail to UTLA/NEA Vice President Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010, no later than October 9, 2015.
CTA/NEA Professional Growth Opportunities Print Name Employee # Home Address City Zip Code Home Phone School/Office Name
Gender: Female Male
Ethnicity (optional): African American Asian Pacific Islander Caucasian
Hispanic Native American Other:
If you’re a LAUSD teacher in search of a I have been a UTLA/CTA/NEA member for months/years. career challenge beyond simply working in I have been in the educational profession for months/years. education, why not lead the transformation Please enter my name in the October 19, 2015, drawing to be eligible to in education? attend any one of the CTA/NEA conferences for the 2015-16 school year. Rooms based on double occupancy. Every year, the Graduate School of Education Please indicate your preference(s) below. at California Lutheran University prepares February 26-28 Good Teaching Conference, Garden Grove March 4-6 Equity and Human Rights Conference, Torrance the next generation of teachers to move into March 11-13 Region III Leadership Conference, Woodland Hills the upper echelon of educational leaders for Please return this coupon via U.S. mail to Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA the future. Right from our Woodland Hills Affiliate President, c/o UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Ange- Center. les, CA 90010, no later than October 9, 2015.
Earn your Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership, Counseling or other specialized Improve your vIsIon credential programs, with support of an Improve your lIfe! inspired and nurturing faculty. Special Discount Don’t just teach. For UTLA Members Classes in Woodland Hills Lead. CALL NOW! Financial aid and graduate scholarships available ™ AMERISIGHT INSTITUTE • Free Consultations Learn more. • Financing Available 1 (888) CLU-GRAD [email protected] 14914 Sherman Way • Van Nuys, California 91405 888-999-4202 CalLutheran.edu/GSOE 26 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 Practical matters: Career increments Qualifying for career increments on the salary schedule.
By Judith Bruner increment. Qualification for the full first Compensation and career increment is now automatic. Benefits Specialist When you have qualified for the full first career increment, you will see the table So now you have reached the last assignment on your paycheck stub move column and step of your salary table and to C1-15. As each year progresses, you’ll are ready for bigger and better things— see the last two digits move to 16, 17, 18 namely, your first career increment. Career and 19. When the second career increment increments are pay increases that LAUSD kicks in, the designation moves to C2-20, employees earn for longevity of service. the third increment is C3-25, and the fourth Employees are eligible for four career and last is C4-30. Each career increment increments, each of which requires five requires five years of service. years of service. Beginning in 1998, UTLA When the BTS payroll system was im- negotiated a partial distribution of the first plemented, the stub design changed. The career increment. Once you have been designation for the salary table is in the top paid at the maximum (for the Preparation banner of the stub under “PS Area.” “UT” Salary Table, that is 27T10) for one year, means that you are a UTLA-represented you begin receiving a partial distribution employee paid on the “T” salary table for each succeeding year. As you progress, those with regular credentials. “UL” means you will see the last two digits under the you are a UTLA-represented employee heading “PL” on your stub (designating paid on the “L” salary table for those with steps) change to 11, 12, 13, and 14. At each a bachelor’s degree and alternative certifi- of these steps, an additional pro-rated cation (such as an emergency credentialed amount is added to your pay. teacher or District intern). UTLA negotiated to eliminate the re- quirement for two units of recent course- For more information: See the UTLA- work to qualify for the full first career LAUSD contract, Article XIV, Section 23. Check out the Grapevine page: Workshops, exhibits, and more
As an Active Employee of LAUSD and a Member of UTLA, you have the opportunity to enroll in the Group Long Term Care program. Current UTLA Employees/Members, Spouses, Retirees and Family Members are also eligible for these group rates; however, ALL must complete a health application and are subject to Medical Underwriting. OR New members of UTLA and within 30 days* of being hired as a NEW EMPLOYEE of LAUSD, you have the opportunity to enroll in this plan on a Guaranteed Issue basis (immediate acceptance with No Health Questions asked).
To receive your free, no obligation UTLA Approved Group Long Term Care Informational Packet with Rates or, if you have questions, please call: 1-(800) 764-6585 Web Site: www.siltc.com/utla * Limited Time Only, please respond. Email: [email protected] CA License #0795155 Fax: (530) 887-0109 27 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 Note from UTLA-R President Retirement planning conference By John Perez than age 65 and then active employees. at UTLA October 10 UTLA-Retired President Least expensive are those of us over 65 who are on Medicare! Event is designed for all educators—no matter where Health benefits update: The District is in Round 10 of its dependent audit, and so far How are some seniors like recent you are in your career. the number of dependents who have been college graduates? Student loan debt found to not qualify is about 7% of those is at $1.2 trillion, and 43 million Ameri- Did you know that UTLA has a Pre- • How do I set in motion my plan to claimed. Other organizations have rates cans carry student loan debts. That is Retirement Committee? When I mention retire with the District and CalSTRS? that vary between 3% and 8%. This will higher than credit card debt. In most ec- the Pre-Retirement Issues Committee, • What benefits are offered to retirees help the District in that the cost savings onomically advanced countries higher most of my fellow teachers assume this from LAUSD? for not insuring these dependents will be education is free, and in those countries committee is for teachers in the twilight of • How does my CalSTRS retirement about $12 million. Due to the low rate of that have some form of student loan their careers. That is simply not true. Any impact my earned Social Security benefit? inflation and the cost savings from the Af- debt, it is minor compared to what our UTLA member who is on a career path • How do I maintain health benefits fordable Care Act (Obamacare), this past country has put upon our children and with the District is in “pre-retirement” on after retirement? year has seen one of the lowest rates of grandchildren. Now, here is the kicker. the day they start working. And the earlier • How do investment choices like a 403(b) inflation for health care in the past quarter When Social Security became the law you make important retirement decisions, or LAUSD 457(b) supplement retirement? century. The rate increases for our pro- in 1935, it was illegal to garnish Social the greater the impact those decisions will • When can I start getting a senior dis- grams are following suit, and the increases Security pensions for any reason. But have on your future retirement. count at movie theaters? for next year’s premiums will be some of as part of the 1996 bankruptcy law One of the primary roles of our com- Our October workshop will focus on the lowest in the history of LAUSD. that says that student debt cannot be mittee is retirement education for UTLA important decisions related to the path The District is gearing up for a lot of abolished by bankruptcy, it also says members. We have scheduled a Pre-Retire- toward retirement. The Pre-Retirement phone calls from our members who are that as much as 15% of a Social Secu- ment Conference on Saturday, October 10. Committee will also sponsor an Investment not in Kaiser due to the implementation rity pension can be garnished to pay The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to Workshop on November 14 that will focus of what’s called an Employer Group off a student loan. Currently, 706,000 1 p.m. in the second floor auditorium at on the supplemental retirement options Waiver Plan (EGWP) program that will households headed by someone 65 or UTLA (3303 Wilshire Blvd.). (403b and 457b) in greater detail. save money, without any loss of benefits. older are still paying off student loans; Here are some of the questions our con- We do hope to see you on October 10, Those not in Kaiser will be receiving a 191,000 of them are in default, and a ference will answer: at 8 a.m., for our workshop. number of letters noting the change, number of them have had their Social • What decisions should I be aware —Eric Young which your insurance companies are re- Security pensions garnished. of at the beginning, middle, and end of Pre-Retirement Issues Committee Chair quired to send. The most obvious change my career? Leonard Goldberg, Committee Vice Chair will be a new pharmacy card from CVS A little of this, a little of that: In a recent that will be called “Silver Script.” This CBS poll a strong majority of Americans is still CVS, and you still will have your say income inequality is a problem. Nearly same prescription drug plan. 6 in 10 say the government must deal with this problem, and nearly half of Republi- EDUCATORS…… Continued attacks on Social Security cans and two-thirds of independents say and Medicare: Republican presidential it is a problem that must be addressed. KNOW YOUR BENEFITS…… candidates Jeb Bush and Chris Christie Half of higher income Americans said it have both proposed to reduce Social Se- was a problem, and across all political Are you new, in the middle or towards curity benefits and raise the retirement lines people said the chance to get ahead is the end of your career in Education? age. Bush even went so far as to say he limited to those who are already wealthy. A would eliminate Medicare. Studies have study of executive salaries by the AFL-CIO This conference is for you!!!!!! shown that raising the retirement age showed that in 2014 the ratio between a does not save Social Security any real CEO’s salary and the company’s average Learn about …….. money; all it will do is make people work salary had jumped to 374 to 1. In 1980, the • CALSTRS Benefits…. longer. Jeb Bush went so far as to say ratio was 42 to 1. • Social Security Windfall and Offset Acts Americans don’t work long enough as • LAUSD Health Benefits it is! Remember that Medicare reduces Donations to PACE, UTLA’s political action • 403b and 457 Retirement Benefits greatly the cost of our medical care to the fund, should be sent to UTLA-R VP Cecelia Please bring your most recent CalSTRS Retirement Progress Report District. The most expensive members Boskin at 3547 Federal Ave., LA, 90066. Perez to insure are retirees who are younger can be reached at [email protected]. UTLA Pre-Retirement Conference UTLA CALENDAR Saturday, October 10, 2015 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Registration starts at 7:00 AM) Friday, August 21 Wednesday, September 9 United Teachers Los Angeles UNITED TEACHER Publishes UTLA Board of Directors Meeting (Auditorium) 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles Wednesday, August 26 Wednesday, September 16 Directions: 2 blocks west of Vermont at Berendo. *Free Parking Available* UTLA Area Meetings (in the Eight UTLA House of Representatives Meeting *UTLA Parking Structure located off Berendo. UTLA Areas) Friday, September 18 Registration at the door - $5.00 per person Open to all UTLA Members Wednesday, September 2 Conference is limited to the first 300 attendees UNITED TEACHER Publishes * Access for the disabled is available through the elevators in the UTLA basement. PACE, Elementary, Secondary, and African American Committee Meeting Friday, September 25
Friday, September 4 CFT Division Councils (Sacramento) LAUSD Pay Day Saturday, September 26 Moving? Changing addresses? Monday, September 7 CFT Committees and State Council (Sacramento) Keep UTLA updated by sending your new information Labor Day to the Membership Department by email to UTLA Offices Closed [email protected] or by fax to (213) 368-6231. 28 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015
Turn in your Social Security numbers or lose health Advertise in benefits? Not so fast . . .
UTLA members who qualify for de- the provisions of the Affordable Care pendent health care coverage under the Act (Obamacare), to make an effort to Award-Winning Newspaper of United Teachers Los Angeles contract are asked to provide Social Secu- gather such information to assist the In- rity numbers (SSNs) to LAUSD Benefits ternal Revenue Service in verifying that when adding dependents to their health each eligible taxpayer has Minimum care. In cases where the SSN is not readily Essential Coverage (MEC) health in- and Reach available, dependent health benefits can surance. Taxpayers are liable to pay a begin without an SSN on file, as stated penalty if they cannot show that they in our contract. have such coverage, and making sure Recently, many health insurers have these bureaucracies have SSNs on file been sending letters to request SSNs helps make the IRS’s job easier. 37,000 from UTLA members if the dependent’s SSN is not on file. Failure to reply or If you have concerns about depen- respond should not affect a dependent’s dent care coverage, tax implications, continued right to health coverage, under and SSNs, UTLA members can contact Educators our union contract. UTLA staff member Judith Bruner at Health insurers are required, under (213) 368-6280.
Anything on
your mind? For more information, contact: Share it with UTLA members by Bruce Loria, Dir. of Advertising writing a letter to the editor. Senders Communications Group (818) 884-8966, ext. 107 Send letters by email to [email protected] [email protected] or by fax to (213) 487-3319. 29 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 UTLA Classifieds
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30 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 21, 2015 UNITED TEACHER GRAPEVINE AMAE mixer on September 16 on October 15 and 16 (10:30 a.m. to 12 Essay contest for Grades 3-8 “River Runs Through It” The East L.A. Chapter of the Association p.m.) at the Armstrong Theatre in Torrance. FOCAL, Friends of Children and Lit- salary point class of Mexican-American Educators (AMAE) Free admission and bus transportation for erature, of the Children’s Literature De- Since 2006, the professional develop- invites teachers to its first event for the registered school groups. In a guided pre- partment of Los Angeles Public Library ment workshop “The River Runs Through 2015-2016 school year on Wednesday, Sep- sentation, students appreciate dance and (LAPL), is sponsoring its annual writing It: Charles Lummis and the Culture of the tember 16, 2015, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. learn about cultural diversity. Now taking contest. Teachers in grades 3 through 8 Arroyo Seco” has been taken by more than The “Grito Social” will be held at Cities applications for fifth- to 12th-grade Title may contact the Children’s Literature 150 teachers, grades kindergarten through Restaurant, 4512 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., I school groups. Special needs students Department on a first-come, first-served 12, in an educational experience that en- Los Angeles, CA 90022. For more info, are particularly welcome. Email to apply: basis for a complimentary copy of the courages the use of experiential learning to contact Victoria Castro at castro-victoria@ [email protected]. award-winning book, Separate Is Never help foster community through a sense of sbcglobal.net or (626) 289-7705. Equal, by Duncan Tonatiuh. The non- place. Conducted by retired LAUSD teacher Salary point workshops fiction, illustrated book tells about the Carmela Gomes, the place-based educa- Free LA Opera open at Inner City Arts Mendez family from Orange County and tion workshop involves the participation house for teachers Inner City Arts is holding its Fall their successful case for desegregating of Wilderness Way Magazine, the Arroyo LA Opera is holding a free open house 2015 “Creativity in the Classroom” public schools in California when Earl Seco Foundation, the Audubon Center at for teachers on Saturday, September 26, workshop series for K-12 classroom Warren was governor in 1947. Teachers Debs Park, the Tongva/Gabrielino and the at 1:30 p.m. Teachers can learn about the teachers and teaching artists. Earn two can share the book with students and Chumash/Fernandino Tribes, the Lummis opera company and what it has to offer LAUSD salary points. Hands-on classes encourage them to write about why they Home and Garden, Heritage Square them and their students, watch the pro- will cover visual arts, ceramics, music, liked the book and what it means to them. Museum, Highland Park Heritage Trust, duction stage manager “call” part of a dance, drama, poetry, and playmaking. Three winners will share their essays at and Friends of the Los Angeles River. This performance, take a backstage tour, hear Sessions run on Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to the award luncheon, where they will meet year’s workshop will take place on two Sat- a live opera recital, meet opera stars and 5:30 p.m., on September 26, October 3, the author and receive an autographed urdays, October 10 and 22. To receive one staff, and enter to win free opera tickets. October 24, November 14, and Decem- copy of the book. For more information salary point credit, teachers are required to Reservations required. Call (213) 972-3157 ber 5. Space limited to 30 participants. visit www.focalcentral.org. Teachers may create lessons for their classrooms that reflect or email [email protected]. Registration due by September 15. Fee: call ahead to reserve a complimentary Charles Lummis’s view of the Southwest to $175 (including materials). Registration copy of this book before they are gone. support the Common Core. Registration is Dance performances for schools forms at www.inner-cityarts.org. Work- Children’s Literature Department of $85 and closes on October 1, 2015. To register, The TuTu Foundation, now in its fourth study scholarships available. For more LAPL’s Central Library can be reached log on to www.lummisday.org and follow year of providing school performances, information, email PD@inner-cityarts. at (213) 228-7250, and you may request the the link to “The River Workshop,” complete will be offering school dance performances org or call (213) 627-9621, ext. 113. book be sent to your local branch library. (continued on page 24)
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