Award-Winning Newspaper of United Teachers • www.utla.net Volume XLIV, Number 10, July 17, 2015 Layoff fight gets results More than 250 RIF notices rescinded, and most remaining positions at risk are expected to be saved after the start of the new school year.

The layoff fight heated up over the summer as parents, educators, and stu- dents massed at a series of LAUSD School Board meetings to urge Board members to rescind reduction-in-force notices and restore programs for the 2015-16 school year. Large groups packed the Board on June 9, testified at a June 16 public hearing, and were back on June 23. More than 250 layoff notices had been rescinded by the time the School Board ap- proved its 2015-16 budget on June 23, and it is expected that nearly all people on the 2014-15 RIF list will be rehired as a result of additional adult education funding and start-of-school-year vacancies. UTLA will keep organizing and building pressure to bring back all of our colleagues for the benefit of our students. The adult education program has the most positions still hanging in the balance: 241 educators, including 89 ESL instructors. In June UTLA and LAUSD sent a joint letter to state officials requesting additional adult education funding, citing the high level of need in Los Angeles as indicated by the 12,000-plus people on the wait list for ESL, career and technical education, and other classes. LAUSD is in line to receive additional money because of a change in state funding for adult education programs, and LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines has commit- ted publicly to using it to restore positions. The LAUSD Board meetings saw an outpouring of support by parents and Pushing for long-term solutions Every LAUSD School Board meeting in June had protesters fighting the District’s proposed layoffs and program cuts for the 2015-16 school year. the community for the well-regarded UTLA will keep facing tough budget School Readiness Language Development battles against layoffs and program cuts as Program, which the LAUSD School Board long as the low level of education funding has decided to close at some sites in favor in persists. Even with the tempo- of expanding Transitional Kindergarten. rary infusion of money from Proposition 30, UTLA and the SRLDP community have a the state still ranks near the bottom nation- seat at the table during this transition and wide in per-pupil funding. UTLA, our affili- are calling for maintenance of the number of ates, and our community and labor partners spots for early education students, creden- are aggressively pursuing solutions, such tialed educators for every classroom, the in- as the Make It Fair California Campaign volvement of educators in any changes that to close the corporate tax loopholes that are proposed, and a responsible amount are allowing major corporations to avoid of time taken to implement any changes. paying their fair share of taxes to support With the exception of two positions that schools and other services (read more on are expected to be funded by local sites page 6). Since the passage of Proposition when the school year begins, all current 13 in 1978, the tax burden has been shifting health and human services professionals away from corporations and commercial will have a position in 2015-16, includ- property owners to middle-class homeown- ing nurses, pupil services and attendance ers and renters. Make It Fair will reverse counselors, and psychiatric social workers. (continued on page 6)

Platinum Apple award winners UTLA members recognized for excellence in education Page 8 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015

holding Deasy accountable and in framing the debate, within the Schools L.A. Students United Teacher President’s perspective Deserve platform, on how his actions (such as the MiSiS crisis and iPad fiasco) were PRESIDENT Alex Caputo-Pearl hurting students. NEA AFFILIATE VP Cecily Myart-Cruz Our challenge: Shaping the search for AFT AFFILIATE VP Betty Forrester Taking stock and making plans ELEMENTARY VP Juan Ramirez LAUSD superintendent. There are many SECONDARY VP Colleen Schwab Building on our 2014-15 gains. lessons to be learned from the Deasy years, TREASURER Arlene Inouye including not to hire anyone from the Broad SECRETARY Daniel Barnhart Academy, the breeding ground for cor- By Alex Caputo-Pearl must be notified of the reasons for reassign- porate reformers. We need an educator EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jeff Good UTLA President ment within three days, and investigations with a history of collaboration, and the shall be completed as quickly as possible, hiring process must be transparent and BOARD OF DIRECTORS Summer at UTLA has been about taking with a 90-day goal. Recent cases make it inclusive of educators and the community. stock: analyzing the victories of the past pretty clear that this new language is not Let’s remember that Deasy was promoted NORTH AREA: Kirk Thomas, Chair (Eagle Rock ES), Rebecca Solomon (RFK UCLA Comm. school year and developing a strategic plan being followed, and UTLA is pressuring to superintendent without so much as a School), Julie Van Winkle (Logan Span School) to build on them. LAUSD officials to abide by the protocols job interview. Let’s also remember that the SOUTH AREA: Ingrid Villeda, Chair (93rd Street ES), Recent news has underscored the challeng- they agreed to. LAUSD superintendent has an impact on Ayde Bravo (Maywood ES), Ayesha Brooks (Markham MS), Maria Miranda (Miramonte ES) es facing unions. In June, the Supreme Court On the contract front, there will be re- how accountable charter management or- announced that it would hear the anti-union openers with both LAUSD and numerous ganizations are. EAST AREA: Gillian Russom, Chair (ESP Academy), Ingrid Gunnell (Lane ES), Gloria Martinez (Rowan ES), Friedrichs v. CTA case in its next session. The charter schools in 2015-16, and UTLA will Adrian Tamayo (Lorena ES) suit seeks to eliminate the collection of “fair be prepping for our full contract renewal Supporting charter WEST AREA: Erika Jones Crawford, Chair (Angeles share” representation fees from individuals with LAUSD in June 2017. Mesa), Noah Lippe-Klein (Dorsey HS), Rodney Lusain school organizing (Los Angeles HS), Jennifer Villaryo (Grand View ES) who do not wish to become union members This year, educators began a historic CENTRAL AREA: José Lara, Chair (Santee EC), but nevertheless benefit from union repre- Success fighting layoffs organizing effort at Alliance College Ready Kelly Flores (), Paul Ngwoke (Bethune sentation. You can read more about the case Since UTLA’s fight against the layoffs MS), Zulma Tobar (Harmony ES) Public Schools, one of the largest charter on pages 6 and 12, but suffice it to say, it is began in March, more than 250 RIF notices chains in the nation. UTLA has been active- VALLEY EAST AREA: Scott Mandel, Chair (Pacoima Magnet), Victoria (Martha) Casas (Beachy ES), another attempt by well-fund- ly supporting these educators as Alex (David) Orozco (Madison MS) ed business interests to attack they fight to unionize for a greater VALLEY WEST AREA: Bruce Newborn, Chair, unions. One reporter called this voice in their workplace. UTLA Melodie Bitter (Lorne ES), Wendi Davis an existential battle for union sur- (Henry MS), Javier Romo (Mulholland MS) now represents more than 1,000 vival—but it is really much larger members at independent charter HARBOR AREA: Aaron Bruhnke, Chair (San Pedro HS), Elgin Scott (Avalon Gardens ES), Steve Seal than that. In this time of obscene schools across the city. (Eshelman ES), Mary Tello (De La Torre Jr. ES) income inequality, when middle Our challenge: Continuing to ADULT & OCCUP ED: Ernest Kettenring (Roosevelt CAS) and working class families are help Alliance educators with- BILINGUAL EDUCATION: Cheryl L. Ortega (Sub Unit) falling further and further behind, stand the major anti-union offen- unions are one of the last forces HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: Linda Gordon sive from Alliance management. holding the line on wages and The Public Employment Relations SPECIAL ED: Darrell Jones (Byrd MS) benefits. Labor partners across the Board’s recent unfair labor com- SUBSTITUTES: Fredrick Bertz country are joining forces for this plaint against Alliance confirms PACE CHAIR: Marco Flores crucial battle; you will be reading the outrageous campaign Alliance UTLA RETIRED: John Perez more about it when the Supreme is waging against its own educa- Court begins its next session in tors (read more on page 4). October. AFFILIATIONS Alex with SRLDP students who had just performed a song, led by Building new American Federation of Teachers teacher Silvia Leon, for the School Board members as part of the protest National Education Association Major gains in 2014-15 relationships citywide against program cuts on June 9. 2014-15 was a year of great As part of our organizing STATE & NATIONAL OFFICERS change for UTLA, and we should around the Schools L.A. Stu- NEA DIRECTOR: Sue Cirillo CFT PRESIDENT: Joshua Pechthalt all be proud of what we accomplished to- from different employment categories have dents Deserve, we have opened up new CTA PRESIDENT: Dean Vogel gether. Following the vision of the Schools L.A. been rescinded, and most remaining posi- approaches to connecting with parents, the CTA DIRECTOR: David Goldberg Students Deserve, we organized our members, tions on the RIF list are expected to be saved community, and other labor unions around CFT VICE PRESIDENT: Betty Forrester organized with parents and community, or- after the start of the new school year. This educational and social justice issues. We NEA PRESDIENT: Lily Eskelsen Garcia is a huge victory. The greatest number of AFT PRESIDENT: Randi Weingarten ganized political action, and used escalating now have CPALs (Chapter Political Action actions to win significant gains. Every victory outstanding layoffs affects adult education, Liaisons) at schools across the city who are comes with a related challenge, a crucial next but these 241 jobs are on track to be restored UTLA COMMUNICATIONS working with parents to organize around EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Alex Caputo-Pearl step to keep the momentum going. once expected additional state funding for local site issues and broader education con- DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Suzanne Spurgeon adult ed comes through. cerns. We convened a Public Ed Round- COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS: Securing strong contracts Our challenge: To keep organizing to bring table—the first of its kind in Los Angeles Kim Turner, Carolina Barreiro, Tammy Lynn Gann back all of our colleagues for the benefit linking labor union and community orga- ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Laura Aldana In addition to a double-digit raise, this year’s ground-breaking contract with of our students and to look for long-term nizations—that resulted in our agreeing to LAUSD put an end to TGDC and instituted solutions to the chronic underfunding of do joint work around fighting for more state EDITORIAL INFORMATION first-ever contract language on class size and public education. revenue for education and social services UNITED TEACHER student-to-counselor ratios. Our members at and supports for restorative justice pro- 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Fl., LA, CA 90010 Email: [email protected] charter schools also scored several important Protecting health care grams. We are working more closely with UTLA main line: (213) 487-5560 contract victories; read more on page 4. Securing the full funding of our LAUSD the other LAUSD labor unions, including ADVERTISING The most powerful outcome of our con- health benefits through 2017, with the holding Sticker Up Day—one of the first Senders Communications Group Bruce Loria: (818) 884-8966, ext. 1107 tract campaigns was that we deepened option for a third-year extension, was a all-union actions in many years. UTLA is member engagement through school-site huge collaborative victory for UTLA and also part of the living wage movement, Black UNITED TEACHER accepts paid advertisements from meetings and escalating actions. We had a the other LAUSD labor unions. This victory Lives Matter, and the fight for immigrant outside companies and organizations, including UTLA historic turnout for the vote on the LAUSD was guided by the strong work of the rights and help for undocumented students. sponsors and vendors with no relationship with UTLA. Only contract—83% of eligible members cast Health Benefits Committee, which consists Our challenge: Expanding our work with approved vendors can use the UTLA logo in their ads. The content of an advertisement is the responsibility of the ballots—and the near-unanimous “yes” of representatives from all LAUSD unions, community groups and getting a CPAL at advertiser alone, and UTLA cannot be held responsible votes signaled a readiness to keep on fight- and would not have been possible without every site. CPALs will be critical to our for its accuracy, veracity, or reliability. Appearance of an advertisement should not be viewed as an endorsement ing for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. member strength behind our demands. work organizing within the Local Control or recommendation by United Teachers Los Angeles. Our challenge: Empowering school sites Our challenge: Preparing for what could Accountability Plan (LCAP) process to push around contract language and member be an epic struggle over health benefits for supports for students and educators. in 2017. The District will try to leverage United Teacher (ISSN # 0745-4163) is published rights. A contract is only as strong as its en- monthly (except for a combined June/July issue) by forcement. The process for temporarily reas- national attacks on public sector workers’ Winning at the ballot box United Teachers Los Angeles, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., signing employees is a case in point. UTLA health benefits to demand take-backs, such UTLA members stepped up during multiple 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Subscriptions: fought hard in negotiations with LAUSD as an end to lifetime benefits and increases campaign cycles in 2014-15 and helped elect $20.00 per year. (Price included in dues/agency in out-of-pocket fees and copayments. fe of UTLA bargaining unit members.) Periodical to address the abuses of “teacher jail,” and Tom Torlakson state superintendent and win postage paid at Los Angeles, California. POSTMASTER: we succeeded in negotiating new language seats for three out of four endorsed LAUSD Please send address changes to United Teachers Los that says that LAUSD can no longer house Saying good-bye to Deasy School Board candidates: George McKenna, Angeles, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, educators if the allegations do not pose a 2014-15 was the school year Deasy finally Scott Schmerelson, and Richard Vladovic. CA 90010. Telephone (213) 487-5560. threat to student or staff safety, employees left LAUSD. UTLA played a key role in (continued on next page) 2 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE (continued from previous page) Letters to the editor At many schools, our volunteer recruitment was led by our Chapter Political Coordinators (CPCs). In nearly all the elections, we faced was led by retired “old” teachers, each minimum wage, minimal benefits, and off against what has become our ubiquitous We welcome letters to the editor and with 40 years’ experience, who had more zero support?” opposition: outside corporate special interests. will print as many as possible in the energy than your average 20-year-old. I After that, see how your union-bashing Our challenge: Holding elected officials ac- space available. Letters may be edited attended this professional workshop with relative or friend will react. They will either countable and building our political might. for length and clarity, and they do dedicated colleagues who had anywhere come to understand or they will short- The new LAUSD School Board has been not necessarily reflect the opinions of from 10 to 30 years’ experience. All of us circuit. Either way, it’s a win-win. sworn in in a ceremony that had a lot of UTLA or its officers. were there for one reason: STUDENTS. —Jehangir Dastur praise for teachers (read more on page 5). We We all wanted to improve our practice Grand View Blvd. Elementary will hold them accountable for supporting By mail: Editor, and share our improved practice with our your work. We will also be recruiting more UNITED TEACHER colleagues. During the sessions, four of our Voicing support for Esquith CPCs and signing up more members for 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, UTLA officers—including our president— The following letter was published in the PACE, our political action fund. Los Angeles, CA 90010 made a point to tell us how important L.A. Times in response to the outcry over the these trainings are for improving student removal of teacher Rafe Esquith from Hobart Building an organizing union By email: [email protected] achievement. So, although our officers Elementary School in March. UTLA is part of a nationwide teachers’ are no longer in the classroom, their focus As a colleague of Esquith’s at Hobart union movement to shift to a different remains students. Boulevard Elementary School, an all-Title model of unionism—a social movement Talking with union bashers So tell your union-bashing relatives and I school (meaning that all our students union, where organizing among members What can we tell our anti-union rela- friends: “I don’t know where you get your come from economically disadvantaged and parents and the community around tives and friends when they start bashing information, but my union is focused on backgrounds), I can attest to the fact that a broad program is constant. This has the “union”? How do we counter the stale the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. My he dedicates more of his life to his stu- involved major internal organizational stereotypes of unions protecting “bad union, from the president to retired teach- changes to support our work. dents than most of us consider humanly teachers” or “old teachers”? (Of course, ers and active teachers, supports our de- Through the support of our state and possible. national affiliates, we brought in dynamic after denigrating educators, they usually velopment as professionals for the benefit For example, one Saturday afternoon, I new staff members in key areas: member tell you, “But you’re one of the few dedi- of our students. But that is not enough. My happened to bump into Esquith at a music organizing, parent/community organizing, cated teachers . . . .”) union is fighting for smaller class sizes; supply store. He had personally brought strategic research, political organizing, and I tell them that my due process rights full-time nurses, psychologists, counsel- about a dozen students there for instru- charter organizing. We are building new as a union member allow me to grow ors, social workers, teacher librarians, and mental music lessons. He had raised the data systems to help us better communicate professionally. I tell them that my union teacher assistants; more custodial time for money so these students could have the with members and track participation in encourages us to go for National Board by safe and clean schools; full-service cafete- opportunities normally given only to more UTLA actions. We improved our internal offering support groups. My union also rias where students eat healthy, freshly privileged children. After working about communications with members, including offers professional development sessions prepared food in clean conditions; and 12 hours a day, he was still giving his time sending weekly email updates. We involved so I can be a better teacher. the list goes on.” to his students. members in a deeper way in all UTLA busi- I just finished a PD about coopera- I then talk about pay: “And yes, my Esquith’s removal from the classroom ness, including conducting the bargaining tive small groups sponsored by the AFT. union is also insisting that their members has academically and emotionally hurt surveys that informed our contract demands UTLA provided us with great food and are respected by fairly compensating them his fifth-grade students. I sincerely hope and bringing dozens of leaders and rank- a great space to learn. The training was with an attractive salary and secure health to see him back in Room 56 by August. and-file members into negotiation sessions relevant, interesting, and backed up by benefits and pensions. Do you really think —Alan Pulner with LAUSD and charter employers. We’ve solid educational research. The training we can attract great teachers by offering Hobart Elementary reorganized staff to include two regional organizers to work with hot-spot schools, to lead trainings, and more. We’ve integrated our political department into all the work we In this issue do, beyond engaging just during campaigns and legislation drives. In the Alliance fight, for example, political allies signed letters of 4 Charter members score contract victories 8 Platinum Apple awards support and spoke out at news conferences Four sites reach strong agreements. on the teachers’ effort to unionize. Our challenge: Finding resources to 14 Milestones sustain this work. Our affiliate organiza- 5 New School Board takes office tions, the NEA, AFT, CTA, and CFT, have Swearing-in ceremony highlights importance of educators. 18 Unity in red been very supportive as we make these moves to build our capacity, and we also 6 Supreme Court agrees to hear anti-union case tapped into the UTLA strike fund as we es- 20 UTLA scholarship winners calated our actions around the LAUSD con- Friedrichs v. CTA would eliminate “fair share” fees. tract. We can’t rely on these sources every 21 Practical matters: year. Together as union members, given the Retirement bonuses existential attacks on public education and given what we and our students deserve, we must figure out how to fund this work 22 Retirees’ corner on an ongoing and permanent basis. UTLA is kicking off the new year of activ- 22 UTLA Board election results ism at the Leadership Conference at the end of the month and with a new blitz of school 24 CTA State Council opening site visits come August. UTLA has big chal- lenges ahead, but together we will build on what we did together so effectively during 2014-2015. We organized across every corner of the city to win very significant victories, and the participation of every single one of Get connected to UTLA us mattered in those struggles. I couldn’t help Facebook: facebook.com/UTLAnow but think of this as I took a hike last week Twitter: @utlanow along the powerful Columbia River with my YouTube: youtube.com/UTLAnow wife, kids, and extended family. When UTLA members channel our resolve, we too flow with power. To face the incredible challenges we have ahead of us, we will need to dialogue and organize even more deeply. We can do SRLDP educators and families joined the protest against program cuts and layoffs it—together—and continue our momentum, at the June Board meetings. just like the inexorable course of a mighty river. 3 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 UTLA members organize with the community around critical issues Shared concerns lead to parent-teacher action.

Organizing breakthrough at had ongoing conversations about what 20th Street in the fight parents and teachers felt were the school’s against Parent Revolution strengths and weaknesses. After nine months of waging a focused From the onset, it was clear that the Parent organizing campaign to build stronger re- Revolution chapter did not represent the lationships between teachers and parents majority of teachers and parents at 20th at 20th Street Elementary, the community Street. Parent leaders spoke persuasively has beaten back a divisive Parent Revolu- about the corporate-backed interests that tion campaign and secured community- fund Parent Revolution, and they knew that supported changes for the school. 20th supporters like the Walton family had very Street is now moving into the next school little in common with 20th Street families. year with a new principal, a new academic The breakthrough came when the District plan, and a strong core of unified parent presented a plan to bring new leadership and and teacher leaders. more support to teachers to help lead 20th When Parent Revolution began a peti- Street into the future, after a very acrimoni- tion-gathering campaign to turn 20th Street ous experience led by Parent Revolution. into a charter, a core group of parent and Teachers and parents are coming out of this teacher leaders stepped up to organize experience energized to continue to organize against the action. They spent endless for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. hours in community and District meet- Families rally outside Mack Elementary in May to protest the principal’s retaliatory and ings, doing outreach through flyers and Mack Elementary community intimidating management style, which has resulted in an exodus of teachers from the school. one-on-one conversations to expose Parent unites to protest principal Revolution’s dishonest tactics to pressure Parents and teachers at Mack Elementary principal is enough, and they have been de- and has allowed students to be unjustly parents to sign the petition. They also have decided that nine years with a problem manding that LAUSD address their concerns kicked out of the KYDS afterschool program. with administrator Brenda Grady’s retalia- To publicize their demand that the tory and intimidating management style. principal be removed, the parents and During the principal’s tenure, an es- teachers took a series of actions, including Charter members score timated 25 teachers have left Mack, and a parent-led news conference and a par- parents reportedly have taken their chil- ent-organized three-day boycott, which contract victories dren to nearby charter schools because resulted in 200 children staying home from Four sites reach agreements. of negative interactions with her. Past school. The 2014-15 school year closed attempts to hold the principal account- without LAUSD taking action, but as the able—including the filing of UTLA griev- start of the new school year approaches, Demonstrating the power in collective and guarantees to offer the original plan ances and parent meetings with LAUSD parents and teachers are committed to bargaining, UTLA members at four charter for the next benefit year. Improvements officials—were unsuccessful. continuing to work together to demand schools have reached strong contract set- were also made to auxiliaries and salary A few months before the school year that LAUSD address the serious issues tlements recently. UTLA charter teachers point credits. ended, parents and teachers began meeting raised by the community. are organizing for a stronger voice for A number of other charter schools, in- to share their experiences. Every meeting “If the heart is not healthy, then it is not teachers, parents, and students. cluding Accelerated, Birmingham Charter, brought in a larger and broader group of able to pump enough blood to its limbs so Palisades Charter High: The two-year Apple Academy, Port of Los Angeles parents sharing their stories. Among the that they work effectively,” parent Kadijah settlement includes an 8% raise over two High, Student Empowerment Academy, complaints are that the principal ignores Abdul said. “What do you do when you years, an increase in stipends for master’s and El Camino High, are in bargaining the voices of Spanish-speaking parents, have a bad heart? You get a transplant. and doctorate degrees, and agreement that now or are going into bargaining soon. has denied services for special education Mack Elementary needs a new heart. Prin- an academic accountability committee UTLA represents more than 1,000 members students, mistreats staff and bullies parents, cipal Grady is not good for our school.” made up of a majority of educators will at independent charter schools who are assess students’ needs and make recom- covered by bargaining agreements specific mendations based on those needs, which to their sites. Belonging to a union allows will then be bargained and voted on by these educators the right to bargain over Supreme Court agrees to the membership. The administration had conditions of employment, and it gives them been attempting to institute an unpopular a voice to advocate for themselves and their bell schedule change through a committee students. These members are essential to the hear anti-union case that was not representative of stakeholders. Schools L.A. Students Deserve campaign. Friedrichs v. CTA would eliminate “fair share” fees. After contract talks reached an impasse, Palisades educators held an escalating series of actions to put pressure on man- PERB issues unfair practice The U.S. Supreme Court announced undermine nationwide the collective agement to settle, including reaching out complaint against Alliance as last month that it will hear the anti-union voices of teachers, firefighters, nurses, to parents, holding petition drives, and educators continue organizing case Friedrichs v. California Teachers As- and others who serve the public. picketing in front of school. The Public Employment Relations Board sociation. The suit seeks to eliminate the This case is the latest attempt by Pacoima Charter Elementary: The agree- (PERB) issued a major complaint against collection of “fair share” representation well-funded interests to undercut the ment includes a 12% bonus for 2014-2015, Alliance College Ready Public Schools on fees from individuals who do not wish ability of unions to represent workers. a 12% bonus for 2015-2016, and a com- June 25. The complaint charges that Alli- to become union members but neverthe- This assault, under way for decades but mitment to an ongoing salary increase ance interfered with employee rights by, less benefit from union representation. now picking up steam, has resulted in for 2017. The members also fought off a among other actions, blocking email from The plaintiffs in Friedrichs v. CTA were a sharp decline in median wages for number of take-backs, including elimina- UTLA-affiliated Alliance Educators United recruited by the anti-union Center for working people and the decline of the tion of lifetime health benefits for new to Alliance employees’ work email address- Individual Rights to overturn Abood v. middle class alongside the increasing hires, extension of faculty meetings, and es, refusing access by UTLA organizers Detroit Board of Education (1977), which concentration of income and wealth new mandatory meetings and PD sessions. and members to Alliance schools, denying upheld the constitutionality of fair share in the hands of the top one per cent. Ivy Academia: The new settlement, UTLA its right to represent employees, and clauses in collective bargaining agree- It includes attacks in the courts like which follows one rejected by the mem- instructing teachers that they could not ments. Unions have a legal duty to rep- Friedrichs, so-called right-to-work legis- bership, gives elementary teachers more distribute union-related flyers on campus. resent all workers in their bargaining lation in Wisconsin and Michigan, and prep time and all educators more say in The unfair practice complaint confirms units. The Abood ruling established that enormously increased political spend- professional development. the outrageous anti-union campaign Alli- fair share fees compensate unions for ing by union opponents. Granada Hills Charter High: An agree- ance is waging against its own educators. that work and prevent “free riding” of UTLA’s state and national affiliates, ment for the 2014-15 school year was It now goes to an informal PERB settlement workers who opt out of the union. along with our labor allies, are uniting reached after the administration unilater- conference, with a formal hearing scheduled Although the CTA was named as the against the case. A decision is expected ally changed the dental and vision plans. if a settlement agreement cannot be reached. defendant, the decision in the Fried- by June 30, 2016. The agreement provides reimbursement Six hundred Alliance educators continue richs case could affect all public sector for members to make up for the difference their campaign for unionization at the 27- unions in the and thus Read more on the Friedrichs case on page 12. between the original and the new plans school chain for the 2015-2016 school year. 4 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 New LAUSD School Board takes office Swearing-in ceremony for Schmerelson, Vladovic, and McKenna highlights importance of educators.

By Oraiu Amoni struggling school. Schmerelson is a strong UTLA Political Director advocate for small class sizes and fully funded schools with counselors, librarians, UTLA-endorsed LAUSD School Board and a nurse on every campus. His history candidates Scott Schmerelson, Dr. Richard and commitment earned him the support Vladovic, and Dr. George McKenna were of educators throughout the District. sworn in on July 1 in a community event McKenna, a former math teacher and at Roybal Learning Center. During the deputy superintendent, believes that ceremony, all of them mentioned the im- an educational system that emphasizes portance of having educators at the table justice, equal opportunity, and nonviolence moving forward, which is a testament to is the primary vehicle for positive change. the important role UTLA members played McKenna continues to advocate for the in the composition of the new Board. Schools L.A. Students Deserve, including During the election cycle, UTLA members greater transparency and accountability. made thousands of calls and knocked on Vladovic is a lifelong educator who has hundreds of doors to get the message to dedicated his career to student progress voters about the Schools L.A. Students and ensuring the health and safety of our Deserve. And while our mission is far from children. He’s also served our community Bennett Kayser’s last public session as a School Board member on June 23 was an emotional over, this new Board represents a good in many roles: as a teacher, principal, and affair, with streams of people speaking passionately and personally about the impact Kayser first step in ensuring that educators have local district superintendent. Vladovic is has had on public education. Above, Kayser with the school bell presented to him by grateful a say in decisions that impact our schools. an expert who has been asked to help fix Board members, including Steve Zimmer (left) and Richard Vladovic (center). On the same day, the School Board four schools that faced various special unanimously elected Steve Zimmer to challenges. His experience will continue the role of Board president. Following to be invaluable on the School Board. his election, Zimmer appointed George UTLA would like to extend a special McKenna vice president and Richard thank-you and farewell to Bennett Kayser. Vladovic labor liaison. Bennett Kayser is a devoted teacher who, Schmerelson has served as a teacher, after decades in the classroom, took his counselor, assistant principal, and site ad- skills and experience to the School Board. ministrator. He is known for his ability to While on the Board, Kayser advocated for bring people together and work closely greater accountability for all public schools. with fellow educators; he was even asked His leadership will be greatly missed, and to come out of retirement to help save a UTLA wishes him well in his next endeavor. School Board election volunteers

UTLA members’ names were compiled from sign-in sheets turned in to UTLA. If your name is missing, please email [email protected] and we will run it in the next issue. School Board member Richard Vladovic said Congressmember Karen Bass conducted the oath Not listed here are the friends, family, and UTLA staff members who also played a big role in he is optimistic about LAUSD’s future after of office for George McKenna at the swearing-in getting out the vote. surviving the recession-era budget cuts. ceremony on July 1 at Roybal Learning Complex.

Brandon Abraham Dan Barnhart Camilla Bradley Teresa Cantu Harvey Abram Teresa Barraza Stephen Braudo Alyce Cantu Ricardo Abreu Dora Barraza Anthony Bravo Alex Caputo Pearl Ricardo Aburto Ebony Batiste Ayde Bravo M. Carbajal Yvonne Acosta Eva Becker Daniel Brenneman Laura Carls Roberta Adsit Henry Behrens Melissa Briseno Andrew Carrillo Estephanie Aispuro Michael Bell Ayesha Brooks Susana Casas Jennifer Albright Pennel Bird Alicia Brossy De Dios Bonifacio Castrejon Cesar Alcaraz Michael Blasi Frances Brown Juan Catalan Kristina Alfonso Karen Bonfigli Aaron Bruhnke Paul Cawood Patricia Allen James Cazares Lyn Almustafa Alejandra Ceballos Shirley Alston-Ransom Lorena Celis James Altuner Marcela Chagoya- Julia Alvarado Gonzalez Javier Alvarez Maricela Chaidez Martha Alvarez Mario Chang Natalie Amalfitano Jesenia Chavez New Board member Scott Schmerelson was sworn in by UTLA Secondary Vice President Colleen Schwab (middle) and newly retired AALA President Judy Perez. Nelvic Ambriz-Perez Tomas Chavez Mario Andrade Maria Chavez Judith Angeles Randall Childs Celina Couceiro Javier Cruz Guadalupe Dominguez Olga Arguelles Susie Chow Schreiber Michael Danielczyk Susan Dubow Patricia Argumedo Elvira Cisneros-Villa Paul Craig Elisa De La Pena- James Duffin Jocielly Aure Lisette Bonilla Jose Buenabad Michelle Cohen Michael Cranshaw Nagle Ralph Duran Kamesh Aysola Brandie Borges Findlay Bunting Kennethia Cole Peter Crommelin James De Salvo Jeanine Edgington Gwendolyn Baker Randy Bostic Elaine Burn Angela College Douglas Crook Jose Delgadillo Carol Eggie Barry Bakin Lang Boston Mary Butler Demaree Julie Contreras Amy Crouse Norma Delgado Veronica Escobar Rosalva Barajas Brant Boston O. Calacuayo Jeanne Contreras Matthew Crowe Paul Desmarais Xavier Estacio Timothy Barbee Marie Botello Angelica Camacho Theresa Cooney David Crowley Angel Diaz Suellen Estell Martha Barcelo Connie Bowman Susan Campodonico Frank Cooper Sandra Cruz Margarita Diaz (continued on page 16)

5 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 Obama teachers score partial victory against reconstitution District backtracks on some elements of the plan.

UTLA members have scored a partial decision made without any input from victory in the reconstitution of Barack staff, students, or parents—to the School Obama Global Preparation Academy, Board and District officials and held a securing a second round of interviews news conference with parents and stu- for staff required to reapply for their dents. Hundreds of students, parents, and positions, the cancellation of a partner- community members also signed petitions ship not vetted by the community, and calling on LAUSD to support the school a new accountability system for school and not destabilize it by removing dedi- resources. cated educators. The fight began in the spring, when, “I have been a parent here since the doors with little notice, LAUSD announced the opened,” parent Michelle Miller said. “If it forced reconstitution of the school. Staff wasn’t for the teachers, my sons would not members were outraged that LAUSD of- have graduated. [The people making this ficials were taking such a drastic and de- decision] don’t know the teachers and don’t stabilizing step at a school they had failed know the students. It’s not right.” to support. Since Obama Prep opened five While organizing our fight-back, UTLA years ago, five different administrators sent LAUSD legal warnings that the recon- have run the school, the library has been stitution of the school is in direct contradic- closed, and the school has lacked suffi- tion to the Reed legal settlement, which cient health and human services profes- mandated that the District give Obama sionals. The school’s original plan was and other Reed Investment Schools ad- At a May news conference, Barack Obama Global Preparation Academy parent Michelle Miller underfunded and later gutted of all the ditional funding to stabilize the schools said the decision to reconstitute the school was made by people “who don’t know the teachers and elements that would support students, and to retain teachers. don’t know the students.” such as dual-language, arts, and technol- “As an Investment School, we were ogy programs. supposed to finally have some consis- round of meetings with Obama educators school is in line to receive, which will be “The District has failed this school and is tency of staff and a chance at resources who wished to return to the school. Many monitored monthly. While UTLA did not now trying to point fingers,” UTLA Presi- to support our students,” Obama chapter had already taken positions elsewhere in win everything we wanted, it’s significant dent Alex Caputo-Pearl said. “Reconstitution chair Cathy Proctor said. the District, but of the 10 UTLA members that the District backtracked on elements is a scorched-earth practice that destabilizes Under the reconstitution, educators who participated in the second round of of the reconstitution, and there are signs schools, hurts students, and unfairly blames were forced to reapply for their positions, “instructional dialogues,” six have been of a more positive working relationship staff while failing to provide the support and resulting in an initial projection of a 70% offered their positions back at Obama. with LAUSD on Obama. resources schools need to succeed.” turnover. Working with the Reed plain- The District also cancelled plans to force Obama’s fight connects with the larger To push back against the reconstitution, tiffs’ attorneys and with a united faculty, a partnership with L.A.’s Promise onto campaign for the Schools L.A. Students Obama faculty took their message of the we were able to achieve a partial victory, the campus and agreed to new account- Deserve to get our students at all schools injustice of the school’s reconstitution—a and the District agreed to do a second ability systems for the extra resources the the resources and support they need. Join the Make It Fair campaign Closing corporate tax loopholes would raise billions for public education and other services.

By Oraiu Amoni spending that puts us in the bottom tier na- UTLA Political Director tionwide; in lean years we are the bottom. I am sure you all have seen the billboards The Make It Fair California Coalition that contrast what we spend annually per is dedicated to closing the corporate tax pupil ($9,000) and what we spend per loopholes that are allowing major corpo- inmate ($60,000). Is that the California we rations to avoid paying their fair share of want? The Make It Fair campaign is not taxes to support schools, public safety, about vilifying corporations; it is about local government, and infrastructure. educating voters about what California Since the passage of Proposition 13, the can be if we all pay our fair share. Imagine tax burden has been shifting away from what our schools and classrooms could be giant corporations and wealthy commercial like if we get to a point where per-pupil property owners to middle-class homeown- spending was $25,000? ers and renters. Make It Fair will reverse Here’s where we stand in the campaign this trend and raise billions to help rebuild timeline: Senator Loni Hancock (Berkeley) California. Closing the loopholes in Prop. and Senator Holly Mitchell (Los Angeles) 13 will generate an additional $9 billion introduced Senate Constitutional Amend- in annual state revenues, but it will take a ment 5, the Make It Fair bill, on June 10, More than 200 educators, clergy, parents, retirees, and labor union representatives convened concerted effort from all UTLA members and it is making its way through the in front of Sutter Middle School last month to announce the Make It Fair California Coalition. for this campaign to be successful. Do you legislature. The bill will require a two- Teachers from around the state attended the event, including UTLA/NEA Vice President Cecily think the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers As- thirds vote in both legislative houses to Myart-Cruz (third from right). sociation and other conservative groups be placed on the November 2016 ballot, are going to give up $9 billion annually meaning it will require Republican votes without an all-out war? They are going to in addition to Democratic support. If the LAYOFF FIGHT meet annual goals for students. There pull out every trick in the book to try to bill fails, the Make It Fair coalition will (continued from cover) is great potential for educators to work confuse voters with misleading statistics have to gather almost 600,000 signatures closely with parent and community groups and threats of job losses and tax increases. to place the measure on the ballot. The this trend and generate an additional $9 to ensure that the LCAP genuinely meets As educators in the largest county in signature threshold is higher than other billion in annual state revenues by closing the needs of students and educators for the state, we have the responsibility to ballot initiatives because Make It Fair is a the loopholes in Proposition 13. the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. make sure we deliver the message to constitutional amendment. We are also embracing ways to better UTLA’s strategic plan for 2015-16 is parents, students, and communities about use existing resources to support schools. being finalized by the UTLA Board of the importance of the Make It Fair cam- Join the fight: UTLA will be setting up As part of our strategic plan for 2015-16, Directors and discussed with chapter paign. There are no better emissaries than trainings and informational sessions for UTLA will be organizing around the Local chairs and other site leaders at the Lead- educators to talk about the future of our members to get involved with the Make Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). ership Conference at the end of the month. state. Every year we find ourselves in the It Fair campaign. If you are interested Under the state’s Local Control Funding Look for more info in the next UNITED same fight with Sacramento for education please contact Oraiu Amoni, UTLA politi- Formula, all districts are required to have TEACHER and in a new round of UTLA funding. In good years we get per-pupil cal director, at (213) 637-5157. a plan that describes how they intend to school site visits beginning in August. 6 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 News from around UTLA Teacher wins Fulbright, Webster holds Unity fest, and more.

South Area North Area

Shakespeare comes to 93rd Street Teacher to study equity Fifth-graders at 93rd Street Elementary in education in Korea took part in a multi-element Shakespeare of the Arts project that brought the bard’s work to the teacher Steven Taylor Wichmanowski has school through performances and a school- been offered a Fulbright Distinguished wide festival. The program was called Awards in Teaching grant and will travel to Shakespeare at Full STEAM to reflect South Korea in September 2015 to conduct the content areas (Science, Technology, research on equity in education. Engineering, Arts, and Math) that were While in South Korea, he will study how involved. Under the direction of LAUSD the individualized needs of diverse learners drama teacher Dr. Melanie Andrews and are served in an educational system with 93rd Street teachers Kirsten Johnson and uniformly high standards. Like many educa- Marivel Torres, the students began by tors, Wichmanowski feels that in the U.S. the working with Shakespeare’s text—reading mandates that come down from the federal, prologues, reviewing plots, and parsing state, or District level often take a “one size the language. It culminated with an assem- fits all” approach to raising achievement bly and festival for the and fail to take into account school’s third- through the true diversity of stu- Webster student and Special Olympics athlete Lucy Meyer (center), a 2015 World Games sixth-graders. dents and teachers. Worse, Global Messenger, was a featured speaker at the school’s Unity Fest in May. With her at the At the assembly, he says, they usually just World Games table is Yolanda Mims-Ree (left) and speech therapist Catherine Albrecht (right). students in costume set a new set of high ex- gave a variety of pectations without giving academic and professional achievement, as tary students who are considering Webster Shakespeare-linked teachers much in the way well as demonstrated leadership potential are invited to attend to see the strong aca- performances, includ- of concrete approaches to in their fields. demic and cultural programs at the school. ing a sped-up version achieving these goals. “The festival provides an excellent of Romeo and Juliet and “When simply outlin- opportunity to show off the great things scenes hand-picked ing new, more rigorous West Area that are happening at Webster,” says by the students them- standards doesn’t lead teacher William Barrett, who coordinates selves, such as the to widespread success, the event. “Local artists, performers, Three Witches section it feeds into a rhetoric of Webster’s Unity Fest vendors, and community organizations from Macbeth. An ‘failing schools’ and ‘un- celebrates diversity all come together with the goal of inspir- outdoor festival fol- derperforming teachers’ Webster Middle School’s Unity Through ing and empowering students to take an lowed the performanc- L.A. High School of the Arts teacher that is unfairly dismis- Community festival took over the campus active role in creating positive change in es, with interactive Steven Taylor Wichmanowski is sive of the tireless work of on May 22—from the library and the audi- their communities.” booths that reflected headed to South Korea in September dedicated teachers and in- torium to the school grounds—in a lively the STEAM content as part of a Fulbright Distinguished quisitive, diverse students event showcasing diversity and celebrat- areas and that fea- Awards in Teaching grant. who produce amazing ing community. Districtwide tured entertainment work that doesn’t always Parents, students, and educators appropriate to its time (i.e., no smart fit ‘inside the box,’ ” he says. “In Korea, as crowded the school grounds to watch Aztec phones, no iPads, no videogames). The an observer, I’ll be really interested in the dancers, listen to Indian classical music, LAUSD names Teachers of the Year stations included booths where students ways that teachers, administrators, and and dance to salsa and New Orleans brass LAUSD has named 22 educators as could blow bubbles made of glycerine parents in South Korea work together to bands. Various organizations—including 2015-16 Teachers of the Year. These ex- (science), launch small student-built meet the needs of all students, whether the Special Olympics and Cal State Los ceptional educators include a winning catapults (engineering), and compare they are struggling, on track, or gifted.” Angeles—set up informational tables, and Science Bowl coach and robotics mentor/ buying power in Shakespeare’s time to Wichmanowski, who teaches in Los An- local food vendors provided the fuel to keep coach; award-winning elementary, middle, now (math). geles’s Koreatown, also hopes that his time the event going. There were interactive high, and continuation school teachers; “The arts are an integral part of my cur- abroad will allow him to develop Korean booths where students could learn Nige- and dual language and talented English, riculum because they allow students access language skills and become more familiar rian dance and Navajo sand painting. The filmmaking, world history, math, science to information and concepts through a with Korean culture so that he might better library was turned into a giant “Connecting and government instructors. Here are the visual, auditory, kinesthetic experience,” serve this community. Cultures” museum exhibit with masks, educators the District is honoring: Johnson says. “The Shakespeare at Full Wichmanowski is one of 49 U.S. citizens musical instruments, and religious items STEAM opportunity allowed me to see who will travel abroad through the Ful- from different cultures on display. Woven Esther Calderón, a dual-language kin- and experience the artistic contributions bright program in 2015-2016. The grants through all of the activities are the yearly dergarten teacher at Carlos Santana Arts of the students.” are awarded by the United States Depart- event’s themes of social justice, community Academy, has been teaching for 18 years. Johnson says that one student was such ment of State and the J. William Fulbright building, and multiculturalism. Jennifer Childers is a science and leader- a standout that she referred her for the Foreign Scholarship Board. Recipients of The festival also serves as a recruitment ship teacher at Sepulveda Middle School G.A.T.E. Program for her performing arts Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of tool, and parents and guardians of elemen- & Gifted Magnet and has been teaching skills, and after auditioning, the student for 18 years. was accepted. Melanie Du Bose, an English and film- The performances and festival were making teacher at East Los Angeles Per- videotaped and submitted to KLCS’s forming Arts Magnet, has been teaching Video in the Classroom contest, and the for 15 years. students beat out more than 800 entries Martha Garibay teaches first-grade at to receive first place. Senator Isadore 52nd Street Elementary School and has Hall provided all adults and students been an educator for 14 years. with a Certificate of Recognition for their Daniel Jocz, a social studies teacher at achievement. Downtown Magnet High School, has been “This school has 100% kids of color teaching for 11 years. and 100% kids below the poverty line, Lisa Kochakji, a first-grade teacher at and we are 100% committed to educating Stagg Street Elementary School, has been these kids any way we can,” Dr. Andrews teaching for 17 years. says. Roxana M. L’Heureux is a third-grade One school, four honorees: Four teachers at Carlos Santana Arts Academy were named among teacher at Carlos Santana Arts Academy Watch the video on YouTube under “Shake- the 22 LAUSD Teachers of the Year. From right: Tania Martinez, Esther Calderon, Roxana and has been teaching for eight years. speare at Full STEAM.” L’Heureux, and Ada Reyes. (continued on page 14) 7 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 UTLA members win Platinum Apple awards Given by our own, for our own, the awards recognize professional achievements.

Every year UTLA honors excellence in education by recognizing members with UTLA Platinum Apple awards. Educa- tors are nominated by their colleagues for their achievements such as developing an innovative curriculum or an outstand- ing educational program or for exhibiting exemplary instructional techniques. The winners are then selected by the UTLA Platinum Apple Committee and honored at the annual awards dinner. Here’s a look at the accomplishments of this year’s winners. Cynthia Cordova Fraire Karin Kunstmann May-Lynn Montano Harmony Elementary School Camellia Elementary School Miramonte Elementary School

“Cynthia’s passion and dedication make “Karin, a novelist, has a deep under- “Mrs. Montano was able to obtain a her the teacher that the kids will remem- standing of the writing process and how grant to bring Dancing Classrooms to our ber for the rest of their lives. Cynthia not to teach its components to young learners. school. The students performed six diverse only provides for her own students but for Each year Karin’s students also write and styles of dance. Our students did such a students schoolwide by leading the Latino publish their own book. These children great job that they were awarded a gold Family Literacy Project. She volunteers to grow and excel in their understanding medal in the District-wide competition. carry out this spectacular schoolwide op- of reading comprehension and writing.” This year, they earned another gold medal. portunity for families in the community to —Cristina Salas This was all in part because Mrs. Montano teach parents how to support their children Chapter Chair realized the importance of implementing with literacy at home.” the fine arts in our daily instruction, es- Sue Childs —Amparo Navarro-Martin pecially as these opportunities continue Westwood Charter Elementary School Chapter Chair to dwindle due to budget cuts.” —Maria Miranda “Ms. Childs has independently pursued Chapter Chair professional development in reading and writing workshops and cognitively guided instruction. She has brought ideas to the SBM committee for valuable profes- sional development. She brings together students, former students, parents, local businesses, and community. As a new gen- eration is beginning in the profession, we Marilou Melchor are obligated to make public the example Sylvan Park Elementary School of excellence.” —Caroline Fisher Maria Gonzalez “Mrs. Melchor’s first-grade team be- Chapter Chair Second Street Elementary School lieves that she is the glue that holds them together. A key feature of her classroom Emma Payares “Maria brings enthusiasm to the class- is the high level of organization and effi- West Athens Elementary School room, and this pulls in her students to ciency. Mrs. Melchor’s professional growth engage and become involved in the lessons continues as we enter a new era in educa- “Students during their young years are of pre-K. It is amazing to watch her at tion. Technology and innovation in the empty computers, waiting for information work dealing with the socializing of pre-K profession never stand still and neither and learning experiences. Ms. Payares’s spe- students while teaching them the skills does Mrs. Melchor’s desire to learn.” cialty is creative arts and visual performances, and concepts necessary to be ready for —Joaquin Flores and Theresa Staffer exposing students to all opportunities. Each kindergarten.” Chair and Co-Chair student is given a goal when they enter her —Francisco Marroquin classroom, and the students are taught by Chapter Chair learning through each of their five senses.” —Octavio Gonzalez Melissa Martinez Espinoza Chapter Chair San Miguel Elementary School

“Melissa has presented workshops and has written grants to bring nutrition educa- tion and obesity prevention programs to the classroom. Her efforts have allowed us to implement a nutrition program whereby students are exposed to healthy eating habits.” —Ralph Duran Chapter Chair Rosie Davidson Kelly Gibbs Hector Martinez Jenny Peterson Louis Tapia James Madison Middle School

The Platinum Apple Committee is “The winners from James Madison Middle School looked for ways to integrate general education students with very special education Martha Bayer (Chair), Juanita Garcia, students when nearby special schools began closing and several classes of students came to Madison. Students performed as a team Shirley Hardley, and Carolina Saucedo. in the campus talent show as actors, set designers, and stage crew. They also performed at the Very Special Arts Festival (held at the The secretary is Princess Sykes. Music Center) for the first time in our campus’s history. Soon the Circle of Friends (a lunch on the quad club with general and special ed friends) began gathering weekly. As the five colleagues began and continued their mission of education, understanding, integration and respect, they discovered that kids had more in common than they thought possible. The kids themselves evolved different ways to work together and it became a desired privilege to work with each other. Secure, happy kids are successful kids, and colleagues who know each other and are interested in each other’s success enhance the school community. With these five leaders establishing and providing professional goals, our school has become an exemplar for others. When the seeds are planted, the florists come!” —Alex Orozco Chapter Chair 8 It can be hard to take time out of your busy life for exercise, but you’ll thank yourself when you do. And, remember, staying in shape doesn’t have to be boring — keep it fun to stay motivated.

Celebrate summer This month, skip the gym and get active outdoors instead. The fresh air and scenery can help energize and inspire you. And the options are almost endless.

Go local. Pack your snacks. Make a splash. Take the opportunity to explore Plan ahead for healthy Drink water instead of soda or your city or town. Play Frisbee® munching by bringing along juice to stay hydrated under at the park, take the bike around fruits, nuts, and other light the sun. The extra calories the neighborhood, or roll out the treats. For example, one cup of from all that sugar can lead to yoga mat by a lake (or beach). grapes is only 100 calories. weight gain.

Visit kp.org/weight for more tips on keeping your weight in check.

Services covered under a Kaiser Permanente health plan are provided and/or arranged by Kaiser Permanente health plans: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, 60245410 November 2014 Inc., in Northern and Southern California and Hawaii • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-364-7000 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite

100, Portland, OR 97232. Self-insured plans are administered by Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company, One Kaiser Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612. Please recycle. United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015

From the treasurer Your dues fund our fight-back From supporting members at school sites to pushing back against corporate reform, our organizing work is fueled by member contributions.

the UTLA-negotiated contract, help in or- Esperanza Martinez, moved into action, the print shop and administrative assistance ganizing your staff to have a stronger voice working with UTLA leaders in Central support, rented tables and portable toilets, and more influence, and the opportunity to Area and at the school. She spent five to ten first aid equipment, buttons, sign-in sheets, gain the skills and knowledge to be proac- hours each week getting to know members bull horns . . . the list goes on. The cost for tive fighters for public education. There and building trust and relationships that the rally was approximately $130,000. is so much that our dues make possible. informed a set of tactics that included Our dues made it possible for us to have parent outreach, one-on-one conversations, the Stand at Grand Rally on February 26. Targeted help at school trainings for educators on the approach This well-attended event—which showed sites for unique issues of Parent Revolution, and three very suc- LAUSD and the city just how united and In addition to the usual challenges at cessful parent-educator meetings to build determined we were—made it possible for every LAUSD school, including our UTLA- stronger unity on a plan of action. The us to get the contract that 97% of UTLA represented charter schools and services work led to the successful stopping of the members voted for in May. for substitutes and itinerants, there are Parent Trigger petition-gathering process. often urgent and critical situations that Altogether, more than 300 staff hours What happens if . . . arise and must be dealt with. went into the organizing work, which in- This article provides a glimpse of how For example, toward the end of the school cluded translating documents and flyers, your dues dollars fund the organizing By Arlene Inouye year there was heated activity that required interpreting at many parent meetings, work of UTLA. But what happens if UTLA UTLA Treasurer additional resources at Mack Elementary hiring child care providers, and arrang- no longer has the resources to do the work School, where the community was calling ing substitute release time, meeting space, that our members depend on? What UTLA members sometimes ask me for the removal of a problem principal, and and refreshments. The communication happens if our union becomes so weak that about the concrete, practical ways our Obama Global Prep, which was fighting department also was involved with press we are unable to effectively fight for what UTLA dues are used for organizing and reconstitution. The end of the school year conferences, flyers, photos, and other docu- our members care about—your health care, supporting our school sites. While we may also saw a successful conclusion to a year- mentation. This is just one example of the wages, working and learning conditions? not think about what happens to the de- long organizing effort at 20th Street School. further attacks on our schools and what was Who would be there to advocate for our duction from our pay stub that we see Parent Revolution, the corporate-fund- required for UTLA to effectively fight back. students and to fight for a quality and taken out each month, it is the vital lifeline ed group that pushes the divisive Parent equal public education system? There are for everything we do. It provides field and Trigger process, was sighted at 20th Street Stand at Grand: Rallies real threats to unions across America and organizing staff to support you in any early in the 2014-15 school year. In October, require resources to UTLA. One of the latest is the Friedrichs number of issues and concerns regarding UTLA’s parent and community organizer, As part of the escalating actions around v. CTA case, which would weaken public the Schools L.A. Students Deserve, UTLA sector unions nationwide. held the Stand at Grand Rally in February, Our dues are how, in ways big and small, and it turned out to be one of the largest visible and invisible, UTLA pushes back and most successful UTLA actions in our against the corporate business agenda, history. It brought UTLA members from supports your professional rights at school across the city together with parents, stu- sites, and fights for the Schools L.A. Stu- dents, organizations, and our labor allies dents Deserve. That’s the power of the around a common set of conditions that union, the power when individuals come deeply affect all of us. Here’s a list to give together for a common cause. Our dues you an idea of what is involved in such a make all this work possible. rally: parking, street permits, buses, sound system, stage, flyers, banners, substitute Contact UTLA Treasurer Arlene Inouye at release time for 85 volunteers, overtime for [email protected].

10 EARN SALARY POINTS $70 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015

Keeping track What’s at stake with Friedrichs? Free rides The Supreme Court takes on a case that threatens fairness among union members.

that seeks to overturn 35 years of settled This isn’t always easy, and sometimes privatized schools, for-profit curriculum, labor law. the conditions and contradictions make and a depleted teaching profession isn’t At its core, the case is about who should things harder, but our underlying belief is far behind. have to pay for what public sector unions that we can make things better, together.On Our challenge is to continue to stay such as UTLA do; whether it’s fair to get the other hand, the Friedrichs “free rider” connected with each other, to keep our every worker who directly benefits from people, and their billionaire bank rollers, leadership and our membership linked a union contract to chip in to enforce, know that if they can get the union out through democratic processes and mem- defend, and expand that contract and its of the way, then they can make things ber-to-member organizing. When we talk benefits. Public sector unions’ right to better, not for all of us, but for themselves. to each other about the importance of collect such “fair share” fees was upheld They are betting that over time, individual making union membership a part of in the Supreme Court’s 1977 decision in greed can cripple people coming together how we make our schools better places Abood v. Detroit Board of Education. for the collective good and that the cost to learn and work, it’s not a hard sell. By law, a union contract has to be ne- of keeping a union together and making Over the past six months, organizing for gotiated on behalf of all of the workers it it strong will be too much, when cash- the Schools L.A. Students Deserve, we’ve covers, and the Friedrichs people aren’t strapped teachers can get a “free ride” added more than 1,000 new members— trying to change that part. They want to option. They really are bringing the fight not by crossing our fingers and hoping By Daniel Barnhart change the part about whether all of us right to us. They hope to bring their belief that people join, but by getting out a list UTLA Secretary have to pay something for the cost of col- system of narrow-minded “individual and tracking people down to talk with lective bargaining, contract enforcement, rights” and selfish, disconnected “free- them one by one. Our union was built at Just as most educators get a summer and member organizing. riderism” into our schools, into our work- a time when “free riders” were in every break, the nine justices of the U.S. Supreme As a union, we struggle for what is fair places, and into our lunchrooms, where lunchroom, and people had to buy into Court also close up shop in June and head and right for all educators, not just the dues-paying union members will have to the idea of building something bigger, off to “Lakeshore for Lawyers” or who ones we like or agree with at the time. As sit with colleagues, some of whom will stronger, and better than themselves knows where. On the very last day of the a union with a social justice strategy to choose to take union pay and benefits, alone. This fall, while our opponents Supreme Court’s Spring 2015 term, the win, we work to connect our issues with but not pay union dues. Our collective will be trying to chip away at our union court announced that it would hear the the dreams and needs of the students voice, our united strength, and our pro- at the Supreme Court in Washington, case of Friedrichs v. CTA et al. when they and communities we serve. Our strategy, fessional authority will diminish when your union leadership will be coming return to work in October (no Early Start embodied in the phrase “The Schools L.A. teachers can see a financial incentive to to schools and lunchrooms and talking calendar for them!). The case is brought Students Deserve,” is to bring people distance themselves from the union. And with you about building a stronger union, by a California teacher, who just happens together and go fight for what’s good for when the union is weakened, marginal- no matter how the nine Supreme Court to have a bunch of super-wealthy, anti- all of us, teachers, students, parents, and ized, or distracted with a struggle just justices vote. We hope to see you in a union “friends” who are bankrolling a suit health and human services professionals. to exist as an organization, the path to lunchroom or at a meeting soon!

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16738.indd 1 5/6/15 8:18 AM United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 Milestones and attended Poly High School in Los Committee bulletin board Passings Angeles. He graduated from UCLA and taught Spanish for three years at St. Monica Upcoming meetings High School, and 27 years at Chatsworth. AUGUST 11 For many years he was also swim coach meet on the same day as the House Unjustly Housed Teachers Committee: at Chatsworth. Richard was proud to be of Representatives from 4:30 p.m. to noon, UTLA building. involved in the development of School 6 p.m. (unless noted) in the UTLA Based Management. He retired in 1995. building: Arts Education Commit- He leaves Kathie Faught, daughter AUGUST 26 tee, Asian-Pacific Education, Bilin- Nicole (Brian), three grandchildren, UTLA Area Meetings: See times and gual Education Committee, Chicano/ and a great grandson. A scholarship in locations at utla.net. Latino Education, Gay & Lesbian Richard’s name has been established at Issues, Health & Human Services, . Checks should Early Childhood Education Committee: Human Rights, Inner City, Instruc- be made out to Chatsworth High School 7 p.m., UTLA building. tional Coaches, Kindergarten Teach- Student Body with a notation for the ers, Library Professionals (4:45-6 Richard Stalder Scholarship and mailed SEPTEMBER 2 p.m.), Middle Schools, Multi-Track/ to Chatsworth High School, 10027 Lurline Elementary Committee: 4 p.m., UTLA Year-Round Schools, Non-Classroom/ Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311. building. Non-School Site, Options Committee, Secondary Committee: 4 p.m., UTLA Physical Education Action and Dance, To submit an item: Send details to Mile- building. Professional Rights & Responsibili- stones, UNITED TEACHER, 3303 Wilshire African-American Education Commit- ties, Pre-Retirement Issues, Salary & In memoriam: Richard Stalder Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010 tee: 4 p.m., UTLA building. Finance, School/ Community Rela- or [email protected]. Material must ar- Capably Disabled Teachers Committee: tions, School Readiness Language rive at least three weeks before publication Richard Stalder, longtime UTLA chapter 4 p.m., UTLA building. Development Program, Secondary date, and please include a daytime phone chair at Chatsworth High School, died at PACE Committee: 6:30 p.m., UTLA School Counselors, Special Education, number. Photos welcomed. We reserve the home April 16 after a long illness. building. Substitutes, Violence Prevention & right to edit text for length and clarity. Richard was born in Los Angeles School Safety, Women’s Education. SEPTEMBER 16 UTLA NEWS UTLA House of Representatives: 6 p.m., The National Board Certified Teachers UTLA building. Standing Committee: For meeting dates (continued from page 7) The following committees also please check calendar at www.utla.net.

Senator Isadore Hall provided students and teachers with special certificates in recognition of the Shakespeare at Full STEAM project at 93rd Street Elementary.

Alberto Lopez, a sixth-grade teacher at Maria D. Sanchez is a second/third- Orchard Academies #2C Global Studies & grade teacher at Western Avenue Elemen- Technology Academy, has been teaching tary School and has been teaching for for 17 years. 12 years. Altair Maine, an Advanced Placement Heather Ashley Sandoval-Feng, a social physics and Advanced Placement science science teacher at Harris Newmark Con- teacher at North , tinuation High School, has been teaching has been teaching for 15 years. for nine years. Tania Martinez, a dual-language kin- Chandra D. Sheppard, an English Lan- dergarten teacher at Carlos Santana Arts guage Arts and math teacher at Budlong Academy, has been teaching for 15 years. Avenue School, has been teaching for 14 Maria Medina-Perez, an algebra teacher years. at , has been teach- Carol Sun is an English Language Arts, ing for 14 years. English Language development, and math May-Lynn Geronimo Montano, a fourth- resource teacher at Harvard Elementary grade teacher at Miramonte Elementary, School. She has been teaching for nine has been teaching for 17 years. years. Darryl Newhouse teaches Advanced Chanelle Thomas, a fourth-grade teacher Placement calculus, pre-calculus, Algebra at Denker Avenue Elementary School, has II, robotics, and Intro to Engineering been teaching for 20 years. Design at Foshay Learning Center. He Michelle Elaine Youngblood Jarman has been teaching for 23 years. teaches English Language and literature Claudine Phillips, a second-grade teacher and works with the yearbook at Eagle Rock at Roscomare Road Elementary School, Junior/Senior High School. She has been UTLA Leadership Conference has been teaching for 18 years. teaching for 19 years. Ada Marisol Reyes, a fifth-grade teacher Christine Zhou teaches secondary mathe- at Carlos Santana Arts Academy, has been matics at Social Justice Leadership Academy. July 31-August 2 teaching for 11 years. She has been teaching for eight years. 14 FREE BOOKS & MATERIALS

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Coupon Code UTLA15 is not valid on prior purchases and cannot be combined with any other discounts. O er expires at 11:59PM EST 7/31/2015. Void where prohibited, o er is subject to change. United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 VOLUNTEERS Oliver Garcia David Griego Andrew Herbst Im Lee Thomas Louie (continued from page 5) Veronica Gardea Karla Griego Maria Hernandez Jennifer Lee Rodney Lusain Renata Garza Socorro Guerrero Fredy Hernandez Philip Leeman Stuart Lutz Justin Ezzi Tony Gatel Vilches Tanya Hildreth Britt Legaspi Lew Lawrence Macapagal Sally Farmer Susannah Gelbart Ingrid Gunnell Glen Hoffman Jodie Levy Benjamin Madera Farshad Farnoosh Liliana Howard Corlis Lewis Maria Maldonado Jerry Fein Susan Howe Leslie Lewis Lora Mallen David Feldman Timothy Howe Sandra Leyva Peter Manghera Mercedes Felix Hernandez Karen Hribar Susannah Li Derrick Marshall Veeda Fernandes Paul Huebner Jennifer Liebe-Zelazny Jerardo Martin Joanne Fernandez Erica Huerta John Lincoln I. Martin Debra Finney David Hughes Sherry Lincoln Maria Martinez Steven Fiorillo Edna Ikeda Horiuchi Noah Lippe Klein Gloria Martinez Richard Fischetto Arlene Inouye Martin Lizarraga Anna Maschek Tomas Flores Janine Jackson R. Lizarraga Margaret Maseda Gabriela Flores Heide Jenkins Marco Flores Rosana Jeronymo Kelly Flores Gabriel Jimenez Viviana Flores Erika Jones Cecilia Flores Adams Katalin Joo Oscar Florez Victoria Kassa Georgia Flowers Lee Marie Keller Betty Forrester Ryan Gillespie Elizabeth Gutierrez Young Mi Kim Tonya Fowlkes Tracy Godfrey Juan Guzman Petrain King Irma Franco David Goldberg Antonio Guzman Jennifer King Jesus Fuentes Scott Golden Maria Guzman Craig Knapp Fidel Fuentes Patricia Gomez Ignatius Haase Matthew Kogan Charles Fuller Hector Gomez Darlene Haezaert Judith Kurose Jack Galindo Mark Gomez Caraveo Wade Kyle Jorge Galvan Sandra Gonzales Carla Hakewessell Margery La Fia Lilian Galvez Maria Gonzalez Ted Hampton Penny Lacy Laurie Lombardi Lilia Matos Fernando Galvez Delia Gonzalez Leo Hargreaves Luke Lafia Maureen Longaker Sylvia Matsuoka Carmelito Ganarial Lena Grady Julieanne Harmatz Deborah Lane Dennis Lopez Lilian Matthews Brenda Garb Cassandra Grady Jill Harmon Kelley Jose Lara Maria Lopez Jennifer McAfee Eugenia Garcia Sharyn Gray Frank Haynes Dori Larsuel Anthony Lopez Patrick McAuley Leticia Garcia Alicia Gray Robert Henry Elaine Le Boeuf Arthur Lopez Edward McBride

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Unity in red

Thanks to the 300-plus schools that have sent in their red T-shirt pics since the first Big Red Tuesday last Septem- ber 30. We will keep using as many as we can in the coming months. When we wear red on Tuesdays, we tell the District that we are united behind the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. Keep the red growing! Harmony Elementary Peary Middle School

Danube Elementary

Stanford Elementary

CalSTRS increase reminder The August 2015 paycheck will 2016. As the law stands now, there include an increase in the amount should not be further rate increases employees pay into the California for employees after that. State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS). Per state law, the rate is For more info: A Q&A appeared in increasing from 8.15% to 9.2%, effec- the May 15 UNITED TEACHER; the is- tive July 1, 2015. Employees will see sue can be accessed online at utla. Mendez High School another increase, to 10.25%, in July net/unitedteacher.

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Newly retired UTLA members were honored with a dinner on May 16 that was attended by UTLA leaders, friends, and family. UTLA holds the annual event in recogni- tion of our members’ years of service to the District and its children. Our union and our schools will miss their expertise and dedication to public education. The Retirement Dinner Dance was planned by the Dinner Dance Com- mittee: Arlene Inouye (co-chair), Mary Regina Bryant accepts her corsage from UTLA El- Toggenburger (co-chair), Kate Barclay, ementary Vice President Juan Ramirez, with UTLA Rosa Beasley, Sue Becker, Sue Cirillo, NEA Vice President Cecily Myart-Cruz looking Jenny Chomori, Wade Fulbright, Linda on. Bryant was an indefatigable presence at UTLA Guthrie, Bruce Lee, Barbara Pfister, Evy rallies, where you could always find her in the front, The celebration always includes the singing of “The Retirement Side of the Street,” with lyrics Vaughn, and Loretta Toggenburger. leading cheers and energizing the crowd. penned by former Knollwood teacher Mary Lonsdale.

UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl congratu- Jenica Vamosiu (right) is retiring from North- Husband and wife retirees Lawrence Haley Gardena High will be losing the skills of newly lates Fran Feinman on her retirement. ridge Academy High School. and Bernadette Haley. retired member Bernadette Nazareno (left).

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19 16747.indd 1 5/6/15 8:14 AM United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 LAUSD students earn UTLA scholarships

Deserving students get a helping hand Bruce Williams Scholarship projects laid out before us. Diandra Dillon, Dorsey High for their post-LAUSD educational plans My’Zhane (Mikey) Rollen, Santee Sue Embrey would have been proud to Elizabeth Caballero, Reseda High through a number of scholarships handed Education Complex have met these fine students. Embrey was Erick Tinoco, Hamilton High out by UTLA committees. an educator, activist, and author, who lived Ricardo Rosales, Bell High School RuPaul Scholarship by her principles of non-violence, self-deter- Xiangyang “Peter” Liu, New Sophia Pina, Cortines High School mination through unionization, social justice Open World Academy of the Visual & Performing Arts for workers, teamwork, service to others, and empowerment of the disenfranchised. Jackie Goldberg Scholarship The committee would like all UTLA Jasmine Bolden, Orthopaedic Hospital members to encourage high school seniors Medical Magnet High School to apply for the 2016 scholarship grants. We look forward to showcasing those Bayard Rustin & Barbara Jordan seniors whose activism makes their com- Memorial Scholarship munities a better place in which to live. Leslie Bernardino, South East —Jennie Duggan High School Asian Pacific Education Committee Chair Ruben Salazar Memorial MLK scholarship winners with dinner emcee Scholarship 2015 EMBREY WINNERS CTA President Eric Heins (left) and CTA Baron Jay Littleton Jr. and AAEC Chair Frances Copeland. Secretary-Treasurer David Goldberg (right) The UTLA East and North areas award Peter Liu, New Open World Academy with winners of the 2015 Stonewall scholar- scholarships in memory of Ruben Salazar, Diandra Dillon, Dorsey High School ships for advancing LGBT equality. an award-winning jour- Jasmine Lyles, Los Angeles Center for MLK Scholarship nalist who wrote extensively on the plight Enriched Studies Stonewall Scholarship of Spanish-speaking Americans in the Lisa Sobajian, Venice High School The UTLA African American Education United States. Salazar was killed in 1970 Committee hosted its annual Dr. Martin On May 28, the Stonewall Scholarship by police while covering the demonstra- Luther King Jr. scholarship banquet at L. Committee and the Gay & Lesbian Issues tion and ensuing riot during the Chicano Ron Hubbard Community Center in April. Committee held its 20th annual awards protest against the war in Vietnam. To Students apply for the awards by creat- dinner to honor LGBT students, allies, and enter the scholarship competition, LAUSD ing drawings of Dr. King (for elementary educators who have excelled both in the students write essays and poems on Latino students) or penning an essay or speech classroom and in their efforts to advance issues and the legacy of Salazar. celebrating his work (secondary students). the movement for LGBT equality. Returning as emcee of the dinner for the fifth year was actor and entreprenuer Baron At this year’s dinner, eight LAUSD stu- 2015 SALAZAR WINNERS dents were awarded $6,000 in scholarships. Jay Littleton Jr. Entertainment was provided Students can apply these funds to the post- by the Neal Brothers, the Tall Smalls, and D.J. Subeom Bae, Belmont High School secondary academic or vocational program Jamming James, with food by Anita Catering Carina Ortiz, South East High School of the recipient’s choice. Service. Delta Kappa Gamma officials Julie Alida Moscoso De Portillo, East Valley The event, held at the Los Angeles Drysdale and Linda Moore presented a special Skills Center LGBT Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza, Educator of the Year Award to Alissa Howell. Erick Tinoco, Hamilton High School was hosted by donors and several leading Thanks to all who attended. See you advocacy groups, including UTLA’s Gay next year at the Proud Bird near LAX. & Lesbian Issues Committee (GALIC) and —Dr. Frances Copeland, AAEC Chair the Stonewall Scholarship Committee, Janice Lee, AAEC Co-Chair as well as other sponsoring businesses and agencies. Andrea Lopez (left) one of the winners of the Rigoberto Ruelas Memorial Scholarship, with Eddie Smith and Annorver Johnson, AAEC More than 75 teachers, students, publicity chairs, contributed to this article. parents, and community members at- Alex Ruelas (right). tended the dinner, which showcased how educators mentor students and facilitate 2015 MLK WINNERS moral development. Teachers impact our Rigoberto Ruelas Scholarship students and lay the foundation for the Preschool & elementary winners rest of their lives. The Rigoberto Ruelas Scholarship Judges: Thalia Clark and Mary Convington Special thanks go to CTA President At the Sue Embrey Scholarship dinner, from is granted to graduating college-bound Students from Menlo ES (teacher Eric Heins, who thrilled as the featured left: Richard Katsuda (UTLA Asian Pacific seniors who attend any LAUSD high school. Corlis Lewis) speaker, and UTLA members Mel House Committee), Bruce Embrey (Manzanar Com- Rigoberto Ruelas was a teacher for the Los Jocelyn Gregorio and Karla Colocho and Frederick Bertz and CTA Secretary- mittee), Peter Liu, Diandra Dillon, Jasmine Angeles Unified School District who dedi- from LaMotte ES (teacher Laura Treasurer David Goldberg, who served as Lyles, and Jane Sakamoto (APC Committee). cated his life to serving the students and McCutcheon) consummate emcees and hosts. families of Miramonte Elementary School. His love of teaching and guiding students Middle & high school winners —Donald A. Willis Sue Embrey Community to attend college will be his legacy. Awards Judge: Janice Lee GALIC Chair Activist Scholarship were presented at each of the students’ Nicolas Roman and Daysy Ruiz, South schools during their Senior Event. Gate Middle School 2015 STONEWALL WINNERS The UTLA Asian Pacific Committee Elisia M. Belisle-Sanchez, Academy of awarded $4,500 in scholarships this year to 2015 RUELAS WINNERS Medical Arts High Harvey Milk Scholarship Memorial Award four deserving students. Applicants from Andrea Lopez , Northridge Academy High Julyza Commodore, Ramon Cortines Johnny Ramos, Santee high schools across the city applied for the High School Education Complex 2015 Sue Embrey Community Activist Schol- arship Award by demonstrating how they changed their school/community through Virginia Uribe Scholarship community activism projects. These students Lucas Crosby, Palisades Charter showed how they made a difference in their Anything on High School schools as well as the communities they live in and they demonstrate great promise to be your mind? David Sanchez Scholarship activists wherever they go in life. Raymundo Castro Jr., Santee Winners were awarded scholarships Share it with UTLA members Education Complex ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 to assist by writing a letter to the editor. them in their post-high school education. Gary Roberts Memorial Scholarship At the award dinner, winning students Send letters by email to [email protected] read their essays, which included their life Julie Sanchez, Orthopaedic Hospital or by fax to (213) 487-3319. Medical Magnet High School stories and their activist projects. We were all struck by their poise and the amazing 20 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 GRAPEVINE Practical matters: Retirement bonuses (continued from page 27) Just retired? There are two special payments you might be getting. on August 3 to 4 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Conference Center in downtown L.A. Highly focused work- By Judith C. Bruner Personnel because the data is from the old final three years of employment. In some shops on evidence-based literacy inter- UTLA Compensation payroll system in effect prior to the imple- cases, the monetary value of the absences vention, classroom management, and and Benefits Specialist mentation of the current payroll system. may exceed the amount of money in the em- strategies to support English learners and Caveat: Don’t spend it before you get it! ployee’s reserve account. If this is the case, students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Retirement bonus the maximum penalty assessed against the will be offered. Teachers will be compen- UTLA members may be eligible to receive Attendance Incentive Reserve account is equal to the actual sum of money sated 12 hours at hourly rate. Breakfast and a bonus when they retire. UTLA negotiated Fund distributions in the account. Technically, it is tantamount lunch provided as well as materials and the retirement bonus as an incentive to con- When the Attendance Incentive Plan to a forfeiture of the account. curriculum. To register, contact Rachael tinue working in the early 1990s when pay was instituted, it was designed to reward Inasmuch as retirees can also get addi- Sawyer Perkins at [email protected]. cuts were instituted to avoid massive layoffs. high attendance. While the plan has tional CalSTRS service credit for accumulated This incentive guaranteed teachers who were been suspended, the half that went into unused full-pay sick time, it “pays” to main- CASA seeks volunteers employed by LAUSD for the 1992-93 school your account in the Attendance Incen- tain high attendance throughout your career. Founded in 1978, Court Appointed year and then retired July 1, 1994, and there- tive Reserve Fund prior to the end of the Special Advocates (CASA) of Los Angeles after a lump sum bonus at retirement. The program is payable after retirement or is a nonprofit organization that recruits, bonus was designed to partially make up separation. The account grows with earn- ESTATE PLANNING trains, and supports volunteers to trans- for the loss of salary, and thus compensation ings from investments made by the fund. form the lives of abused and neglected When you retire or separate from Dis- Want to avoid probate? children in the foster care system. Volun- reported to CalSTRS, during the financial Don’t do it yourself. Let a fellow teacher be crisis faced by the District at that time. trict employment, your accumulated share your lawyer. Sheila Bayne is a full time teers gather information about the present To qualify for the full bonus, employ- of the Reserve Fund is distributed to you teacher with LAUSD and has been an active circumstances of foster children in order ees must have been paid for the number subject to legally required deductions and member of the California Bar for over 25 years. to advocate for their best interests both of hours corresponding to their full-time the provisions of Article XII-A, Section 7.1. Complete Estate Planning Package: in the courtroom and in the community. assignment from the 1992-93 school year. This section addresses deductions that are n Living Trust In many cases, advocates help children If the employee did not work full time made for absences in the last three years n Living Will/Advance Health Care Directives to achieve academic success and are in- during that year, they are entitled to a prior to retirement/separation. This de- n Power of Attorney volved in individualized education plans prorated amount based on the number of duction is intended to serve as a strong in- n Trust Transfer Deeds or even hold a child’s education rights. n Pour-over Will and supporting documents hours they were paid. centive to maintain high attendance levels With advocates, a foster child is more n Personal consultation The amount of the bonus is calculated during the final years of service. likely to be adopted or returned to his/her Discount for UTLA Members: by multiplying the employee’s regular Participants who have a separation date family and less likely to reenter the child daily rate for the year preceding the retire- of July 1, 1997, or thereafter may be subject welfare system. Join one of CASA’s infor- ment date by 20.4. LAUSD Certificated to this penalty. Before the reserve portion $695 mation sessions where you can learn more Personnel processes the change in status is distributed, the penalty amount will be (A-B trust for spouses: $ 995) about this opportunity. To sign up for one, from active to retired and notifies Payroll deducted from the employee’s balance for Also: n Bankruptcies n Evictions or learn more about CASA, visit www. Services, which then researches to verify each illness day used more than the em- CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF SHEILA BAYNE casala.org/volunteer or contact Camrin the retiree’s eligibility. Payment is gener- ployee’s actual illness days earned, or more at 310-435-8710 Christensen, volunteer recruitment and or e-mail: [email protected] ally issued within two to three months than the ten allowable illness days earned A debt relief agency outreach director, at cchristensen@casala. of receipt of the notice from Certificated under this plan in each of the employee’s org or (323) 859-2888.

21 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 Retirees’ Corner Note from UTLA-R President

Report of the May 22 General Assembly Meeting. By John Perez who want to privatize public education. UTLA-Retired President We know that CalSTRS is set up to send By Mignon Jackson repeal the Government Pension Offset money to political action committees UTLA-Retired Secretary and the Windfall Elimination provisions UTLA-R dues to go up: About two years like PACE, and UTLA is going to ask in the Social Security Act. ago we found out that the amount we CalSTRS to allow you to make a contri- President’s report: UTLA-Retired Presi- New business: Congratulations to Dan collect in UTLA-Retired dues was incor- bution to PACE from your pension check dent John Perez announced that there will Henderson, who was chosen as a delegate rect: Our dues were way lower than what just like you used to make contributions be an increase of either 9 or 10 cents to our to the NEA-R in Orlando, Florida. Miriam the UTLA Constitution called for, which to PACE from your LAUSD check. In the UTLA-R dues as a result of the pay raises Schneider, Shirley Morrison, and Betty is 1/20th of the standard UTLA dues. meantime continue to send checks made that were ratified in the new contract by Black will be the alternates. Working with UTLA we changed the dues out to “UTLA PACE” to Vice President UTLA. The new dues will be based on a Docents are still needed for Las Ange- to be 1/25th of the standard dues, and for Cecelia Boskin at 3547 Federal Ave., Los formula following language in our UTLA lenas (the mayor’s volunteer corps to cty the last two years that has been what we Angeles, CA 90066. Constitution. He also spoke about an effort government). If you are interested please have been paying. But we understood that UTLA-R General Assembly meetings for to create a monthly UTLA PACE contribu- call Mary Louise Williams at (213) 978-1995. there would be times when the standard 2015-16: The dates for our General Assem- tion through CalSTRS. Tomas Junge, who is in charge of hos- UTLA dues would go up sharply, so when bly meetings for the upcoming year are: Treasurer’s report: UTLA-Retired Trea- pitality, would like to thank all of the we changed the UTLA Constitution, we • October 16, 2015 surer Mike Dreebin reported that as of helpers at the UTLA-R meeting today: put in a proviso that gives the UTLA-R • January 22, 2016 May 22, the balance in the budget is Emily Ettinger, Eva Giese, Hattie Mc- Steering Committee and the UTLA Board • March 18, 2016 $35,869, which means additional members Frazier, Bill Miller, Andy Otero, Norma of Directors the right to set our dues at a • May 20, 2016 can attend the NEA-Retired meeting in Pesqueria, Sue Solomon, Jane Sakamoto, different amount than the one stipulated At the first meeting the topic will be Orlando, Florida. and Frances Williams. in the UTLA Constitution. If both bodies your health benefits and at the second Health benefits report: Loretta Toggen- Guest speakers: Our guest speaker was vote by separate two-thirds vote, the dues meeting the speaker will be from CalSTRS burger reminded everyone about the im- Susan Strick, deputy city attorney from can be set at an amount different than what to talk about our pension system. We will portance of physical activity as an effective the Elder Abuse Unit of the Los Angeles is in the constitution. mail you a postcard before each meeting. pain reliever for arthritis. She also reported City Attorney’s Office. She spoke about The recently ratified UTLA-LAUSD Every year we pick members from the that our health benefits will continue for the many different activities that deal with contract will give our active colleagues General Assembly meetings to attend the 2016 and 2017 calendar years. elder abuse or senior exploitation. Some of a well-deserved 10.3% pay raise for the conferences and conventions to repre- PACE report: Cecelia Boskin reported the scams targeting seniors are: investment period 2014-15/2015-16. UTLA dues will sent UTLA-R. These events are sponsored that UTLA-R members have given more schemes; telemarketing, sweepstakes, and go up also about 10%. Your steering com- either by the NEA/CTA, the AFT/CFT, or than $4,500 in the last couple of years. All lottery scams; “Grandparent” scams; and mittee felt that a 10% raise would be a retiree organizations like the California members are urged to make a contribution Internet fraud. She also reminded every- bit steep considering that retirees only Alliance for Retired Americans. UTLA-R by mailing your check made out to PACE one to maintain connections with others get a simple 2% COLA every year (the budgets for these events and we reimburse to Cecelia Boskin, 3547 Federal Ave., Los in the community. If you have questions COLA that the state legislature votes on our attendees for travel, lodging, meals, Angeles, CA 90066. or concerns please call the Los Angeles every year for retirees is not 2% of your and incidentals. Membership: UTLA-R membership is City Attorney’s Office of Elder Abuse at current pension, but 2% of what your Thank the union: We have a good still growing. We now have 4,010 members. (213) 485-2352. pension was the year you retired). Your pension from our years of education em- Please invite other retirees you know to Member concerns: Eva Giese spoke Steering Committee therefore suggested ployment, and most of us qualified for join UTLA-R. about the next UTLA-R luncheon, which is to the UTLA Board of Directors, and the lifetime benefits negotiated by UTLA for Legislative report: Mary Rose Ortega, scheduled for Thursday, August 20, begin- Board of Directors agreed, that the dues our dependents and ourselves. A Gov- our legislative reporter, spoke about bills ning at 1 p.m. at the Warehouse Restaurant for UTLA-R be increased by 4%. UTLA ernment Accounting Office (GAO) study that can impact UTLA-Retired. They are in Marina Del Rey. will inform CalSTRS of this change, and showed that more than half of American AB 966 (Medina), which would require Bill Taxerman announced that the Cam- when the new dues become effective, our households with a person 55 or older have additional financial information be pro- paign for a Healthy California “Medicare dues will increase by either 9 cents or 10 NO RETIREMENT SAVINGS! Half of all vided to CalSTRS 403(b), and Senate Joint Turns 50” rally and celebration will be cents a month. households with a person 65 or older Resolution 1 (Beale), which calls on the held July 30 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at PACE add-on coming? The only way depend primarily on Social Security for President and the Congress to enact the L.A. Trade Tech, 400 West Washington for retired teachers to make contribu- their retirement income. Only 29% of Social Security Fairness Act of 2013 to Blvd., Los Angeles. tions to PACE, UTLA’s political action people 55 or older have a defined benefit committee, is by writing out a check to pension plan like our CalSTRS plan. PACE, and you have been very gener- We need your email: If you want to be ous. UTLA-R members have contributed on the UTLA-R email alert list, send your Check out the Grapevine page: between $4,000 to $5,000 annually over email address to [email protected]. Workshops, exhibits, and more the past few years so that UTLA can fight the millionaires and billionaires Perez can be reached at [email protected]. UTLA Board of Directors election results Below are the results of the special elections to fill open seats Financial statements on the UTLA Board of Directors. Results of the Adult Educa- As required by the UTLA Election Rules, all spending on UTLA tion and Early Education elections pending certification by the election campaigns must be reported to the Election Committee and Board of Directors. printed in the UNITED TEACHER.

NORTH AREA NEA VOTES PERCENTAGE NORTH AREA NEA ADULT EDUCATION Karla Griego 22 76% Karla Griego Matthew Kogan James C. O’Gabhann 7 24% Expenses: $25 Expenses: $0 Income: $25 Income: $0 VALLEY EAST AREA AFT VOTES PERCENTAGE James C. O’Gabhann Ralph J. Ortolano, Jr. Mel House 43 90% Expenses: $0 Expenses: $46 Linda Everhart 5 10% Income: $0 Income: $46

ADULT EDUCATION VOTES PERCENTAGE VALLEY EAST AREA AFT EARLY EDUCATION Matthew Kogan 169 73% Mel House Corina Gomez Ralph J. Ortolano, Jr. 62 27% Expenses: $46 Expenses: $0 Income: $46 Income: $0 EARLY EDUCATION VOTES PERCENTAGE Linda Everhart Blanca Mejia Corina Gomez 45 67% Expenses: $0 Expenses: $46 Blanca Mejia 22 33% Income: $0 Income: $46

22 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015

Human Resources Division Bilingual education issues Peer Assistance and Review Program Buried treasure: The multilingualism of our students. Summer Workshop Schedule

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of 10 countries.” All LAUSD teachers are invited to take ANY of our participating in a Career Day at Thomas • “Your presentation reminded me 6-hour workshops that cover a variety of topics: Starr King Middle School in the Los Feliz/ of my little brother in kinder and of me ABCs of Student Engagement August 6, 2015 Silverlake neighborhood. King has served when I was in kinder and didn’t know Building Strong Connections July 16, 2015 the community since 1926 but recently any English.” Building Strong Connections-Gardena HS August 29, 2015 converted into three magnet schools of- • “You must be really happy when your fering Environmental Studies, Arts and students finally understand a word or a Classroom Management August 11, 2015

Technology, and Film and Media Arts. sentence in another language.” Classroom Management Plus July 22, 2015 After seeing the offerings for presentations • “The way you help students not for Career Day, I realized that “educa- only learn in their language, but learn Common Core Standards-Based Lesson Design July 29, 2015 tion” was not on the list. So I offered to the English language is amazing. By doing Designing Lessons for the 21st Century Learner August 5, 2015 talk about elementary teaching and, in so, you truly change one’s life by opening st Designing Lessons for the 21 Century Learner August 6, 2015 particular, bilingual education. doors for them. I really appreciate your I spoke to four groups of students, 40 in career.” Highly Structured Inquiry-Based Learning in the Common Core July 15, 2015 each group, and began by asking if anyone, • “Thanks for making kids’ lives better.” at the age of five, had been unable to speak I wonder if King is aware of the trea- Interactive Direct Instruction July 21, 2015 English. About 25% in each group raised sure it holds in its grasp. I wonder if all of Interactive Student Notebooks (Grades 4-12) July 23, 2015 their hands. Then I asked how many spoke our schools realize the potential for com- Interactive Student Notebooks (Grades 4-12)-Reseda HS August 4, 2015 at least two languages. About 90% of the munication, career possibilities, cultural students raised their hands. The last ques- pride, and cultural sensitivity that are in Literacy Strategies in the Common Core July 28, 2015 tion was how many spoke three or more every classroom. Language learning makes Power of Presence July 31, 2015 languages. This got a response of about better people, more productive people, 30%. Which languages were represented? peace makers. Why are we not capital- Reciprocal Teaching in the Common Core August 10, 2015 Spanish, Armenian, Tagalog, Mandarin, izing on the treasure of language that Using Graphic Organizers to Support the Writing Process (Grades K-5) August 7, 2015 Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, our students bring to school every day? German, French, and Dutch. And they all Under state law dual-immersion programs Writing Instructional Objectives -Gardena HS August 3, 2015 spoke English. The students were asked to must be made available to every LAUSD comment on the presentations. Some said: student if their parents were made aware • “I really found it interesting how you of the legal responsibility of the District to teach kids different languages and how inform them of this option. Please contact All workshops can be applied speaking more than one language will UTLA if you need more information about toward Salary Point Credit! affect our future and make it better. You programs, laws, or policies regarding lan- make a difference in our community.” guage learning. *unless noted, all PAR classes are held at the Beaudry Building • “I really enjoyed your presentation as —Cheryl Ortega Sign up through: 333 S Beaudry Ave, LA, CA 90017 a bilingual teacher. It’s really cool learn- Director of Bilingual Education learningzone@ lz.lausd.net

1 ing new languages. It’s like being from [email protected]

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23 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 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. 24 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 Peer Assistance and Review adds three new PD classes

By Christina Guzy techniques and an interactive, hands-on complex text. create a published piece with iPads. PAR Program model lesson, this PD is full of tips, tricks, Using Graphic Organizers to Support the If you attended a PAR PD last year, we and ideas to bring your lessons to life. This Writing Process takes participants step by hope you will join us for one of our new After a great year of professional de- course is appropriate even if your current step through the writing process using courses. If you have never attended before, velopment, which saw more than 1,400 technology resources are limited. graphic organizers. Teachers will be able we hope you will come to see what all the teachers participate and a 98% approval Reciprocal Teaching in the Common to take back a variety of strategies and buzz is about. rating for the courses, the Peer Assistance Core, presented by Kris Tom—one of our scaffolds to use in their own classrooms. and Review team is set to bring three new most popular presenters—will show teach- Ways to incorporate technology will also To sign up: Check out the Learning classes to teachers starting in August. ers how to use Reciprocal Teaching Talk be explored and participants are given Zone for a complete list of all 15 of our Designing Lessons for the 21st Century groups to explicitly teach students the the opportunity to provide feedback and classes. Learner takes teachers on a journey into the skills of questioning, classifying, sum- connected classroom. Incorporating iPads, marizing, and predicting. Based on the document cameras, and computers, the characteristics and research of success- course looks at how to use technology as ful readers, this interactive and highly UTLA CALENDAR a truly integrated part of instruction. From successful literacy strategy facilitates col- great apps to use to dynamic questioning laborative student groups to engage in Friday, July 17 Wednesday, September 2

UNITED TEACHER Publishes PACE, Elementary, Secondary, African American Committee, and Capably July 31-August 2 Disabled Meeting

UTLA Leadership Conference Friday, September 4

Wednesday, August 5 LAUSD Pay Day

LAUSD Pay Day Monday, September 7

Tuesday, August 18 Labor Day First Day of Instruction UTLA Offices Closed

Friday, August 21 Wednesday, September 9

UNITED TEACHER Publishes UTLA Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday, August 26 Wednesday, September 16

UTLA Area Meetings (in the Eight UTLA House of Representatives Meeting UTLA Areas)

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16456-15

16456.indd 1 2/20/15 1:33 25PM United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 UTLA Classifieds

CLASSIFIED AND DISPLAY AD POLICY: UNITED TEACHER will not accept ads for legal services in the areas of worker’s compensation or personal injury; nor advertising for tobacco or alcoholic beverages; nor advertising deemed misleading or offensive to members; nor advertising inconsistent with the programs and purposes of United Teachers Los Angeles.

HOME-BUYING SEMINAR LAUSD EMPLOYMENT ence working with children in the visual and per- into the classroom is favored. Please email a cover forming arts, with a strong emphasis in dramatic letter with your resume to Please email a cover let- performance, directing, or vocal music instruction, Thinking of buying a home? Learn how to go Job share/employment ter with your Please email a cover letter with your is required. Experience in integrating technology resume to [email protected]. through the process from beginning to end in our available ads in LAUSD fun, interactive educational session. Perfect for employment section are FREE. first-time homebuyers, buyers re-entering the market or anyone who wants to learn how to navi- gate today’s sellers’ market. Down payment as- sistance and buying properties to flip and sell will LAUSD POSITIONS How To Place Your UT Classified Ad be explained. Pre-qualification available after class. AVAILABLE Print your ad from your computer or use a typewriter. If you’re using the coupon Refreshments will be served. Saturday, August 8, Various positions are open and available for quali- 2015, 12:30-2:00. Century 21 My Real Estate Com- below, please print clearly. Count the number of words in your ad. Area code fied teachers at Birmingham Community Charter pany, 7825 E. Florence Avenue, Downey. Call (213) and telephone number count as one word. Email and web address count as one High School. Join a vibrant community of educators 909-1349 with questions or to RSVP. Hosted by word. Street address counts as one word. City and state, including zip code, at BCCHS. Apply on Ed Join.org agent/teacher Andrea Mauk and loan officer Angelo count as one word. Abbreviations and numbers are considered words and are DiNallo. “The way they explained the purchasing William J. Johnston Community Day School is ac- charged individually. The classified ad rate is $1.50 per word for each time your process and protections for buyers made a signifi- cepting applications for a full-time science/technol- ad runs (there is no charge for LAUSD job share/employment available ads). Mul- cant impact in educating me about real estate.” - ogy teacher. Those interested should send letter of tiply the number of words in your ad by $1.50. This is the cost for running your ad Jacky Flores, February attendee. intent, resume summarizing experience, and letters one time in UNITED TEACHER. If you’re running your ad in more than one issue, of recommendation to: Barbara Politz, Johnston multiply the one-time total by the number of issues you wish the ad to appear. CDS, 2210 N. Taper Ave, San Pedro, CA 90731 or We have a ten word minimum ($15). All ads are payable in advance by check or REAL ESTATE email to Barbara Politz [email protected] or fax to (310) 832-7914. money order. Please make check payable to UTLA. The deadline to receive your FOR SALE: Rare Downtown TAXCO, Mexico Villa, classified ad at the UTLA Communications Dept. is noon on the Monday that 5715 sq ft of Construction, 3 Commercial Spaces, South Shores Elementary Magnet School for the falls two weeks prior to the publication date. Any questions? Call (213) 637-5173. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 500 sq ft Terrace with Visual and Performing Arts (located in San Pedro, Views, 3 Possible Residences with 3 Separate En- ESC S) is seeking highly qualified applicants for trances, 2 Car Garage, Only a 5 Minute Walk to teaching positions for the 2015/2016 school year. CLASSIFIED AD COPY FOR UNITED El Zocalo, Santa Prisca Church, Restaurants and Candidates must be knowledgeable in teaching Shopping, Appraised at $497,000 on March 6, 2015, Common Core curriculum, as well as demonstrate TEACHER PUBLISHING Just Reduced to $349,000. www.taxcomxvilla.wee- initiative in applying the new standards in creative _____ August 21 (due date: Aug. 4) _____ September 18 (due date: Aug. 31) bly.com, 310-386-0365, [email protected]. and engaging ways in the classroom to reach all learning abilities and modalities. Extensive experi- Name:

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Earn Salary Points Ad Copy: Attach your typed copy to this form or print clearly here: 21st Century Learning

Completely Online Buy Now – Take Course Anytime In 2015! Total number of words: _____ @ $1.50 = $______per run date

25 Courses Available Number of run dates ____ X $____ each run date = $______(1, 2 and 3 Salary Point courses available) No credits or refunds on canceled ads. Mail with payment to UNITED TEACHER Classifieds, UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Ads may also be dropped off at this address.

Increase in mileage For more information and to enroll reimbursement effective July 1 Visit The UTLA-negotiated increase for established standard rate (currently www.cecreditsonline.org/LAUSD mileage reimbursement went into effect 57.5 cents). The mileage rate applies to July 1, 2015. The agreement increases UTLA members, such as itinerants, who the reimbursement from 35 cents per have assignments that require them Online • Anytime • Anywhere mile to the Internal Revenue Service- to go to multiple locations in one day.

26 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net July 17, 2015 UNITED TEACHER GRAPEVINE Free teachers summit on July 31 Mansion. This District-approved class points), Technology for Math Enrich- gistics: Classes will be held on Tuesday On Friday, July 31, an estimated 20,000 is open to all K-12 teachers and is worth ment (3 salary points), Apple Keynote and Wednesday, July 28 and 29, from 9 California teachers will come together at two salary points; it will also expose (1 salary point) and Equipping Students a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1226 North Alvarado 33 locations across the state for the Better participants to resources that can supple- with the Mindset of an Achiever (1 salary St., Los Angeles CA 90026. Cost of the Together: California Teachers Summit, a ment their teaching. Class will meet at points) and ELD (3 salary points). There’s class is $225 (limited partial scholarships forum for teachers to share innovative Francis Polytechnic High, on August 15, a special price of $70 per salary point available). One salary point available, with strategies and build stronger teacher com- 22, 29, and September 12, at 8 a.m. From (good until August 15). To register for homework. For more information or to munities. Locally, the summit will be held Poly High, participants will commute to a class go to http://quikitech.com. For register, visit www.echoparenting.org or at the Pasadena Convention Center. Or- the three locations (one each class day, any questions, contact the instructor at email [email protected]. ganizers describe the event as a unique except for September 12). The course QuikiTech, at (424) 256-9789. opportunity to hear about proven best fee is $175 per unit, preregistered ($185 Free online weather & climate practices from nationally renowned speak- on the first day), which includes course Salary point class: Classroom course for K-12 teachers ers, fellow teachers, and thought leaders materials and breakfast, site admissions, management through connection The American Meteorological Society in education. The free summit will be led and docent-led tours. Enrollments will be and compassion is offering a free online course in the at- by teachers, for teachers and is designed accepted until—and including—the first Echo Parenting and Education is of- mospheric sciences. Teachers receive all to help build a powerful network of peers. day of class (August 15, 2015), or until fering a two-day salary point workshop course materials, classroom aids, and The event is cohosted by Loyola Mary- cap is reached, whichever happens first. for K-12 teachers. Instructors will share access to the course online website as mount University, Antioch University, For further information, email en4ed@ a range of tools to support teachers in well as 3 units of graduate credits. For Pepperdine University, and the Univer- earthlink.net, visit www.en4ed.com, or navigating classroom conflicts in ways more information and application forms, sity of Southern California. To register call Larry Carstens at (818) 645-4259. that help children and youth to thrive contact Steve LaDochy at sladoch@cal- for the Pasadena Summit, go to www. and help maintain the quality of connec- statela.edu or go to the AMS webpage: cateacherssummit.com. Online salary point tech classes tion you really want with your students. http://amsedu.ametsoc.org/amsedu/ QuikiTech.com is offering 10 online Participants will walk away with critical DataStremeFrames.html. Salary point class on courses/workshops that are salary point information about behavior, the brain, SoCal architecture approved. These include Microsoft Word and strategies to support students who LAUSD summer institute Expand your knowledge of local (1 salary point), Microsoft Excel (2 salary have experienced trauma; communication for special ed teachers architectural wonders by enrolling in points), Microsoft PowerPoint (1 salary and conflict resolution skills; and alterna- SPED teachers who work with students “Vaunted Mansions: So Cal’s Architec- point), the iPad Enabled Classroom (1 tives to classroom management systems K-5 on core curriculum with five years or tural Wonders of the Early 20th Century.” salary point), Gmail and Google Tools (1 based on punishment and rewards that less of experience in LAUSD are invited to The class will visit the Gamble House, salary point), Equipping Students with don’t address the roots of behavior or attend a two-day Summer Institute 2015, the Hollyhock House, and Greystone 21st Century Technology Skills (2 salary create the quality of connection that you “Weaving a Tapestry of Student Success,” want with your students. Details and lo- (continued on page 21)

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