Award-Winning Newspaper of United Teachers Los Angeles • www.utla.net Volume XLVII, Number 9, August 10, 2018 READY TO ACT NOW For over a year of bargaining with LAUSD, we have continues to disrespect us and refuses to bargain fought to create a better future for our students. As a meaningfully around key proposals. Meanwhile, the union we have presented a comprehensive package of billionaire bloc on the school board continues to push a proposals that addresses the needs of educators and privatization agenda that takes away more resources from students, including improvements in salary, class size, our neighborhood public schools. staffing, and school funding. We’ll continue working for an agreement, but LAUSD may LAUSD refuses to negotiate a fair agreement that leave us with no other option but to strike. Our fight is addresses our critical needs, even though the district more important than ever now that LAUSD Superintendent is sitting on $1.7 billion in reserves. LAUSD has even Austin Beutner is attacking our healthcare, claiming our plan rejected improvements with little or no cost, including costs 44% too much. August will be a huge month for our those to address declining enrollment. movement, including a critical all-member strike vote from August 23 to 30. A resounding YES vote will demonstrate that We have held rallies, school-site pickets, press UTLA members stand united and that we are committed to conferences, and community meetings but the district 100% participation in a strike, if one becomes necessary.

END PRIVA USE THE Fair Wages $1.7B NOW! RESERVE!

STRIKE VOTE: August 23-30 at school sites #GiveKidsAChance #StopStarvingOurPublicSchools

Beutner’s “Hard Choices” report: Cut healthcare, pay, pensions, & student services Page 5 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 United Teacher President’s perspective

PRESIDENT Alex Caputo-Pearl NEA AFFILIATE VP Cecily Myart-Cruz AFT AFFILIATE VP Juan Ramirez Starved of resources and respect ELEMENTARY VP Gloria Martinez SECONDARY VP Daniel Barnhart The time to act is now. TREASURER Alex Orozco SECRETARY Arlene Inouye By Alex Caputo-Pearl EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jeff Good UTLA President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alex delivered the following State of the NORTH AREA: Karla Griego, Chair (Buchanan ES), Mark Union speech at the UTLA Leadership Con- Ramos (Contreras LC), Rebecca Solomon (RFK UCLA ference in July. Comm. School), Julie Van Winkle (LOOC Liason) Sisters and brothers, I’m going to start SOUTH AREA: Maria Miranda, Chair (Miramonte ES), Aydé Bravo (Maywood ES), L. Cynthia Matthews with what happened this week in bargain- (McKinley ES), Karen Ticer-León (Tweedy ES) ing. LAUSD claimed in early July that we EAST AREA: Adrian Tamayo, Chair (Lorena ES), were not at impasse. They said come back Ingrid Gunnell (Salary Point Advisor), Yolanda Tamayo to the table because they had something (Lorena ES), Gillian Russom (Roosevelt HS) substantial to offer. This past Tuesday, WEST AREA: Erika Jones, Chair (CTA Director), Georgia Flowers Lee (Saturn ES), Noah Lippe-Klein guess what, they offered no movement (Dorsey HS), Larry Shoham (Hamilton HS) on the vast majority of our proposals, and CENTRAL AREA: Kelly Flores (Hawkins HS), they doubled down on insulting us, with Tomás Flores (West Vernon ES), a paltry salary offer of 2% on the scale and Claudia Rodriquez (49th Street) a 2% one-time bonus. This after offering VALLEY EAST AREA: Scott Mandel, Chair (Pacoima administrators 3% on the scale, contingent Magnet), Victoria Casas (Beachy ES), Mel House (Elementary P.E.), Hector Perez-Roman (Arleta HS) on additional PD, and a 3% one-time bonus VALLEY WEST AREA: Bruce Newborn, Chair (Hale that could become permanent depending Charter), Melodie Bitter (Lorne ES), Wendi Davis on the budget. Frankly, we find both of (Henry MS), Javier Romo (Mulholland MS) these unacceptable—but it’s particularly HARBOR AREA: Steve Seal, Chair (Eshelman ES), galling that the district believes that we, Karen Macias (Del Amo ES), Jennifer McAfee (Dodson MS), Elgin Scott (Taper ES) frontline educators, are at the bottom of The UTLA officers at the 2018 Leadership Conference, where chapter leaders committed to ADULT & OCCUP ED: Matthew Kogan (Evans CAS) the barrel. We’re across the street from a strike readiness sprint in our fight for a contract that supports educators, students, and BILINGUAL EDUCATION: Cheryl L. Ortega (Sub Unit) Beaudry, so I want them to hear you. Are public education. EARLY CHILDHOOD ED: Position open we going to accept that kind of disrespect? Your UTLA Board of Directors said “no HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: a speech on July 19, reported in the Daily advantage of a demoralized staff to make Mallorie Evans (Educational Audiologist) way” and voted unanimously yesterday News, Beutner reiterated that he refuses to unilateral decisions. SPECIAL ED: Lucía Arias (Sub Unit) to declare impasse again. talk about the annual $600 million impact As this happened, career educators, SUBSTITUTES: Benny Madera Let’s be clear on some punchlines from of charter school growth on our neighbor- friends and mentors of mine, revered by PACE CHAIR: Marco Flores the outset. The LAUSD school board that hood public schools, saying it is irrelevant generations of students, left the school, UTLA RETIRED: John Perez the billionaires put a record-setting $13 and a distraction. Beutner followed this were displaced because of declining en- million into last year has hired a friend by saying something chilling: If we don’t rollment, or retired, often more defeated AFFILIATIONS of Eli Broad, an investment banker, as su- bend to his will and make changes on his than celebrated. I think about my friends American Federation of Teachers National Education Association perintendent. Even with our collective terms, he expects there will be no more who have hung tough at Crenshaw— victory of forcing Ref Rodriguez to resign, public school district in Los Angeles by Maynard Brown, a later career teacher; STATE & NATIONAL OFFICERS the driving forces on the school board the year 2021. Sara Wellington, a mid-career teacher— CFT PRESIDENT: Joshua Pechthalt are moving a privatization agenda. These Now, let’s be clear. This district has $1.7 and I think about great folks just coming CTA PRESIDENT: Eric Heins CTA DIRECTOR: Erika Jones forces believe that the Supreme Court’s billion in reserves and can respond pro- into the profession, like Maricela Lopez, a CFT VICE PRESIDENTS: Arlene Inouye, John Perez, Juan Ramirez Janus ruling attacking unions will help ductively to our demands. This district can fantastic community organizer, now a new NEA PRESIDENT: Lily Eskelsen Garcia them. Meanwhile, the state of Califor- take action to attract families and increase teacher, who could perhaps one day teach AFT PRESIDENT: Randi Weingarten nia—supposedly the pride and model for enrollment, while slowing the privatiza- at Crenshaw. Crenshaw is a microcosm AFT VICE PRESIDENT: Alex Caputo-Pearl NEA DIRECTOR: Mel House the Democratic Party—is at 43 out of the tion drain. And, this district can use its of the district: As Crenshaw’s enrollment 50 states in per-pupil funding. But, now unique leverage at the state level to fight went from more than 3,000 to under 1,000, UTLA COMMUNICATIONS hear this punchline. Amidst that troubling for more funding. Yet, Beutner refuses. the district’s went from over 800,000 to EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Alex Caputo-Pearl picture, educators across the country are In the same way that Donald Trump’s 500,000. It is criminal that career public COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Anna Bakalis rising up like we have never seen before— cabinet members like Betsy DeVos and servants, like Maynard and Sara, and those COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS: Kim Turner, Carolina Barreiro, Tammy Lyn Gann, Pablo Serrano let’s hear it for West Virginia, Arizona, the disgraced Scott Pruitt attack the very ready to become public servants, like Mar- ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Laura Aldana Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Colorado. institutions they are supposed to protect, icela, spend more time worrying about Sisters and brothers, we are at a defin- Austin Beutner, the superintendent of existential questions than about lesson EDITORIAL INFORMATION ing moment. The questions before us are: public schools, attacks public schools. plans. Questions like, Will Crenshaw UNITED TEACHER Will we accept overloaded class sizes? This is shameful. remain open? Will I be displaced? Will I 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Fl., LA, CA 90010 Email: [email protected] Will we accept lies from those who see have enough basic resources to teach my UTLA main line: 213-487-5560 LAUSD as a business to be down-sized The austerity agenda classes? Will my healthcare survive? Will ADVERTISING rather than a civic institution to protect? As it is for many teachers, my former I have a job? Channing said this: “Cren- Senders Communications Group Brian Bullen: 818-884-8966, ext. 1108 Will we accept over-testing, privatiza- students ground me. I was recently talking shaw’s where I became who I am. It hurts tion, and an insulting salary offer? Will to Channing Martinez, who was in my me to see it like this.” UNITED TEACHER accepts paid advertisements from outside we accept disrespect? Let’s switch this up Crenshaw High, and all of our schools, companies and organizations, including UTLA sponsors ninth-grade class at Crenshaw High School and vendors with no relationship with UTLA. Only approved and get some “yesses.” Will we, instead, in 2001. He’s a community organizer now are being starved. Starved of resources vendors can use the UTLA logo in their ads. The content sisters and brothers, demand that they give and works near the school. He was reflect- and starved of respect. Crenshaw was of an advertisement is the responsibility of the advertiser alone, and UTLA cannot be held responsible for its accuracy, our kids a chance and stop starving our ing on how much it has changed over these never perfect, and it has been shaped veracity, or reliability. Appearance of an advertisement should public schools? Will we rise to the occasion past 17 years. Charters have siphoned en- by the institutional racism and classism not be viewed as an endorsement or recommendation by to take action in this defining moment? that affect so much of our society. But, United Teachers Los Angeles. rollment, cherry-picking the most profi- It is within this context that we see cient students with the most active parents. even with its problems, when I was at multimillionaire superintendent Austin The percentage of special needs students Crenshaw in 2001, there was a collective United Teacher (ISSN # 0745-4163) is published nine times a year (monthly except for February, June, and Beutner applying what he knows—not has increased, with less resources to serve sense of possibility, an inspired group of July) by United Teachers Los Angeles, 3303 Wilshire education principles, but investment them. School safety and discipline issues people there making a difference. Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Subscrip- banking and private equity principles. have increased. Cuts have created school That has waned. Many of you have seen tions: $20.00 per year. (Price included in dues/agency He is attempting to “wind down” this the same at your schools over these 17 fee of UTLA bargaining unit members.) Periodicals cleanliness issues, and a charter co-location postage paid at Los Angeles, California. POSTMASTER: public school district, in the same way he sapped resources. The district shifted acad- years. That starvation and decline is exactly Please send address changes to United Teacher, 3303 made his millions—consolidating, cutting, emies and changed the names of magnets, what Austin Beutner and his school board Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. selling off, whip-sawing, and profiting, but academic results continue to suffer. allies want to accelerate districtwide. They Telephone 213-487-5560. while at the same time hiding the ball. In The principal was ineffective and took (continued on next page) 2 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Higher pay doesn’t matter much if it is just munity School transformation process, agreement at every juncture, it is clear that (continued from previous page) to backfill a concession on healthcare. with increasing numbers of schools in- we are coming closer and closer to having We are proud of the breadth and ag- volved every year. Community School exhausted all of our options short of a strike. want to end public education as we know gression of our bargaining package and transformations are successful across the The strike is a weapon we don’t take lightly, it. Their agenda is austerity. Instead of re- campaign. To deal with a 27% cost of living country, yielding schools that are driven by as we sit with the presidents who led the versing decades of disinvestment, instead increase in the last 10 years and the oncom- an improvement process that is bottom-up, 1970 and 1989 strikes. We don’t take it of funding our schools, they want to break ing teacher shortage, we demand a fair that have well-funded parent engagement, lightly, as so many of our co-workers were our schools down and privatize them. wage increase. So that the district can no wrap-around services for families, and that on the line in ’89 and won. We don’t take Just in the last year, they have loosened longer unilaterally raise class sizes, we have broadened curriculum that includes it lightly, as youth, parent, and community regulations on charter schools and gotten demand getting rid of Article 18, Section arts, music, ethnic studies, career/tech, partners are by our sides in this fight. We rid of the inspector general, whose job it is 1.5 of the contract. To deal with atrocious adult education, and more. don’t take it lightly, in how much power a to investigate charter schools. They have ratios in California like 945 students to one Community Schools are part of our strike can have, and that we would need ignored conflicts of interest and brought counselor, we demand additional nurses, Common Good demands. Our students to wield responsibly, as we’ve seen done so staff and lawyers onto the district payroll counselors, school psychologists, social will do better, our families will be more movingly in West Virginia and other places. from the California Charter Schools As- workers, librarians, and more. connected, and we will increase enrollment And, we don’t take it lightly, in the amount sociation, which regularly sues that very It’s absurd that a TK through sixth-grade by winning demands like these: a district of organizational preparation, focus, and same district on behalf of the charter in- student in LAUSD faces over 100 standard- immigrant defense fund; more green space discipline we must have. dustry. They had Reed Hastings and other ized tests that interrupt instruction and on campuses; increasing affordable housing That said, our members are outraged corporate Democrat billionaires pay Ref deprofessionalize teaching. We demand through the district using its unique lever- over a corporate superintendent, a corrupt Rodriguez’s legal expenses to keep him more educator discretion over testing. Cali- age; and really improving school safety school board, a 2% insult, and the rejec- on the board long enough to hire Beutner. fornia, as the richest state in the nation, sits instead of using so-called random searches tion of our proposals by the district. It is at 43rd out of the 50 states in per-pupil that racially profile students, interrupt in- because of this that all across this city we Fresh attacks on healthcare funding. We demand that LAUSD do more struction, and increase anxiety. These and will take strike votes during the week of Beutner hired a Broad Academy gradu- than use rhetoric—we demand the district other demands are essential to student August 23. Are you ready? At this confer- ate as chief of staff, someone who oversaw wage a war for more state funding. We success, building coalitions, and strength- ence, we double down on the discipline testing in Louisiana and reinforced the know that additional staffing is crucial to ening the public school district. we need to carry these votes out. We, as 92% privatization of New Orleans schools. improving school safety and discipline, chapter leaders at this defining moment, Though the vast majority of displaced but we need more than that. We demand Time for a strike vote must lead our co-workers in an over- teachers become so because of charter ex- more input from educators in shaping and Sisters and brothers, the district’s aus- (continued on page 28) pansion, not because of quality of teaching, implementing school safety and discipline terity and privatization program has col- Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said plans. And, if the coming years replicate lided with our investment and revitaliza- he wants to get rid of all displaced teach- the 287% growth in unregulated charter tion program, and we are at a bargaining For the record ers. District staff has made presentations schools that has happened over the last impasse. Our great bargaining team has The May UNITED TEACHER listed to the board calling for class sizes of 50. 10 years, the district will crumble. We negotiated for 19 sessions, 130 hours, the wrong school for Platinum Apple And Austin Beutner produced a report that demand regulations on charter growth and 16 months. Over that time, we have winner Maritza Vallejo Ferrándiz. She said that educators are 17% overpaid, and and on charter co-location. done leafleting, school-site picketing, Big teaches at Vine Street Elementary. that our healthcare is 44% too generous. Many of these demands are crucial Red Tuesdays, rallies at the school board, UNITED TEACHER regrets the error. The report attacks the salary point system, to increasing enrollment. There’s more coalition actions with parents, faculty argues for higher special education class to that. We must be building a concrete meeting boycotts, regional rallies, delega- Alert us to errors: Please send cor- sizes, and pushes for us to do 90 additional vision of what we want our schools to tions to elected officials, earned and paid rections to UNITED TEACHER by email hours of PD and longer work days with look and be like so that we have a concrete media, and a 12,000-member demonstra- to [email protected]. no additional pay. Check out the flyer on response to the privatizers. This is why we tion downtown. your table about this report. are demanding the district fund a Com- While we will continue to pursue an And, Austin Beutner, the investment banker who has never taught, but who has a history of attacking pensions, is using bargaining to attack our healthcare. In In this issue the recent administrators’ agreement and in the SEIU Local 99 agreement, modest salary bumps went alongside increasing 5 Ref resignation: UTLA calls on LAUSD to throw out swing votes 7 UTLA Leadership Conference the required years of service to qualify Special election should be held ASAP so District 5 can be represented. for retiree healthcare. With the two police 8 Accolades unions in the district, Beutner has been 6 Op-ed: Why all teachers—even conservatives—should even more aggressive, offering slightly stick with UTLA 10 UTLA’s Unsung Heroes higher salary increases in exchange for those unions promising to leave the If the union is made irrelevant, we will all feel the harsh winds of change. Health Benefits Committee. The HBC is 12 Passings the union-run entity, including all unions, 7 Racial, class issues with charter accountability that has been crucial to saving healthcare Report finds charter schools with more poor and African American 16 Special section: Educator over the last decades. Beutner is trying to students have lower parent representation on governing boards. Development & Support bribe other unions to start the slow-walk toward giving up healthcare, and, make no mistake, it is all focused on leveraging 20 UTLA-Retired election info us, his biggest adversary. The good news is this: Fresh off our healthcare victory 24 CTA State Council earlier this year, we are optimistic that our election info LAUSD labor coalition will stand and fight against Beutner. 26 UTLA-Retired Let’s be clear, Austin Beutner, Nick Melvoin, and Eli Broad’s goal to destroy public education is ambitious. In turn, our 27 Bilingual issues program for investment in and revitaliza- tion of public education must be ambi- tious. We must have as our overall insti- Get connected to UTLA tutional goal nothing less than saving the Facebook: facebook.com/UTLAnow district and public education. We limit our Twitter: @utlanow demands and actions at our own risk. If we win steps forward on salary, for example, YouTube: youtube.com/UTLAnow but do nothing about the charter drain on At the UTLA Leadership Conference, teacher leaders from Puerto Rico and Arizona district finances and the high class sizes that shared stories behind their successful strikes. Arizona Education Association President drive parents away, those steps forward will Joe Thomas (above left) stressed the importance of getting parents and community on be temporary illusions as the district contin- board. “In Arizona, the government tried to make it about raises, but we kept talking ues to hemorrhage. In other words, higher about what students need,” Thomas said. “Parents have to know what you’re fighting pay doesn’t matter much if you’re laid off. for and it’s so important to give parents a place in the movement.” 3 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 With contract talks at impasse, we build toward strike vote LAUSD has made no meaningful proposals on critical priorities while Beutner sets the stage for major cuts.

On August 3, the Public Employment Beutner’s regressive vision for public ed- 99 agreement, the district paired modest build toward strike readiness and our criti- Relations Board agreed with UTLA’s ucation—one that defunds and dismantles, salary increases with a giveback: an increase cal all-member strike authorization vote declaration of impasse in bargaining and instead of reinvigorates and reinvests—is in the required years of service to qualify for from August 23 to 30. confirmed that talks with the district one we must fight head-on this year. healthcare in retirement. With the two police Our escalation plan connects with the are at a deadlock. PERB has appointed This is the new reality under Beutner: unions in the district, Beutner has been more teacher uprisings happening across the a state mediator. Blame our pay, healthcare, and pensions aggressive, offering slightly higher salary country, in which educators scored deci- “PERB agrees with UTLA in our belief for the funding crisis instead of under- increases in exchange for those unions prom- sive wins that encompass more than wages we are at impasse,” said Arlene Inouye, funding from the state (hyper-wealthy ising to leave the Health Benefits Committee. and benefits. Striking educators in West chair of the UTLA Bargaining Team. “While California ranks 43rd in per-pupil funding) The HBC is the union-run entity that Virginia won a 5% raise for all public sector we move forward with a state mediator, and a school district that refuses to invest has been crucial to saving healthcare as workers, stopped charter encroachment, and continue to try to reach an agreement its healthy $1.7 billion reserve in students costs rise and pressure increases to roll and defeated legislation to eliminate tenure. with the district—one that respects stu- or take affirmative steps to attract families. back coverage. Beutner is trying to bribe In Puerto Rico, collective action saved more dents, educators, and the community— In contrast, our Community Schools and other unions to start the slow-walk toward than 200 schools marked for closure. In we also must mobilize our members for a common good proposals would create an giving up healthcare, but we are optimistic Arizona, teachers hit the picket lines and strike, if one becomes necessary.” alternative to privatized schools, increase that our LAUSD labor coalition will stand won a 9% raise this year and partial restora- Our proposals are not radical—they are student success, and increase enrollment. together to protect our coverage. tion of $400 million in recession-era cuts. necessary. Lower class sizes, less testing, We too must be ready to walk if LAUSD greater parent and educator voice, support Beutner targets healthcare UTLA escalation plan: does not end its bad faith approach to for special education, charter accountabil- and tries to divide unions Get strike ready bargaining. Our readiness and willing- ity, fair pay for educators, equal rights Going after our healthcare is a special The district has chosen a path of auster- ness to fight now will have a tremendous for Early Ed and Adult Ed teachers, and priority for Beutner, as evidenced by the ity and cuts, and we are fighting to reinvest impact on how far the pro-privatization more counselors, nurses, psychologists, recent contract agreements reached with in and save public education. As we head faction will attempt to go in the immediate and teacher librarians—these are essentials other LAUSD bargaining units. In the admin- into mediation, we will continue working future, when they come after our pay, our that all students need in order to learn in istrators’ agreement and in the SEIU Local for an agreement with LAUSD while we healthcare, and our pensions. healthy, thriving schools. Unfortunately, we do not have a partner in the district for our vision. LAUSD is increasingly domi- nated by pro-privatization ideologues who What’s at stake want to dismantle the school district rather than fight for its survival. Cost of living has increased We remain far apart on compensation, Fair Wages 27% since 2008. LAUSD’s salary proposal with UTLA demanding a 6.5% increase Sky-high housing costs are making it is insulting, worsening the and LAUSD offering a paltry 2% on the Now impossible for educators to teacher shortage. scale and a 2% one-time bonus—less than live in Los Angeles. what they are giving other bargaining units. The district offered administrators California ranks 3% on the scale, contingent on additional LAUSD refuses to eliminate section 1.5 PD, and a 3% one-time bonus that could Class Size 48 out of 50 of the contract, which allows them to become permanent depending on the Matters LAUSD teachers have among budget. Both offers—to educators and the largest class sizes in the state. ignore class size caps administrators—are unacceptable, but it is particularly offensive that the district is offering front-line educators less than 100+ UTLA is fighting to provide teachers other employees in the school district. Less Testing & Standardized LAUSD tests with increased discretion to determine More Teaching taken by TK-6 students when and/or what standardized Beutner’s campaign for cuts in 2017-18 assessments are given. New LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner has wasted no time in showing his cards. In Beutner’s first months on the job, California is the richest state he has executed a coordinated campaign to Fund Our in the nation, yet ranks UTLA is fighting to increase per-pupil justify his austerity program for our schools. funding to $20,000 by 2020. LAUSD must His actions leave no doubt that he was hired Schools 43in per-pupil out spendingof 50 join us to fully fund our schools. by pro-privatization school board members to do what he did as a profit-focused invest- ment banker: cut, consolidate, dismantle. Student-to-counselor ratio in CA • In June, Beutner released the “Hard LAUSD refuses to add more Choices” report to set the stage for major Improve school nurses, counselors, social workers, Student-to-nurse945:1 ratio in LAUSD cuts. The document is filled with outra- School Safety librarians and other staff; rejects greater geous claims: Educators are overpaid … 1,224:1 educator input on school safety plans. LAUSD over-invests in supplies and materials …. our pensions should be “less generous” …. special education is ripe for cuts … the teacher workday is too short. Beutner’s report fol- End the 287% growth LAUSD refuses to bargain for in the charter school industry in LA since 2008 reasonable charter accountability lowed a presentation by district officials Privatization drains almost to the school board that recommended and co-location measures. from public$600 schools eachmillion year. raising class size to as high as 50 students Drain per teacher. • In July, Beutner told business leaders The Community Schools model, successful LAUSD ignores Community Schools that the school district may “be no more” Support across the country, includes broadened and common good proposals, though by 2021, and he called the annual $600 curriculum, parent engagement Community they would increase success and million impact of charter school growth and wrap-around services. on our neighborhood public schools ir- Schools enrollment in public schools. relevant and a “distraction.” • In August, Beutner gave an inter- view to LA School Report and talked • California is the 5th largest economy in the world. directly about closing “underperform- There Is • Corporations refuse to pay their fair share in taxes. ing” schools and accused teachers of not Money • LAUSD sits on over $1.7 billion in unrestricted reserves. putting students first. 4 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 Beutner report is a roadmap to dismantling public education Report targets pay, healthcare, workday instead of taking on funding crisis.

On June 5, Austin Beutner released his incorrect data to justify conclusions and “Hard Choices” report and a connected recommendations targeting educators and SALARY ADVANCEMENT SOCIO-EMOTIONAL SUPPORTS “Resource Map,” based on an analysis vulnerable students. What would be left Pages 23-24 FOR STUDENTS by ERS, a paid consulting firm he hired. of our school district if Beutner is allowed What it says: The salary schedule should Page 10 The report uses flawed methodology and to implement his vision? be overhauled, including requiring higher What it says: Social-emotional supports educator attendance rates for salary do not support student learning and they advancements and curtailing “generous” “remove resources from core instruction.” HEALTHCARE PENSIONS offerings of salary point classes. What it means: Decimate support for Pages 4, 21, 55 Page 4, 55 What it means: Make it harder to earn vulnerable students. What it says: Employee healthcare costs What it says: Educator pensions are a pay increases. 44% too much and the district could shift “burden” and the current system could resources “from benefits to other priorities.” be phased out for a hybrid system with a What it means: Cut healthcare. “less-generous pension.” PAY What it means: Attack retirement security. Page 21 What it says: Educators are overpaid by 17%. What it means: Let pay stagnate and do SPECIAL ED nothing to address looming teacher shortage. Pages 37-42, 56 EDUCATOR WORKDAY What it says: LAUSD should identify Pages 4 and 28 fewer students for special ed services, cut What it says: The LAUSD workday is too aides, and increase special ed student-to- short. 90 minutes per week should be added teacher ratios. with no additional pay. What it means: Cut required services for What it means: Impose longer workday some of our most vulnerable students. with no extra pay—a cut in hourly wages.

RESOURCES & SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Page 55 Pages 4, 27, 56 What it says: LAUSD has an “over- What it says: LAUSD teachers devote investment” in instructional materials & “too little” time to professional supplies and support staff. learning. The district should add 90 What it means: Cut aides and critical hours of PD with no extra pay. classroom resources. What it means: Impose PD with no extra pay—a cut in hourly wages.

Ref resignation: UTLA calls on LAUSD to Read the report at http://bit.ly/ERSreport and throw out swing votes UTLA’s full response at http://bit.ly/ersresponse Special election should be held as soon as possible so the parents and students of Board District 5 can be represented. The flawed methodology behind In the wake of Ref Rodriguez’s guilty pleas and his long-awaited resignation from the Beutner’s “Hard Choices” report LAUSD School Board, UTLA is calling on the school district to throw out any swing votes Apples to oranges to suit whichever claims they are and hold a special election as soon as possible The study uses different comparison making, using no less than four dif- to fill his seat. In July, Rodriguez pleaded districts, sometimes anonymous and ferent, and contradictory, amounts for guilty to a felony conspiracy charge and a sometimes not. They claim that a dis- per-pupil funding. series of misdemeanors for money launder- trict with barely 7% of the enrollment ing during his 2015 election campaign. of LAUSD (Cleveland, Ohio), and a Blame educators instead Ignoring an outcry from the community district with only 34 charter schools of real causes demanding his resignation, Rodriguez (Baltimore, Maryland) are compara- The #1 insight ERS offers is: refused to step down for almost one year ble to LAUSD—with 511,000 students “LAUSD is facing a structural deficit after being formally charged and he served and 277 charter schools. The authors due to increasing liability for pensions as the swing vote on critical, long-lasting compare financial information from from the state and annual spend[ing] policies—including the 4-3 vote to begin different (and undisclosed) years, dis- on health and welfare benefits.” They the process of hiring investment banker torting the data using a wage inflator reach that conclusion despite the Austin Beutner as superintendent. UTLA that is at least 11 years old, to make dif- fact that LAUSD’s percentage of the is demanding that all 4-3 decisions where ferent points—whichever districts, and budget devoted to employee salaries Rodriguez cast the deciding vote be recon- whatever manipulations, help support and healthcare is well within—and sidered or thrown out completely. their predetermined conclusions. even below—the range for compa- For months, parents and community members “Every vote he made on the school board rable California districts. They admit kept the pressure on Rodriguez, following him was not in the interest of students or parents Bad data that they never analyzed the cost of of LAUSD,” UTLA President Alex Caputo- to court hearings and school board meetings, The study uses incorrect numbers charter growth—despite the fact that Pearl says. “He carried out the wishes of toting handmade signs and hundreds of peti- for basic data such as K-12 enrollment the unregulated growth of the charter the wealthy privatizers, including the bil- tions calling for his resignation. and percentage of English Language industry costs LAUSD almost $600 lionaire-backed California Charter Schools Learners. The authors lack an under- million. Worst of all, the authors never Association and Netflix CEO Red Hastings, transparent and not be similar to the hiring standing of basic statistical concepts, mention per-pupil funding as a con- who gave generously to Ref’s legal defense.” of Beutner, who was selected with little claiming that LAUSD is out of line tributing factor—despite California UTLA joins the call from District 5 public input or oversight. The appointee with the “median” percentage of stu- ranking 43rd out of 50 states in per- parents and community for the board to must be a true advocate for public educa- dents identified for special education, pupil funding. schedule a special election as soon as possi- tion, not beholden to CCSA, and it must be when in fact they are using a mean. ble. To instill confidence in the public in the someone who respects accountability, sup- They inconsistently manipulate data —UTLA Research Dept. aftermath of the Ref scandal, the process ports the essential civic role of public school to bring about the appointment must be districts, and is experienced in education. 5 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

Speaking out Why all teachers—even conservatives—should stick with UTLA If the union is made irrelevant, we will all feel the harsh winds of change when we look at our paychecks, our benefits, our administrators, and our students.

By Larry Carstens, MA, NBCT place by the union. We have a right to rep- Polytechnic High School resentation, and I know of several good teachers who never should have needed “We must, indeed, all hang to exercise that right, but did, because together, or most assuredly, we of false accusations made against them shall all hang separately.” by vindictive students, parents, and/or —Benjamin Franklin administrators. Contrary to anti-union propaganda, if and when teachers are I don’t always wear my politics on my proven guilty, they can still be disciplined sleeve, and so it may shock some who or removed, but it takes more than a know me (many readers of this publica- flimsy accusation or the bad mood of an tion know me as one of the guys who leads administrator for this to happen, and this salary point classes sponsored by Enrich- protection is there because of the union. ment for Educators) to learn that I hold I would also point out that the union— some conservative views, based on my which is often accused of political partisan- religious beliefs. Perhaps equally shock- ship—has protected teachers against false ing to some of my fellow believers, I have accusations and vindictive administrators, also been an active member of UTLA since regardless of their views. I have known 1994, and I have twice served as chapter teachers who had conservative or indepen- chair of my school. And I strongly believe dent political views who have nevertheless in the teachers’ union. I don’t always agree received protection and advocacy from the with its politics, but I fully agree with union when they needed it. And there was its existence, and the majority of what it no partisanship or litmus test of the teach- does for teachers. So I plan to continue ers’ views before they were given this pro- my full membership in the union, and to tection. In my own experience, after I tried For the Carstens family, being part of a strong union has meant fair wages, access to good healthcare, continue paying my dues, even if the Janus to respectfully voice an objection to one of and job security. decision of the SCOTUS means I am not the policies of a former principal, she told required to do so. Furthermore, I think all some of my colleagues “I hate him” (and my part-time work), I have been able to UTLA does not win every battle it teachers of LAUSD should, as well. The that is a direct quote), and started saying support a stay-at-home wife and five fights, as some of my colleagues are quick following is a description of reasons why false things about me, and tried to displace children, and pay a mortgage on a decent to point out. Others mention battles it all of us who are teachers have a moral—if me to another school, against my will. A house in the Los Angeles area (one of did not fight, but should have (in their no longer a legal—obligation to pay our similar attempt was made against UTLA the most expensive places to live on the opinion). Whatever the merits of these dues to the union. President Alex Caputo-Pearl when he was planet), for the past 20 years. I have never arguments, what is undeniable is that all We all benefit from the union’s work, the chapter chair at Crenshaw High School. had to worry about health coverage for teachers have benefited from its work, to and so it makes sense that we all contribute Both of these naked and inappropriate my family of seven. The new superin- a degree that many now take for granted. to it. In the 24 years I have been a member administration power-plays were stopped tendent, who has never taught school a And if the union is defeated, “de-fanged,” of UTLA, I have seen the union at work, because of the union. I remember officers day in his life, has made clear that he’d and/or made irrelevant, we will all feel and I fully believe that many of us (espe- of the union coming to my school and like to end the kind of compensation and the harsh winds of change when we cially those who are new or “young” in the meeting with my then-principal, as well benefits I (and my colleagues) have re- look at our paychecks, our benefits, our profession) have no idea what our profes- as my local superintendent, to defend and ceived. One of his first acts as superinten- administrators, and our students. We sion would look like without it. About 10 advocate for me. And at no time was I dent was to commission a report with the cannot and should not accept the false years ago, I was considering the possibil- questioned about my political beliefs. In noble-sounding title, “Hard Choices”— dichotomies being floated by anti-teacher ity of moving to another state (Arizona), fact, I have—over the past several years— basically claiming that teachers in Los billionaires: A) that what benefits teach- and so I did some research on the pay written a series of letters to past presidents Angeles are overpaid, because their pay ers’ unions does NOT benefit teachers, and benefits of teachers there. While the of UTLA voicing disagreements with the and benefits exceed those of teachers in and B) that what is good for teachers is cost of living is less than it is in L.A., the union on certain issues. If the union was other states with a much lower cost of bad for students. differences in pay and benefits were so playing partisanship in representing its living. The report claimed to include ad- Like the litigants in the Janus decision, I stark, they were shocking. While nobody members, I must have missed it. justments for different costs of living, and could argue that the union does not repre- becomes a teacher hoping to get rich, we The union has also acted on behalf of yet it kept secret some of the locations sent my political views. But unlike them, do enter this profession with some hopes teachers, and those who support them, to which it was referring, so its claims I recognize what it has done for me and of making a decent living. Whether we regardless of party affiliation. A few years could not be critically examined. The my colleagues, and I am glad to contribute want to admit it or not, over the past four ago, I recall how UTLA supported Scott union’s recent declaration of impasse in my dues to its work, and thereby fulfill an decades, the union has made it possible Schmerelson, who was then a pro-union negotiations with the district (which is important moral and ethical obligation for someone to earn a decent living as Republican, in a race against an anti- now characterized by contemptuous and toward those whose work has benefited a teacher to a much greater degree than teacher Democrat, Tamar Galatzan. At insulting offers for teachers) symbolizes and protected mine. I recognize what the many of us realize. the present time, Schmerelson is probably that it is still fighting for my benefit and union has done for my profession, and For example, there are protections and one of the most powerful voices speaking that of my colleagues, whether they are my consequent obligation to give back to due processes in place, which many of up for teachers, even as the majority of aware of it or not. it. Do you? us take for granted; and yet our parents his fellow board members seem to hold and grandparents who were teachers classroom teachers in contempt, and to be can easily recall a time (especially if they intent on doing the bidding of Eli Broad worked in another state without a strong and the anti-teacher billionaires’ lobby. Air your opinion union) in which teachers served at the Mr. Broad has dumped millions into the We welcome submissions to “Speaking Out,” which is an open pleasure of their administrators, regard- campaigns of candidates for the school forum for opinions on timely topics. “Speaking Out” states the less of how much experience they had board, and made generous contributions opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the position in the classroom, and regardless of how to the education department of the Los of UTLA, its officers, or UNITED TEACHER. innocent they may have been of suspected Angeles Times, and it seems his anti-union wrongdoing. All it took was an accusation (actually, anti-teacher) agenda is gaining By mail: Editor, UNITED TEACHER, from a disgruntled student or an easily ground. If we hope to have decent pay 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, offended administrator, and they were and benefits, we need a strong union now Los Angeles, CA 90010. gone: no questions asked. When teachers more than ever. in LAUSD are accused of wrongdoing, Because of the pay and benefits the By email: [email protected] they are protected by processes put in union has fought for (in conjunction with 6 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

UTLA Leadership Conference All In for Respect Site leaders commit to proactive plan that builds on the teacher uprisings across the country.

One day after UTLA declared impasse in The reality that we are not alone in our “We are with you”: Parents and students on a Sunday morning panel commit to standing bargaining, hundreds of chapter leaders mo- struggle was driven home by the parents, with educators because we are fighting for what they want for their education, including lower bilized in downtown LA from July 27 to 29 at students, community members, and elected class sizes, less testing, more music, arts, and ethnic studies, and stopping privatization that our “All In for Respect” conference to plan es- officials who joined us over the weekend threatens the viability of neighborhood public schools. From left: panel moderator and UTLA calating actions in our fight for a fair contract. in general session panels and workshops. Elementary Vice President Gloria Martinez, Trinity ES parent Alejandra Delgadillo, Dorsey With the district not moving remotely Chapter chairs took inspiration from teacher HS student Marshe Doss, UCLA Community School student Sumaiya Sabnam, and Marianna in the right direction on pay, class size, leaders in Puerto Rico and Arizona, who ES parent Noemi Galindo. Galindo roused the crowd when she said, "In the end, our enemy is increased staffing, overtesting, and other shared stories behind their successful strikes. not the district. Our enemy is not Beutner. Our enemy is fear.” critical issues, chapter chairs tightened Mercedes Martínez, president of the plans to hit the ground running when the Federación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, West Virginia lit a fire school year starts, including holding critical described her union’s 2008 strike, which and we saw a differ- chapter meetings on August 13 and an all- won a 14 percent raise and a ban on charter ent way to advocate member strike vote beginning August 23. schools on the island, and their organizing for our students.” to save hundreds of schools from being At the conference, closed after Hurricane María. chapter chairs deep- “They thought they could control ened the commitment the media and our story wouldn’t get to get schools strike out,” Martinez said about the power ready, recognizing of social media to shape the narrative that we don’t want to and collective action to get results. “You strike but being ready are fighting many of the same issues. to walk is our best shot Privatization is about corporate greed at winning a contract and shutting down schools. Know that agreement that re- you are not by yourself in this struggle. spects educators and Your struggle is our struggle.” students and address- Chapter chairs at the Leadership Conference deepened the commit- Arizona Education Association Presi- es the sustainability of ment to get their sites strike ready, should LAUSD leave us with dent Joe Thomas described how teachers our school district. no choice but to walk. in his state were driven to the picket Los Angeles High lines by a government that refused to do School teacher Baltazar Valadez attended walked, but I did it anyway, and 30 years later, UTLA site leaders get on their feet at the end of anything to counter the decades of tax the conference as a first-time chapter chair I’m still an LAUSD teacher,” Valadez said. “If UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl’s state of cuts that decimated education funding. after three decades in the classroom. During we strike this year, I’m aiming to get 100% of the union speech: “Sisters and brothers, if you “We did everything the way we were the last UTLA strike, in 1989, Valadez was a our staff on the line. We’re going talk to each are committed to strike if the district forces us to, supposed to do it and we were ignored,” new emergency credentialed teacher. other, share our experiences, and get orga- stand up right now!” Thomas said. “We had to raise the stakes. “A lot of people said I would get fired if I nized. If a strike comes, we’ll be out there.”

Racial exclusion and charter school governance Charters with more poor and African American students have lower parent representation on governing boards.

Are privately operated charter schools The report makes a number of policy accountable to the public that funds recommendations to enhance representa- them and the parents who entrust their tion and strengthen the voice of parents children to them? That fundamental and the community, including requir- question drives a new report from the ing charter governing boards to include UTLA Research Dept. and the Alliance to parents of current students on the board, Reclaim Our Schools. “Whose Schools? instituting a method to recall board Community Representation and Trans- members, and requiring board meetings parency in Charter School Governance in to be scheduled so that they are accessible Los Angeles” looks at the makeup of 224 to parents. charter governing boards within LAUSD Greater parent representation would boundaries and reviews the incidences of ensure oversight from those involved meaningful parent representation. with the school on a daily basis and help Among the findings: guard against unethical or illegal behavior. • Charter schools with fewer students in Recent local scandals—including the FBI poverty have greater parent representa- raid of Celerity and the conflict-of-interest tion on governing boards. charges against former LAUSD School • 10 out of 12 charter schools with majorities Board member Ref Rodriguez, founder Putting co-location enablers on notice: The same day that a new report confirmed serious of African American students have no pa- of the PUC charter chain—underscore the accountability issues in the charter industry, parents, students, and educators from Sunrise rental representation on governing boards. need for greater accountability and trans- Elementary in Boyle Heights visited the restaurant of Samuel Robles to protest co-location • Corporations have a disproportionate parency in the publically funded, privately and demand accountability for charter operators. Robles recently resigned from the Excelencia influence on charter school governance, operated charter sector. Charter Academy board amid scrutiny over his support for policies that impact neighborhood with 31% of board members identified The issues outlined in the “Whose public schools like Sunrise. as corporate professionals. Half of those Schools?” report are part of a larger group come from the financial sector. of problems driven by the rapid, unregu- On the day the report was released, and parents testified about the damage • None of the nine Charter Management lated expansion of charter operators in the parents, educators, and community done to neighborhood schools when charter Organizations operating more than five Los Angeles Unified School District. Other members from Sunrise Elementary held a operators co-locate on an existing campus. schools each has a designated parent serious issues that call out for increased surprise protest at the restaurant of Samuel At Sunrise Elementary, for example, stu- representative in a governing role. accountability of charters include overly Robles, recently resigned board member dents are losing a computer lab and other • Many charter schools hold meetings punitive student discipline policies, prac- of Excelencia Charter Academy, which is resources to Excelencia. during hours or at locations that make tices that push out high-need students, co-locating at Sunrise. Chanting “Whose meaningful participation difficult for and funding and building patterns that schools? Our schools!” the group carried Read the “Whose Schools?” report at working parents. destabilize neighborhood public schools. signs through the restaurant, and teachers utla.net. 7 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

STEAM-related, hands-on activities. Acccolades Parker now advances to the national phase of the competition, where he will have a chance to win an additional $5,000 Teacher wins Science Lab regional of support to attend the NSTA National challenge Conference on Science Education in St. The 2017-18 school year wrapped up Louis, Missouri, in April 2019. in a big way for Mark Parker, a National Board Certified teacher at Carson Street Five 2018 LAUSD Teachers Elementary STEAM Academy. In May, of the Year move on to he received a Teacher of the Year Award county competition from the city of Carson and was named a Five LAUSD 2018 Teachers of the regional winner in the Shell Science Lab Year are moving on to the LA county- Regional Challenge administered by the level competition as part of the National National Science Teachers Association. Teachers of the Year program—one of The competition recognizes K-12 science the oldest and most prestigious honors teachers who have found innovative ways in the U.S. for public school teach- to deliver quality lab experiences with ers. One of last year’s LAUSD Teachers limited school and laboratory resourc- of the Year, Venice High sports medicine es. The regional winners each received educator Kirsten Farrell, went on to be a school science lab makeover support named a California Teacher of the Year. package valued at $10,000 (for the elemen- The Teacher of the Year program provides Standing proud: The 2018 LAUSD Teachers of the Year tary and middle levels) and $15,000 (for much-deserved recognition for teachers the high school level). who have shown exemplary dedication, their fears as they transition to adulthood. own powerful voices, as they learn to ar- Parker is on the Local District South compelling classroom practices, positive Leslie completed her teacher prepara- ticulate their ideas, and express themselves Science Leadership Team, which devel- accomplishments, and professional com- tion program through the District Intern as scholars and agents of change. Joe has ops NGSS standards-based curriculum mitment and who serve as standard-bear- Program and holds teaching credentials an English credential and National Board maps and resources for area schools ers for the teaching profession. in both Mild-Moderate and Moderate Certification in English. He completed his to guide instruction. At Carson Street, Here’s a little about the 2018 LAUSD to Severe Disabilities. Leslie achieved teacher preparation with TeachLA through which just became a Practitioner 3.0 Teachers of the Year. certification by the National Board for Center X at UCLA. Teaching for 11 years, school, Parker, along with his colleagues, Leslie Anderson, an education special- Professional Teaching Standards in the he is chapter chair at his school and a collaboratively plan and implement in- ist, teaches at Leichman Career Prepara- area of Exceptional Needs and has been former UTLA board member. novative programs such as “May the tory and Transition Center. Her great- teaching for 20 years. The additional 2018-19 L.A. Unified Fourth Be with You Day,” during which est joy is seeing her students learn to Flor Cuevas teaches sixth grade at Teachers of the Year: teachers, parents, and students spend utilize their strengths, understand and Graham Science, Technology, Engineering, Christina Bludau teaches third grade at the day participating in engineering and rise above their challenges, and conquer Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Elemen- Sherman Oaks Elementary Charter School. tary Academy. One of her greatest joys is Ari Anne Campbell teaches fourth grade witnessing students gain confidence and at Westside Global Awareness Magnet foster perseverance within themselves. She Span School (K-8). has a Multiple Subject Credential along Jalina Ramirez Chatzipantsios teaches with a Math and English Supplementary sixth- and eighth-grade Business, Entre- Credential. She completed her teacher preneurship and Computer Science at Flor- preparation at California State University, ence Nightingale Business, Entrepreneur- Dominguez Hills and has been teaching ship, Technology Magnet School. for 10 years. Fluent in Spanish, she also Benjamin Feinberg teaches eighth-grade advocates for her students, their families math at Luther Burbank Middle School. and communities, and her profession. He also coaches the Science Bowl team. Wendy Lucia Lozano is a fifth-grade Aileen Gendrano Adao teaches 12th- teacher at Canoga Park Elementary grade English at the Math, Science, and School. One of her greatest joys is watching Technology Magnet Academy at Roosevelt her students internalize a growth mindset Senior High School. and embrace the challenge to pursue a Jason Hayes teaches English and theatre higher education so they can empower at James Monroe Senior High School. themselves, their families, and their Dennis Hagen-Smith is a fifth-grade, Representatives from the National Science Teachers Association/Shell Science Lab Regional Chal- communities. She completed her teacher multiple-subject teacher at Toluca Lake lenge visit Mark Parker (second from right) at Carson Street Elementary STEAM Academy to preparation at California State University, Elementary school. recognize him as the regional winner of the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge. Northridge, where she earned a Multiple Susan Kacvinsky teaches 12th-grade Subject Teaching Credential and a Master English Language Arts at LAUSD/USC of Arts in Education. Bilingual in English Media Arts and Engineering High School. and Spanish, Wendy has been teaching Sean Longstreet teaches sixth- to eighth- nine years. grade instrumental music at Walnut Park UTLA meeting board Jennifer Tróchez MacLean is a fifth- Middle School. grade teacher at Gates Street Elementary Monica Multer is a kindergarten-second Upcoming meetings & Human Services, Human Rights, Inner School. One of her greatest joys is wit- grade special education teacher at Melvin City, Instructional Coaches, Kindergarten nessing her students learn that with prac- Avenue Elementary school. Teachers, Library Professionals (4:45-6 tice and perseverance they can master Tara Race is a ninth- to 12th-grade AUGUST 22 & p.m.), Middle Schools, Multi-Track/ a skill or concept they initially didn’t teacher at the City of Angels School. Year-Round Schools, Non-Classroom/ think they could. Jennifer has a B.A. in Susan Requa is an English teacher at SEPTEMBER 12 Non-School Site, Options Committee, Biology and Psychology from Occiden- Alexander Hamilton Senior High School. UTLA Area Meetings: See times and Physical Education Action and Dance, tal College and a M.S. in Science Edu- Diana Shar is a social science teacher at locations at utla.net. Professional Rights & Responsibilities, cation from the University of Southern East Los Angeles Renaissance Academy Early Childhood Education Committee: Pre-Retirement Issues, Salary & Finance, California, and she is a National Board High School. 7 p.m., UTLA building. School/Community Relations, School Certified teacher. Jennifer completed her Joyann Sofio is a sixth-grade math and Readiness Language Development teacher preparation at California State science teacher at Walter Reed Middle Program, Secondary School Counselors, University, Dominguez Hills, where she School. SEPTEMBER 5 Special Education, Substitutes, Violence The following committees meet on the was also a National Science Foundation Erin Sopapunta is an 11th-grade English Prevention & School Safety, Women’s Master Teacher Fellow in Elementary teacher at Francis Polytechnic Senior High same day as the House of Representatives Education. from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (unless noted) in Science. Teaching for 21 years, Jennifer is School. the UTLA building: Arts Education Com- bilingual in English and Spanish. Madeleine Walker teaches a fourth-fifth mittee, Asian-Pacific Education, Bilingual SEPTEMBER 22 Joseph Zeccola is a high school English combination class at Palisades Charter Education Committee, Chicano/Latino Substitute Committee General and Advancement Via Individual Deter- Elementary School. Education, Gay & Lesbian Issues, Health Meeting: UTLA building. mination (AVID) teacher at Sherman Oaks Anne Marie Wotkyns is a fifth-grade Center for Enriched Studies. His greatest science teacher at Kittridge School for joy is watching students discover their Advanced Studies. 8 WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Healthy weight, happy body Forget juicing, fasting, and fad diets. Just focus on being healthy and fit. When you eat right and exercise regularly, maintaining a healthy weight can happen naturally.

Fill up with fiber Make time to move Rethink your drinks High-fiber foods fill you up Cutting calories can help There’s more to maintaining without filling you out. Getting you lose weight, but keeping your weight than watching the right amount of fiber a it off long-term is a different what’s on your plate. Calories day can help you lose weight, story. Exercise is a must — from soda, juice, and alcohol regulate your blood sugar, aim for 200 to 300 minutes add up fast. Switch to mostly and lower your cholesterol — of physical activity a week to water to help keep your all without counting calories. keep extra pounds you’ve weight from creeping up lost from coming back.* over time.

LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO KEEP YOUR WEIGHT STEADY? Social icon Rounded square

Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines. Visit kp.org/weight and follow us @kpthrive.

*American Heart Association Services covered under a Kaiser Permanente health plan are provided and/or arranged by Kaiser Permanente health plans: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, 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 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington or Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc., 601 Union St., Suite 3100, Seattle, WA 98101 • Self-insured plans are administered by Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company, One Kaiser Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612 60644513 November 2017 Please recycle. United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 Respect the hustle: UTLA’s Unsung Heroes Front-line warriors for public education are honored at Leadership Conference.

Every year at the UTLA Leadership and courage. She has given the members other sites as co-leader of the Taskforce Claudia Argueta & Dawn Perez Conference, we honor a select group of at her chapter hope and demonstrated Against Privatization. She strengthens CENTRAL AREA members as our “Unsung Heroes”—people that working together toward a goal our monthly Area meetings by creating A preacher’s daughter, Claudia who personify the proactive organizing we builds strength and unity. Middleton ES Power Point slide shows highlighting Argueta, and a daughter of the Acjache- need to win our contract campaign and has been the target of a charter school our union activism and organizing work. men Native American Nation, Dawn the fight to save public education. We are co-location for two consecutive years. Yolanda also has served on the WHO Perez, have been a force to be reckoned stronger through their work and inspired by Jocielly used her organizing and leader- Awards and Leadership Conference com- with this past year at 52nd Street Elemen- their dedication to organizing with parents, ship skills to inform and gain the support mittees. Her strong work ethic, leader- tary. Through organization, solidarity, defending against co-locations, standing of educators, parents, and community ship, and commitment to UTLA make and hard work, this team rescued their up to dysfunctional principals, and more. members to protect public education Yolanda Tamayo this year’s East Area school from a controlling principal and Unsung Heroes are chosen each year against the privatization of our com- Unsung Hero. reinstated a more democratic environ- by UTLA Area leaders and members, who munity schools. Jocielly, along with her ment that allows for teacher input and had this to say about what makes each of chapter and community members, has ad- Sharonne Hapuarachy follows the contract. Their Local School them deserving. vocated to protect student resources and WEST AREA Leadership Council now includes elected has also informed the community of the The youth from Students Deserve, parents (not “appointed” by the adminis- Sinh Trinh amazing programs that their neighbor- who are leading the “Making Black Lives trator), and their decisions are respected. NORTH AREA hood school offers students. Together they Matter in Schools” movement, have a Faculty meetings returned, instead of only are building a school community that will Sinh Trinh has been a UTLA member staunch ally in Sharonne Hapuarachy. having PDs on Tuesdays, and the UTLA be able to withstand the difficulties that for 18 years. He has served as vice chair Many students feel that their schools are announcement block is now at the begin- come with being co-located by a charter and Steering Committee member/Cluster over-policed, often times seeing more ning of the meeting instead of the end. school. For her commitment and dedica- leader in North Area for a combined 14 police on campus than college counselors, They organized a schoolwide struggle tion to her students, union brothers and years. In these capacities, he has been orga- librarians, therapists, or nurses. Students to get back their grade-level planning sisters, community members, and public nizing at his school, supporting the estab- are organizing against the district’s policy time during banked-time Tuesdays, which education, we recognize Jocielly Aure as lishment of an active Contract Action Team of random searches, whereby students the staff had been requesting for years. South Area’s Unsung Hero. to organize members at Charles White are removed from class and searched Especially important was that they agi- Elementary. As a Steering Committee for weapons. Sharonne supported the tated for adherence to policy and won! member/Cluster leader, Sinh has been Yolanda Tamayo youth as they developed a button and Staff voted on next year’s professional EAST AREA organizing schools in his area, engaging flyer campaign against the searches, and development waiver, and they won’t be chapter chairs in contract issues and our Yolanda Tamayo has been an active she helped the students develop their having PD every single Tuesday—only Schools LA Students Deserve campaign. member in East Area for the past 10 years leadership skills to present their research the contractual 26. Argueta and Perez For the regional rallies, Sinh helped or- and a teacher for 24 years. She is one of alongside Black Lives Matter and the took on issues important to their school, ganize a march of parents, students, and the leaders at Lorena Street School, orga- ACLU at the school board and to lead a and the members of 52nd are better for it. teachers to the rally site. Sinh has also nizing and getting members and parents major event with Black Lives Matter co- led Area trainings for CAT members. Just out to every rally. For the past three years, founder Patrisse Cullors. Sharonne holds Krystal Wharton recently, during the re-carding and PACE meetings with Black Lives Matter as they she has been the chapter chair, and she VALLEY EAST AREA campaign, Sinh increased the number of serves as an East Area Steering Commit- engage black and Latino parents around PACE members at his site from four out tee member and Area treasurer. Yolanda random searches, overpolicing, and the Vinedale Elementary is a small, but of 17 members to 16 out of 17. is a leader in parent and community urgent need for more school funding. mighty, UTLA chapter. Krystal Wharton organizing work to fight the privatiza- Sharonne is also a fantastic chapter chair always has 100% member participation Jocielly Aure tion of our public schools. Along with and a National Board Certified English in union activities, including chapter SOUTH AREA other members, she helped establish the teacher at Dorsey High. For all of these meetings, leafleting, and job actions. In Jocielly Aure is an outstanding leader. parent group “Padres Contra la Privati- reasons, West Area honors Sharonne addition, she has been an amazing leader As chapter chair at Middleton Elementary zacion,” and she fights against Prop. 39 Hapuarachy with this year’s Unsung and a rock for her chapter, as Vinedale School, she leads her chapter with grace co-locations not only at her school but at Hero award. (continued on page 19)

Not present at conference: Claudia Argueta and Dawn Perez

Yolanda Tamayo with East Area Chair Adrian Tamayo Rosa Diaz and Phylis Hoffman with Harbor Area Chair Steve Seal Carlos Monroy and Jason Kinsella with Valley West Area Chair Bruce Newborn (center)

Jocielly Aure (right) with South Area Chair Krystal Wharton with Valley East Area Chair Sinh Trinh with North Area Chair Karla Griego Sharonne Hapuarachy (left) with West Area Maria Miranda Scott Mandel Chair Erika Jones 10 MAKE A DIFFERENCE. LEAD THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION.

California Lutheran University’s Graduate School of Education prepares the next generation of leaders in education. Now accepting applications through July 1 for Fall 2018 start:

M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership

M.S. in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services with PPS Credential

M.S. in Counseling and College Student Personnel

Preliminary Teaching Credential with M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership

Education Specialist Credential with M.S. in Special Education

Financial Aid and Graduate Scholarships Available.

Explore our Educational Leadership programs as well!

(805) 493-3325 [email protected] CalLutheran.edu/GSOE United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 Passings

Carol Allen, sister, aunt, and friend to everyone, passed away last spring. Carol was born and raised in Los Angeles. She later purchased a home in Torrance, where she spent most of her adult life. Carol attended Gardena High School and was accepted to Wellesley College, where she earned her BA in English. She first worked for Bullock’s Department store in Santa Ana. After five years, she began her 28-year career with LAUSD as an elemen- tary school teacher and taught for many years at Hawaiian Avenue Elementary. Carol Carol Allen Neil Fitzpatrick Stephen Caminiti had a variety of interests, which included 1957-2018 1946-2018 literature, art, nature, sports, baking, floral arrangements, painting, and traveling to Yosemite National Park. Carol is survived by her siblings, Pa- tricia Language and Terry Allen, as well as her beloved and only niece, Briana Language, and various cousins. She will always be treasured and remembered by the children she touched through her em- ployment and her active role in children’s ministry at Gardena Valley Baptist Church, and her many, many friends.

Reseda High track coach Stephen Cami- niti passed away peacefully with his family Rudi Eagleson Anthony Liali Gladys Roseman by his side on July 1 after a hard-fought 1926-2018 1962-2018 1934-2018 illness at the age of 71. He was born on August 15, 1946, to the loving family of Ruth (Guerin) and Joseph Caminiti in Los Steve earned two All American honors after he matched the world record mark in the and physical education career at Crespi and Angeles. The family moved to Woodland achieving two national records in the high indoor 60-yard low hurdles. Reseda high schools, he and his coaching Hills in 1958. and low hurdles in one day. Steve channeled his love of track and staff produced multiple league, city, and Steve was blessed with athletic gifts that At the University of New Mexico, field into helping student athletes achieve individual state championships. His suc- were discovered and refined by Coach Bill Steve earned an All American award as a their highest potential. Throughout his cesses granted him the 1996 LA City Section Leeds at Crespi High School. While there, member of the 440-yard relay team, and 35-year track and cross country coaching (continued on page 30)

Insured by NCUA

12 Have your students mastered the CA CCSS?

Get detailed strategies AVAILABLE FOR: for teaching every • ELA, Levels 1–6 single standard. • Math, Levels 1–6

NEW!

Learn more at mentoringminds.com/ca-ccss

844-630-9920 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

From the Treasurer Dues power our union Our union is how we advocate for members and defend public education.

Your dues at a glance

7% Governance 8% UTLA Building

UTLA's democratic structure includes seven officers, UTLA's headquarters on Wilshire Blvd. houses our staff and officers as well as pro- the Board of Directors, and the House of Represen- vides space for committee meetings, trainings for members, and local community tatives. Along with these governing bodies, we also events. Our building also houses our Support Network, which is a great benefit for have dozens of Standing Committees that meet on Chart Titlemembers seeking National Board a regular basis. This portion of your dues pays for Certification. 40% Organizing, Mobilizing and all of these policymaking bodies to be able Member Services to meet and govern. This portion goes to UTLA staff compensation and healthcare for 6% General Operations administrative and field represen- By Alex Orozco This section covers operat- tatives who support member orga- UTLA Treasurer ing costs—from software nizing as well as protecting work- and hardware to everyday place rights through grievances and This summer the Supreme Court hit helping chapter leaders organize public sector unions hard with the Janus items like office supplies and school sites. It also covers staff who decision, but like in many other attempts copy machines—that keep work directly on school-site issues by the anti-union forces to break us, our union running efficiently. UTLA is ready for the fight. like co-location, overtesting, special Months before the decision was education, and many other concerns handed down, we began asking members that impact our members. Along to recommit to the union, and the vast 39% State and National Affiliates/ Group Legal Services 1 2 3 4 5 with onsite support, this portion majority of members have done so by funds our ongoing media campaign, signing the UTLA “All In” membership UTLA is part of state and national unions: NEA/AFT and CTA/CFT. Our national and state affiliates are public and community outreach, and card. To build on this, over the summer constantly advocating for legislation on all levels that protects educational funding and our professional all necessary elements involved in a UTLA conducted a door-to-door cam- rights. Belonging to these affiliates gives UTLA the opportunity to be a part of Group Legal Services, robust and fighting union, including paign, during which UTLA officers, which provides our members with the best legal protection available to educators in the country. The a research department, communi- directors, members, chapter leaders, affiliates also provide our members with various forms of professional development, grants, and other cations department, and political and organizers visited nonmembers’ benefits such home protection during natural disasters. and community organizing program. homes and talked to them about joining the union. Through these one-on-one conversations, we cut our number of and make sure they signed theirs too. campaign. Our members have always to participate in various decision-mak- nonmembers in half. Our onion needs to be strong orga- wanted our story front and center, touch- ing spaces so that we can address the All over the nation, other unions are nizationally to defeat the privatizers ing our communities everywhere, and needs of all our members—committees following suit and conducting similar and ensure that we win a fair contract, UTLA is making sure that happens as like the Elementary Committee, Special outreach programs to protect collective protect our healthcare, and defend we escalate our contract fight. Education Committee, and many more. bargaining rights. Now it comes to you. public education. This requires financial Being the second-largest educator To create these opportunities for our As we open another school year, we resources and tremendous capacity— union in the country, we also have many members’ input and participation, we ask that you join us in making sure that your membership makes that possible by different constituent groups that we rep- need to maintain our UTLA building. our union is a strong and vibrant one. If making sure UTLA’s budget is a solvent resent—groups like health and human This requires resources as well, and our you haven’t signed your “All In” card, and resilient one. services, counselors, special education, budget allows for it. sign it. If you have, talk to your colleagues UTLA’s budget is built on a frame- early education, adult education, and Right now, we are in a contract fight work of organizing and representing substitutes. All of these groups have area with the district over issues that are es- our members. It includes salaries and representatives organizing them and ad- sential to all of our members, such as a healthcare for staff, legal expenditures vocating for their contractual rights on a salary increase, lower class sizes, less ESTATE PLANNING to represent members, and our affilia- daily basis. These specialized constituent testing, and more charter accountability. Want to avoid probate? tion membership with both state (CFT groups have different issues, and UTLA These are just a few of the key issues Seeking peace of mind? and CTA) and national unions (AFT and proudly fights to make sure your working that are impacting our schools and are Don’t do it yourself. Let a fellow teacher be NEA). These affiliations on the state and conditions and rights are protected. drivers in the loss of enrollment, which your lawyer. Sheila Bayne is a full time national level are critical in the political We are at the epicenter of the privatiza- leads to displacement and/or loss of teacher with LAUSD and has been an active turmoil that we are in, especially under tion movement, and we have an amazing employment for our members. We are member of the California Bar for over 30 years. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, charter organizing team that works with also fighting for more school decision- Complete Estate Planning Package: whose main mission is to implode public our unionized charter schools, as well making power, more special education n Living Trust education as we know it. as proactively fights to organize and funding, and Community Schools that n Living Will/Advance Health Care Directives The largest part of our budget is spent unionize other charter educators who provide wraparound services for our n Power of Attorney on staff and organizing members for col- come to UTLA for support—charter students. n Trust Transfer Deeds lective action. We have area represen- educators like those at Alliance schools, Our union is our vehicle for collective n Pour-over Will and supporting documents tatives who work with chapter chairs who are moving closer to getting union action—it is how we harness our power n Personal consultation to organize their sites and to address contracts to give them a greater voice at to advocate for all of our members and to Discount for UTLA Members: school-site issues such as dysfunctional their schools. defend public education in Los Angeles. administrators, unfair evaluations, and Our budget also allocates area funding. For all of this to be possible, we need the class assignment problems. Along with UTLA is divided into eight areas, and resources and capacity to be a strong, $750 area representatives, we have talented di- each area has a budget to conduct busi- fighting, and organizing union that will (Joint trust for spouses: $ 1095) rectors, regional organizers, and parent- ness, such as area meetings, special survive any attack now or in the future. Also: n Probate n Conservatorships community organizers, along with staff in events, parent organizing forums, and Be part of history and join the fight. CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF SHEILA BAYNE the communications and research depart- other actions that give our members at 310-435-8710 or e-mail: [email protected] ments. These departments are leading access and a voice. Along with areas, Haven’t signed the All In recommit- State Bar #123801 the way in making sure our narrative is our budget allocates funding for dozens ment card? Sign online at www.utla.net/ told through the “We Are Public Schools” of committees that encourage educators members/membership-application. 14 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

From the UTLA/NEA Vice President NEA takes a new stand for racial justice Delegates pass first-ever resolution acknowledging white supremacy.

ing demands, and shifted the narrative of public education.

Taking a stand for racial and social justice What a historic RA! On Independence Day, the National Education Association took a stand to say that to achieve racial and social justice, we must acknowledge white supremacy culture as the root of institutional racism, structural racism, and white privilege. This has been a multi-year struggle to bring this stand to fruition and we did it. Passing this resolution is just one example of what we can accomplish when By Cecily Myart-Cruz we organize, strategize, build coalitions, UTLA/NEA Vice President and educate those within our sphere of influence. A special thank-you goes to This year marked my 20th NEA Rep- Harbor Area’s Elgin Scott for his resil- resentative Assembly, and I could not ience and perseverance as a member of have been more proud of the advocacy the Resolutions Committee. Here’s the work that our UTLA delegates engaged text of the resolution: in on behalf of public education. The NEA The National Education Association be- RA is held every summer to conduct the lieves that, in order to achieve racial and social business of our national affiliate, and justice, educators must acknowledge the exis- UTLA sends a team of educators to be tence of white supremacy culture as a primary our voice and our force at the assembly. root cause of institutional racism, structural This year, our team debated, caucused, racism, and white privilege. Additionally, the had one-on-one conversations, passed Association believes that the norms, stan- motions that matched our UTLA bargain- dards, and organizational structures mani- UTLA members (top and above left) UTLA members and other NEA RA delegates march at the massive RA, where more than through downtown Minneapolis to protest federal im- 6,000 educators determine the poli- migration policy. FALL cies of our national affiliate. 2018 fested in white supremacy culture perpetually The RA delegates also passed critical exploit and oppress people of color and serve motions calling on NEA to: as detriments to racial justice. Further, the • create a charter schools moratorium invisible racial benefits of white privilege, toolkit; which are automatically conferred irrespective • use existing programs to active- of wealth, gender, and other factors, severely ly recruit and train males of color to be limit opportunities for people of color and educators in preK-Higher Ed; impede full achievement of racial and social • advocate for the implementation of justice. Therefore, the Association will ac- quality arts programs in preK-Higher Ed; TRANSFORMING PRACTICE tively advocate for social and educational • advocate for lower interest rates and strategies fostering the eradication of institu- affordable housing programs for educa- tional racism and white privilege perpetuated tors; and SATURDAYS 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM by white supremacy culture. • use existing media to educate members Join us at our beautiful In a linked matter, NEA also affirmed about the perils of co-location of privately campus for five fun and SEPT that black lives do matter with the passage managed charter schools and traditional engaging workshops for of a new business item that calls for NEA public schools and, in states where there K-12 classroom teachers 15TH to promote the Black Lives Matter Week are laws that require co-location, to use and teaching artists. FEE: of Action in schools during Black History existing legislative staff to lobby against it. OCT Month in 2019, using existing communi- We want to thank every single activist $225 EXPERIENTIAL WORKSHOPS IN: 6TH & 13TH cations resources, specifically calling for and ally who organized around passing Visual Arts | Ceramics | Playmaking clear efforts to demonstrate support for the these critical platforms for our students Dance | Drama | Poetry | Music NOV EARN 2 LAUSD three demands of the BLM Week of Action and members. This year, educators began 3RD SALARY POINTS Common Core Connections | ELD Strategies in schools: 1) ending zero-tolerance poli- exercising their rights to rise up to demand Community Building | Restorative Practices cies and replacing them with Restorative respect for their students and our profes- Integration of the Arts Across the Curriculum DEC OR 2 MSMU Justice practices, 2) hiring and mentoring sion. Our unions have been under attack EXTENSION UNITS Social-Emotional and Trauma-Informed Focus 1ST black educators, and 3) mandating that long before the Janus Supreme Court case, Ethnic Studies be taught in PK-12 schools and the ruling just reinforced the need for in age-appropriate ways. collective action. Now is the time that we must engage, be inspired, and act boldly. We cannot be REGISTRATION DUE REGISTER SOON! Work study available. Support for Community To register please visit: SEPTEMBER 5TH Space is limited Schools & more passive—it isn’t a time to rest and wait for INNER-CITYARTS.ORG/CITC The NEA RA passed a policy statement someone to save us. We are the change we INFORMATION | [email protected] | (213) 627-9621 ext. 114 and released a toolkit on one of UTLA’s seek. We must be bold, stand up, speak essential concepts for improving public truth to power, and demand RESPECT. education: Community Schools. The Six Now is the time that we must have coura- Pillars of Community Schools Toolkit is an geous conversations with others. We must NEA resource guide for educators, families, organize our members and build authentic and communities and can be downloaded coalitions and community partnerships. at http://bit.ly/NEAtoolkit. This movement will take all of us. 15 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 Special section: Educator What to know about the negotiated evaluation system for 2018-19.

The contract agreement negotiated with sional growth model. On these pages are a ing Framework (a relic of the John Deasy era) LAUSD by UTLA and approved by members guide to the system and some tips to ensur- to the California Standards for the Teaching in 2015 made improvements to the teacher ing a fair process. Profession and including contract language evaluation process as part of our long-term Future negotiation priorities could include on Artifacts of Evidence so that evaluations do goal to move toward a career-long profes- shifting from the use of the Teaching Learn- not rely so heavily on one formal observation.

Institution of firm timelines Your administrator must adhere to these dates

STEPS in the Process Contract Deadline 2018-19 Calendar Dates

Notification to teacher that he or she Norm day or the last day of the fifth September 15 is being evaluated week of school

Cannot be evaluated that year (unless Employees assigned to new school probationary or received below October 5 site after the eighth week of school standard eval)

Must take place within first eight weeks Initial Planning Conference By October 5 of school

Formal Observation/Conference Must be completed by the sixth week By February 22 (only one is mandatory) of the second semester

Written summary must be within four Evaluation Post-Conference 10 days after the observation days of conference

30 calendar days prior to the last day Final Evaluation May 7 for teachers

Initial planning sheet Observations

objective elements Employees being evaluated shall receive one formal observation during their evaluation year (down from two mandatory observations before the 2015 contract agreement) + one “growth visit” (considered Employees will be evaluated using seven performance focus ele- informal observation) that must be completed by March 15. ments of the Teaching and Learning Framework (TLF) rather than all Employees who wish to be formally observed more than once may 15. Your initial planning sheet should be consistent with individual arrange additional evaluation with their evaluators. Per Ed Code, ad- objectives. All observations, assistance and guidance, and your final ministrators have the right to informally observe employees at any time. evaluation should be directly related to your planning sheet.

elements designated by the District each year Please see page 21 for the list of constraints that For this year: Standard 3 b2: Discussion techniques and student participation you may wish to attach to your initial planning sheet. 3 Standard 3 c1: Standards-based projects, activities, and assignments Standard 3 d3: Feedback to students 3 elements selected by the employee element cooperatively selected by the +1+1 employee and the evaluator 7 total elements If you cannot come to an agreement with your administrator on the cooperatively selected element, there is an appeal process (see Article X 4.2 of the UTLA-LAUSD contract).

16 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 Development and Support (EDS)

Tips: OBSERVATIONS Tips: Teachers are encouraged to document the observation CONFERENCES time and duration and to make a record of the classroom appearance, student activity, and student work. In & CONFERENCE subsequent administrator visits, do the same type of MEMOS documentation, paying attention to any items included in the Per Article X, Section 5.0d: “Within “assistance and guidance” portion of the observation summary. four work days of a post-observation Written reflections are optional and voluntary. conference, post-growth plan visit conference, or other types of Tips: ARTIFACTS OF EVIDENCE conferences in which problems are Artifacts can include sample student work, lesson identified, a copy of records relating plans, unit plans, sample assessments, department to observations, conferences, and meeting agendas, parent call logs, or any other type of assistance offered or given, shall be documentation that provides evidence of a teacher’s practice provided to the employee for the for a given element in the Teaching and Learning Framework. employee’s information, guidance, and as a warning to improve Formal Observation vs. Final Evaluation performance.” Multiple measures are used to determine your final performance evaluation, with observation ratings being only one part. • Be prepared prior to conferencing with Other factors that MAY be taken into account for an administrator. your final evaluation: • Take your Initial Planning Sheet with you to your pre-/post-observation conferences. Be sure to ask for a printout after your Initial Planning Conference. Formal Observation • Document every conversation/ interaction you have with your administrator. Include time, place, duration, witnesses, tone of conversation, and so on. Keep copies of all written interactions. Submitting Parent Participation grades, communication in PD • Ask clear questions, request compliance information/support, and make issues suggestions.

• Respond to conference memos in writing; don’t allow the administrator’s version to be the only voice on the matter. For example, what pertinent information Relationships was omitted from the conference memo? Growth plan, with Other informal visit colleagues Elements Correct the record, and memorialize the facts as you know them to be.

Evaluations are not grievable except when the final overall Call your Area Representative if you evaluation is “below standard” or there is significant dispar- ity between the rating and negative comment on the form. have questions.

17 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

Secondary matters “Effects bargaining” on the Community Coalition Settlement How disrespecting parent, student, and educator voice leads to principals giving themselves raises.

we do about it? munity engagement in each school, the place to approve local school plans, we It begins with LAUSD not allocating inclusion of educator voices, and needed know that not all of the faculty can be funding appropriately for the highest- transparency around school budgets and expected to make it to all of the council needs students. This is an established fact, positions. Rather than seeing an opportu- meetings. This is why we proposed that agreed to in a court-ordered settlement, nity to collaborate with “labor partners,” the district place the Innovation Funds and that resolved a lawsuit brought against the district chose the direction of school plans on a faculty meeting agenda at least the district regarding the way it was divid- board members Nick Melvoin and Monica once a year, to make sure that there is an ing up money to schools under the Local Garcia, telling principals to draft plans im- opportunity to have a discussion and that Control Funding Formula (LCFF). mediately to begin spending the money as educator voices are heard. The district has The organization Community Coalition they saw fit. Sadly, while some principals rejected our proposal on this issue. (a partner with UTLA in the California Calls engaged their communities, many princi- statewide network) worked with Public pals followed the privatizers’ lead, drafting Respect for student Counsel and the ACLU to sue the district, in plans in almost complete isolation from privacy: REJECTED order to drive more funding to schools where their school community, only sharing these The Innovation Funds are meant to be the district was miscounting students with plans with UTLA after they had been ap- spent to make sure that there are more special needs. In the “Community Coalition proved by local district administrators, and counselors, PSWs, and restorative justice By Daniel Barnhart Settlement,” LAUSD agreed to redirect an began to spend the “Innovation Funds.” advisors meeting with students in these UTLA Secondary Vice President additional $150 million over three years to 50 In what is called “effects bargaining,” schools. When meeting with students of the highest-needs schools across the city. we pushed back aggressively, drawing or parents about personal, private, and Which LAUSD employee has been given Even as the broader concern of inadequate on the framework of our overall contract even legally protected matters, it is crucial the sole authority to give themselves a school funding remains, this settlement had bargaining. We demanded, received, and that there be a confidential workspace raise, paid for by money earmarked for the potential to make a real difference on analyzed every plan, in the process getting available in which to have these conver- our highest-needs students? On the Roybal these campuses, and in student lives, and the district to place all of the plans online. sations. We demanded, just as we had at Learning Center entry on the LAUSD show that money spent on our highest-needs Over the course of four bargaining ses- the main table, that a confidential work- website (http://tinyurl.com/y9m3qlt5), students is not wasted. sions, we put forth a series of “effects space be guaranteed at every one of these you can see that the principal has written, Knowing that money in school accounts bargaining” proposals, specific to these 50 schools, guaranteed for the students’ submitted, and approved a plan that calls is only the beginning for educators in LA, 50 schools, that would be important first privacy, and guaranteed as a matter of for him and his APs to receive $74,000 in last year UTLA issued a demand to bargain steps toward community engagement, professional respect. Perhaps to preserve additional raises over the next two years, with LAUSD the “effects” of the settlement educator voice, and transparency. spaces for Prop. 39 co-location attempts, paid for by “Innovation Funds.” agreement, hoping to ensure that addi- the district has rejected a guarantee of How did this happen and what can tional money would mean greater com- Respect for student confidential workspaces. voice: REJECTED Knowing that student voices, especially Accountability and transparency in secondary schools, are essential in de- in budgeting: REJECTED OPERAtunties for termining student needs, we proposed When public money is labeled “dis- that the district require each school to cretionary” and is being spent in the Teachers and Students have some process of student engagement name of our students, we have to push around the best use of these funds. The for transparency and an inclusive, district rejected our proposals and refused public process of decision making and to address the need to include student reporting. We demanded that the dis- voices regarding student needs. trict compile a simple report of how the Be an Opera Superstar for Your Students! money was spent, what positions were Respect for parent created, and where the money went. The • EARN LAUSD salary points through professional development voice: REJECTED district refused to investigate its own • BRING your students to the opera for FREE Parent engagement, involvement, and operations and look at the big picture decision making are crucial to our vision of what is going on with the settlement • INVITE LA Opera artists into your classroom of what public education must look like, money. When the UTLA research depart- and as such, we proposed that the district ment worked to create that report, we should commit to having at least one parent found that the district created more new meeting a year at these schools, to solicit instructional coach positions than class- ideas and feedback on the school plans for size reduction teachers, spent significant the settlement monies. The district rejected amounts of the PD money on outside our proposals to include parents’ voices in vendors, and created nearly four times as their public schools, just as they have done many new assistant principal positions consistently at the main table. (22) as teacher librarians (1) and nurses (5) combined. Principals didn’t just spend Respect for educator this money as they saw fit; in some cases voice: REJECTED they spent this money on themselves, as While we believe that the Local School is the case at Roybal. Leadership Council is perhaps the best It is not enough to roll a wheelbarrow full of cash to the principal’s office, tell them to spend it in ways that help kids, . and expect good things to happen. When the district Spanish/English Examples fails to provide oversight, and actively prevents educators, T is for TIGER/tigre T is for TELEPHONE/teléfono students, and parents from Matching Beginning Sounds! being informed, let alone involved, it creates an atmo- Avoid ABC Delays! sphere where money can be . misused, wasted away from LAOpera.org/Teachers • 213.972.3157 www.phonicsforlatinos-abcsincommon.com the classroom, and public (310) 836-6730 confidence undermined. 18 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 UNSUNG HEROES Phylis Hoffman & Rosa Diaz Support for housed teachers (continued from page 10) HARBOR AREA Phylis Hoffman not only teaches at Under former superintendent John the cases of these teachers. Housed teachers was in the path of both the Burbank Harry Bridges Span School, she also was Deasy, many educators were victims of are not kept informed of the status of these area and Sylmar area fires. After the a member of the design team in the early the “teacher jail” system. Caught off guard investigations. No formal hearing takes fires, Vinedale was affected on two more days of its growth. She has been a teacher and often falsely accused, they were left place until the district reaches its verdict, so occasions by mudslides, which caused in Los Angeles for more than 20 years and to suffer alone, under house arrest and accused teachers have no chance to influ- school closures. With poise and grace, has played a variety of roles in the district, unsure of what to do. LAUSD’s abuse of ence the process. Krystal ensured that her staff was kept including becoming a National Board Certi- “teacher jail” has lessened since the de- UTLA’s Standing Committee for Unjustly up to date with information related to fied teacher. She has a deep background in parture of Deasy, but we still need to be Housed Teachers meets monthly at the union the natural disasters. She is also con- union activism and has taught in challeng- vigilant about each and every case. to support these teachers. From time to time sistent with including the community ing situations and in many grade levels. In Some things that UTLA members may the committee introduces motions at House of in school activities, such as inviting the the past year she stepped up to be a voice for not be aware of: Teachers who run afoul Representatives meetings. The committee also LA Fire Department to the “walk in” for the Wilmington community in the struggle of their administrators no longer get sent represents “reassigned teachers”—teachers public schools. against privatization reflected in the ex- downtown to be “housed.” Instead, every arbitrarily relocated to other schools. The next pansion of charter schools in the area. She day between 8 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., they’re meeting is October 10 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jason Kinsella & has spoken eloquently at community meet- restricted to their own houses and obligated in Room 904. The UTLA building is located at Carlos Monroy ings, neighborhood councils, and school- to call in to the district twice daily. They’re 3303 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010. VALLEY WEST AREA site meetings around issues important to paid their regular salaries, but they’re for- The duo of Jason Kinsella and Carlos the area. We proudly name her an Unsung bidden all contact with their schools, which If you’ve been recently removed from the Monroy are a force to be reckoned with. Hero for 2018. can make mounting a defense difficult. In classroom, please contact Carl Joseph, staff When their school, El Camino Real High Rosa Diaz is a teacher of early childhood the meantime, district personnel investigate rep for housed teachers, at [email protected] School, became El Camino Real Charter education at De La Torre Elementary School High School, they made it their mission in the community of Wilmington. She came to make sure that it was a UTLA charter to teaching after a long career as an educa- school. With that success behind them tional support provider, a Chandra Smith came a new challenge. Faced with a clerk, a magnet coordinator, an adminis- corrupt administrator, they worked tire- trative assistant, and a substitute teacher lessly and fearlessly to keep their faculty in LAUSD. She has concentrated on creat- together during a time when this admin- ing a family community in her classroom, istrator tried to tear them apart and de- working with mainly English language certify the site as a UTLA charter school. learners, which has transferred to her union Eventually, through sheer determination activism. She has focused on organizing and pressure, the administrator was her school and engaging parents in her removed from the school, and El Camino school community. In the past year she has remained a unionized facility. The fight been a crucial voice in the struggle against continues to stabilize the school and keep privatization in the Wilmington area. Rosa it the great educational experience that its has continually stepped outside of her students and teachers deserve. Kudos to comfort zone in challenging her students the dynamic duo of Jason Kinsella and and the community. We proudly name her Carlos Monroy. an Unsung Hero for 2018. LOS ANGELES MUSEUM OF THE HOLOCAUST

INSPIRE HUMANITY THROUGH TRUTH

Schedule a transformative tour for your students today. Free admission. Bus transportation grants available for Title I schools. 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | lamoth.org | 323.651.9925 | [email protected]

19 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 UTLA-Retired to hold elections for House & Steering Committee

Election Rules for UTLA-Retired House of the Election Committee Report at its name of committee chair and treasurer, political committees supporting that can- of Representative Members & UTLA-Retired next scheduled meeting following the complete committee address, committee didate shall submit a financial disclosure Steering Committee election. contract phone number, committee contact report covering the expenses if any are For Term of Office 2019-2020 g. Sequestering of ballots: The Election email address and signature of the candi- incurred during campaign during the Committee shall sequester all ballots from date. Candidates shall also submit a list time between the counting of the run-off Section 1. Elections the date counted until conclusion of the of those campaign committees that have ballot and the counting of the previous a. Ten (10) UTLA-Retired members and entire election process and for one (1) fol- the candidate’s official approval. That list ballot. Any candidate who fails to submit five (5) alternates of the House of Repre- lowing ratification of the results. of all official committees and whom they a required financial disclosure report shall sentatives shall be elected at the October support shall be on file with the Election be disqualified. 2018 UTLA-Retired General Assembly. Section 3. Voter Eligibility Committee. Any such official committee l. Equal access to voter identification b. In the event there is a run-off election Voters must be retired and members failing to register shall cause the candidate information shall be available to all needed for the House of Representatives of UTLA-Retired prior to the start of this to be disqualified. candidates, and is not to be duplicated, members, the balloting will be held at the election period that begins on the date k. Financial Disclosure Report: Can- given, sold to any other party, or used for next meeting of the UTLA-Retired General of first publication of these rules in the didates for all offices, and all registered any other purpose than that candidate’s Assembly. UNITED TEACHER. political committees, shall file a financial election. It shall be available at a cost of c. Elections shall be held for the five report with the Election Committee if any $150.00, and payable at the time the data (5) UTLA-Retired Steering Committee Section 4. Nominations election campaign expenses are incurred. is requested. members at the January 2019 UTLA-Re- a. Qualifications of Candidates: The Election Committee shall provide the m. The CTA Election Alphabet as pub- tired General Assembly. Any UTLA-Retired member who is a approved UTLA-R Candidate Financial lished in the most recent CTA Elections d. In the event there is a run-off election member in good standing is eligible to Disclosure Report to each candidate. Can- Manual shall determine the order of can- needed for the UTLA-Retired Steering run for any office for which he/she is didates shall receive a receipt issued by didates listed on the ballot in each election. Committee members, the balloting will qualified. Candidates must have been the Election Committee or designee upon (Last Name and First Name order) be held at the next meeting of the UTLA- UTLA-Retired members six (6) months filing the completed form. The report n. Supervision: The preparation, print- Retired General Assembly. prior to the start of this current election shall detail all expenditures, income and ing, distribution and counting of ballots period that begins on the first date of sources of income for a specific balloting will be supervised by the Election Com- Section 2. Balloting publication of these rules in the UNITED in the election. The Report shall include mittee. One candidate-designated poll a. All balloting shall take place at a TEACHER and must present a Declara- this statement: “I affirm that all of the infor- watcher shall be allowed to observe during meeting of the UTLA-Retired General tion of Intent to Run form to the Election mation provided by me in this form is correct the counting of the ballots. Assembly. Committee or designated UTLA staff to the best of my knowledge.” All candidates o. Any violation of these rules by a b. Non-Contested Elections: If the member on or before the specified dead- must sign this affirmation or the form candidate or a candidate’s endorsed number of candidates running is equal line for submission. will not be accepted and the candidate committee will result in the candidate’s to or less than the number of seats open, b. The Filing Dates: The filing dates shall be disqualified. Financial reports disqualification by the Election Com- all listed candidates on the ballot shall be shall be specified in the Election Calendar. pertaining to a given balloting shall be mittee. Violations should be reported declared elected by the Election Commit- c. One Office Only: A member shall file submitted on or before the date upon in writing to the UTLA-R Election Com- tee, with proper notification of this to be candidacy for no more than one office which the ballots are counted. Each time mittee Chair at UTLA headquarters in a printed in the UNITED TEACHER, pub- during any single election period. The a candidate’s name appears on a run-off timely manner. lished on the UTLA website or published elections for the UTLA-Retired members ballot that candidate and any registered (continued on page 22) in an email message distributed to the of the House of Representatives and for UTLA-Retired email listserv. the UTLA-Retired Steering Committee c. Contested Elections: Elections shall be are separate elections. decided by a plurality of the ballots cast. The highest ten (10) vote-getting can- Section 5. Campaign Rules didates for the UTLA House of Repre- a. The Election Rules shall be made sentative shall declared elected as House available to any UTLA-Retired member members. The next highest five (5) vote- by request and shall be applicable to the getting candidates will be declared alter- election process at all times. WIN nates. The rank order of the votes received b. UNITED TEACHER, prior to opening A DODGE JOURNEY shall determine the order they are to serve of nominations, shall publish election pro- as a substitute for an UTLA-Retired House cedures, rules, forms and the calendar. FROM CALIFORNIA CASUALTY member. The election calendar shall be published The highest five (5) ranking candidates in each issue until the close of the election. based on their vote count for the UTLA-R c. UTLA staff shall not be involved in Steering Committee shall be declared any way in any candidate’s campaign. elected. d. UTLA offices, materials, or other d. Run-off: In case a run-off is required resources of UTLA shall not be used to for any office, one more candidate shall be support candidates. included in the run-off than the number of e. UTLA Standing or Appointed commit- open seats. The run-off candidates shall be tees shall not endorse or discuss any can- those candidates who received the most didate during the election process. votes and the next highest number of f. Candidates shall not seek or receive votes. financial support or any other form of e. If a regular or run-off election is a support for their candidacy from vendors, tie vote and the circumstances do not state or national affiliates, or UTLA staff. allow for the holding of a special elec- g. Candidate literature shall not appear tion, the winner shall be determined in to be an official UTLA publication. the case of two-way ties by the flip of a h. All campaign literature shall clearly coin. In the case of a three-way or more identify its source. ties, the winner will be determined by i. Guidelines for Dissemination of candi- a drawing of names. date election materials will be given to f. Election results shall be announced each candidate. Wherever your takes you... We’ll be there. following the completion of the counting j. All political committees campaigning JOURNEY of the ballots. Elected candidates will be for a candidate or candidates shall register Life is a journey with lessons to learn, detours to endure, but most of all notified of their pending election when with the Election Committee within five experiences to enjoy. Navigate the road ahead in the comfort of a the results are posted at UTLA, printed (5) business days of receipt of the Candi- 2018 Dodge Journey courtesy of California Casualty. in the UNITED TEACHER, published date’s Declaration of Intent to Run form, on the UTLA website or distributed in or within five (5) business days of their an email message in the UTLA-Retired formation, whichever comes first. The fol- Enter today WinAJourney.com email listserv. The results will be offi- lowing items shall be required at the time ©2018 CCMC. CA Lic#0041343 No quote or purchase necessary. Photo may not be Auto and Home Insurance cial following review and adoption by of registration: name of committee, name representative of actual vehicle package/color. See website for complete details. the UTLA-Retired Steering Committee of the candidate or candidates supported, 20 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 Evaluation: List of constraints Use on your initial planning sheet.

Also see the special EDS spread on pages 9. No expense account to buy needed 23. Pressure requiring secondary teachers ementary classroom. 16 & 17. teaching aids. to forgo their preparation period in 37. Split grade classes that further inhibit The following items keep teachers and 10. Frequent classroom interruptions. order to cover classes or further filling instruction and widen the achievement students from achieving according to their 11. Favoritism in rotating assignments an overcrowded elementary classroom range of pupils. potential. Circle the ones that apply in among difficult or slow classes. with more students from an absent 38. Lack of access to stockrooms, book your situation and attach to your initial 12. Closed stock rooms. teacher’s class. room, supply cabinets, and Xerox planning sheet. 13. Lack of textbooks that meet the differ- 24. No district procedure for faculty to machine. 1. Crowded classes that prevent indi- ing reading abilities of students. evaluate or have an incompetent ad- 39. Lack of collaboration between parents vidualized instruction and promote 14. Inadequate teacher workrooms, ministrator removed. and teachers. discipline problems. lounges, or lavatories. 25. Lack of a daily preparation period for 40. Nonsupportive school climate. 2. Traveling or roving, which prevents 15. Lack of separate rooms for counseling, every teacher. 41. Hostile, noncaring administrators. teachers from setting up a good learn- remedial reading, speech therapy, art, 26. Failure to provide all students with 42. District-mandated programs and ing environment. music, and the RSP program. specialists in the fields of music, art, pacing plans that are not based on 3. Improper use of common planning 16. Teacher staff development that is run and physical education. needs of students. time. by nonteachers, poorly planned, and/ 27. Not enough psychologists, counselors, 43. Lack of intervention mechanisms. 4. Burdening overtaxed teachers with the or performed outside school hours. coordinators, and mental health teams 44. Other: chores of secretaries, policemen, and 17. Frequent assignment of duties during to handle the problems of students. collection agents, e.g., cafeteria supervi- a teacher’s lunch period. 28. Lack of time for department chairs to sion, hall patrol, playground and bus 18. No adequate program to diagnose and provide services to members of de- duty, lavatory checking, money collec- treat disruptive students. Readmission partment. tion, duplication of material. to regular classes without corrective or 29. Patronage system in the appointment 5. Understocked and understaffed therapeutic action. of administrators. libraries. 19. Frequent failure of administration to 30. Assignment of teachers outside their Signature: 6. Unreliable and rigid requisition and support a teacher in a discipline case. field of competence and training. delivery system for school supplies. Not enough time to talk personally 31. Culturally insensitive school program. Disclaimer: 7. Shortages of necessities, such as au- with students. 32. Depriving students of needed work- “ Pursuant to California Education Code diovisual apparatus (including TVs, 20. Insufficient number of telephones for books for reading, math, and English. sections 44660-65, I specifically renounce VCRs, and current videos) teacher teachers and counselors to contact 33. Failure to provide economically dis- and reject any standards, objectives, tech- manuals, CDs, DVDs, legible paper, parents about their students. advantaged students with needed ser- niques, board rules, or policies which are music materials, science kits and equip- 21. Lack of academic freedom from admin- vices in schools to meet their needs. not reasonable, professional, valid or con- ment, computers and software, pencils, istrative interference in conducting class, 34. Outdated curriculum in many areas, sonant with the growth of my students and crayons, construction paper, PE equip- grading students, handling controversial controlled by nonteachers. with relevant educational principles. I also ment, staplers, tape, etc. subjects, and innovating instruction. 35. High transiency rate. incorporate by reference the UTLA lists of 8. Delays in repairing and servicing 22. Arbitrary or capricious teacher evalu- 36. Failure to provide library centers and constraints upon which the achievement of equipment, windows, and structures. ation procedure. reference books adequate for each el- all valid goals and objectives is predicated.”

(855-228-2336) . com 1-855-AAVA-DENTAL

Special gift for our beloved Teachers! We love our teachers! Call for your FREE teeth whitening kit. (You do not need to be our patient & no obligation.)

We have a location near you. Don’t forget to use your 2018 dental bene ts! Dental Provider List: Los Angeles County Inland Empire Orange County Beverly Hills 310.659.1999 Alta Loma 909.200.2353 Anaheim Hills 714.409.5566 We accept Huntington Park 323.556.3739 Chino Hills/Pomona 909.206.4493 Foothill Ranch 949.305.5946 your dental La Verne 909.235.9750 Corona 909.203.5903 Fullerton 714.986.9902 insurance Mobile Unit 714.689.6856 Lake Elsinore 951.226.7606 Huntington Beach 714.450.6177 North Hollywood 818.792.4500 Norco 951.241.8428 Los Alamitos/Long Beach 909.245.0780 Tarzana 818.340.3111 Ontario 909.254.4066 Santa Ana 714.481.0055 Walnut 909.343.4408 Redlands 909.295.4688 West Covina 909.417.3030 Riverside 951.977.8593

21 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

UTLA-RETIRED round of the election in question is of an election has been determined. the candidate asking for arbitration shall (continued from page 20) terminated. Subsequent levels for b. From the time a challenge is filed until pay a fee of $1,500.00 to UTLA that will appeal must be filed in the appropri- a final determination has been reached, all be refunded if the arbitrator finds in the Section 6. Challenge Procedure ate fashion within five (5) working proceedings shall be considered private candidate’s favor. Arbitrators shall be a. The Election Committee will not days of a decision being made at the and confidential. Any preliminary dispo- selected from a list as submitted by the consider appeals filed with it more preceding level. No challenges will be sition shall not be made public. Violators Federal Mediation Service with the ability than five (5) working days after each accepted or heard before the outcome shall be subject to disqualification. of striking alternate names until a single c. Only candidates may file challenges name remains. to elections and are limited to the election 2. The same arbitrator if possible shall UTLA-Retired election timeline for the office they are running. preside for all challenges. For UTLA-R House of Representatives & Steering Committee Members, d. If a candidate charges that another 3. The decision of the independent ar- Term of Office 2019-2020. candidate has violated these election rules, bitrator shall be final in all cases. the following procedure shall be followed: 4. The arbitration process must be com- August 10, 2018: Election rules, time- for UTLA-R Members of the House pleted within one (1) year of the initial line and declaration of intent forms will of Representatives will be held at the Step 1. Election Committee Hearing filing. be printed in the UNITED TEACHER. UTLA-R General Assembly Meeting Both parties and/or representative of d. Procedural Stipulations The timeline, rules and intent forms also from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Run-off balloting (if each shall appear before a meeting of the 1. There shall be a verbatim record to be will appear in September 14 UNITED needed) will be take place at the January Election Committee at a time and place obtained by the same method in all cases TEACHER. 28, 2017, General Assembly meeting. determined by the Committee. of all challenged proceedings/hearings. August 10, 2018: UTLA-Retired October 23, 2018: Declaration of The Committee may: 2. Candidates involved in any challenge Membership deadline to be eligible to Intent forms for UTLA-R Steering Com- 1. Refuse to hear the challenge on the shall be provided five (5) days’ notice of vote for UTLA-Retired House of Rep- mittee must be submitted to Tara Thomas grounds that the challenge as presented proceedings and procedures. resentatives and Steering Committee at UTLA no later than 11:30 a.m. does not involve the violation of any elec- 3. Sequestered ballots shall be released members during the 2018-2019 UTLA- January 16, 2019: UTLA-R Steering tion rule. in the presence of involved candidates or Retired Elections period. Committee Candidates and Campaign 2. Uphold the challenge and disqualify their representatives unless the candidate October 5, 2018: Declaration of Committees incurring election campaign the challenged party on the grounds that declines to do so. Intent forms for House of Representa- expenses must submit Candidate Financial there has been a violation of an election 4. Any challenger or challenged shall tive Members must be submitted to Tara Disclosure Report to Tara Thomas on the rule by the challenged party. be invited to be present at any hearing Thomas at UTLA no later than 11:30 a.m. 12th Floor at UTLA no later than 10 a.m. 3. Deny the challenge on the grounds before the Election Committee, UTLA-R October 17, 2018: House of Rep- Candidates failing to submit the required that there has not been a violation of any Steering Committee, or Arbitrator with resentative Candidates and Campaign financial disclosure report shall be dis- election rule by the challenged party. five (5) days’ notice. Committees incurring election campaign qualified. If no election campaign expenses expenses must submit Candidate Financial were incurred, no report is required. Step 2. Appeal of the Election Committee’s 2018-19 CTA Election Alphabet Disclosure Report to Tara Thomas on the January 18, 2019: Secret ballot Decision BFZTOXMGACNLWQDUJKEVIHR- 12th Floor at UTLA no later than 10 a.m. voting for UTLA-R Steering Committee 1. The decision of the Election Com- YPS Candidates failing to submit the required members will take place at the UTLA-R mittee may be appealed to a qualified (If the last name of more than one can- financial disclosure report shall be dis- General Assembly Meeting from 10 to independent arbitrator hired by UTLA. didate begins with the same letter or more qualified. If no election campaign expenses 11:30 a.m. Run-off balloting (if needed) Such an appeal should be submitted, in than one candidate has the same last name, were incurred, no report is required. will be take place at the March 15, 2019, writing, to the Election Committee, which the CTA alphabetical order shall be contin- October 19, 2018: Secret ballot voting General Assembly meeting. shall facilitate the appeal. In any case ued to be applied throughout the name, where a candidate asks for arbitration, including the first name.)

New School Year. New You. Raise Your Profi le with an MA in Educational Leadership

Program Highlights  Fully online  Ranked #1 in California (US News  WASC accredited and World Report 2017) and #11 in the U.S. (BestColleges.com) Applications open Oct. 1 for the  Cohort model  SDSU College of Education next cohort, beginning May 2019.  15-month program ranked #22 in the nation

neverstoplearning.net/edleadership [email protected] | (619) 594-0845 Reimagining Educational Leadership through Technology

22 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 Declaration of Intent Declaration of Intent United Teachers Los Angeles-Retired — UTLA-R Steering Committee Member United Teachers Los Angeles-Retired ­­­— UTLA House of Representatives Member Term of Office 2019-2020 — Election Date: January 18, 2019 Term of Office 2019-2020 — Election Date: October 19, 2018

I , I , (Please print your name, as you would like it to appear on the ballot.) (Please print your name, as you would like it to appear on the ballot.) do hereby declare my intention to run for the office of UTLA-Retired Steering Member. do hereby declare my intention to run for the office of UTLA-Retired House of Rep- resentatives Member. Permission is given to the UTLA-R Election Committee to verify my membership qualifications and to determine that I meet the requirements to be a candidate for Permission is given to the UTLA-R Election Committee to verify my membership the office for which I have declared. qualifications and to determine that I meet the requirements to be a candidate for the office for which I have declared. (Please Print) (Please Print)

(Home Address: Number and Street) (Home Address: Number and Street)

(City and Zip) (City and Zip)

(Contact Phone Number including Area Code) (Contact Phone Number including Area Code)

(Personal Email Address) (Personal Email Address) I certify that all of the above statements are true and accurate. I certify that all of the above statements are true and accurate.

(Signature and Date) (Signature and Date)

Submit completed form no later than 11:30 a.m. October 23, 2018 Submit completed form no later than 11:30 a.m. October 5, 2018 (no exceptions) to: (no exceptions) to:

UTLA-Retired Election Committee, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, UTLA-Retired Election Committee, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Attention: Tara Thomas CA 90010; Attention: Tara Thomas

Received By Date & Time Received Received By Date & Time Received

Back to School Special for Teachers Salary Point Classes Approved Quality Courses

NEW

Integrate Music into Any Classroom! NGSS for All Students! STEAM Everyday for Everyone! (3 Salary Points) (2 Salary Points) (1 Salary Point)

For a complete list of courses visit www.education4equity.com/utla

Advance Your Teaching Career and Earn More in 2018!

23 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

Involvement opportunity CTA State Council CTA Unexpired Term elections Unexpired Term election notice Are you interested in representing UTLA/NEA members at the state level? CTA (California Teachers Association) State Council, a policy-making body that meets By Laura Carls & for represen­tatives are covered by CTA, quarterly, has openings for representatives to fill unexpired terms. If you wish to run Deborah Schneider-Solis including hotel, mileage, and food costs. for one of these positions, complete and return the self-nomination form by U.S. mail UTLA/NEA Election Committee Meetings begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, 7:15 to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz at UTLA. The form must be received by 5:00 a.m. Sunday, and usually end around 4 p.m. on August 13, 2018. The election will be held at the August 22 Area meetings. UTLA/NEA members will elect CTA p.m. both days. Subcommittee meetings For those members who cannot vote at their Area meetings, voting will also be held State Council representatives for unex- on Friday evenings and voluntary caucus at the UTLA building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 22. pired terms at elections scheduled this meetings before and after the general year for the August 22 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 2018-19 school year. egates are rewarded for their time and The State Council acts as CTA’s pol- effort by getting a chance to make a state- Employee number icy-making body, meeting four times a wide difference in education. year. Each representative is expected to If you find the idea of participating 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 13 via U.S. mail Home phone wide nego­tiation issues. State Council (no faxes or emails). Forms may also be representatives­ also vote for CTA’s state- dropped off at UTLA headquar­ters on the Non-LAUSD email address wide officers. In the 2018-19 school year, 10th floor (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz, all State Council meetings will be held UTLA/NEA VP) during regular business School in Los Angeles. All necessary expenses hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. School Phone

I certify that below is the signature of the candidate whose name appears above. CTA State Council Signature Date Year-Round Absentee Ballot Request (Required) I am requesting an absentee ballot for the CTA State Council Election for the Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5:00 p.m., August unexpired term. 13, 2018, via U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the 10th floor My vote will correspond to CTA’s election guidelines, which allow for voting by during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz). mail for CTA members on formal leave. This request must be received by 5:00 NO FAXES OR EMAILS. p.m., August 13, 2018, by U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010, Attn: Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA VP. I understand that Form must be received by UTLA by August 13, 2018. my request will be checked for accuracy by election committee members. Absentee ballots will be mailed August 17, 2018, and must be received via U.S. mail by 5:00 p.m., on August 22.

Name CTA State Council Employee number Unexpired Term election timeline

Address May 25, August 10: Nomination forms, September 3: Deadline to submit election City Zip time line, and absentee ballot request challenge in writing to Cecily Myart- forms in UNITED TEACHER. Cruz, UTLA/NEA Vice President, pro- Home phone vided a runoff election is not required. August 13: Self-nomination forms and absentee ballot requests due to UTLA September 10: Absentee ballot for runoff Non-LAUSD email address building by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail (no sent. faxes or emails). Forms may also be School dropped off at UTLA headquarters October 3: Runoff election, if needed, at (see the receptionist on the 10th floor) Area meetings and at UTLA headquar- School Phone during regular business hours, from 9 ters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. a.m. to 5 p.m. UTLA area (Circle one) N S E W C VE VW H October 3: Absentee ballots due back to August 14: UTLA by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail only (no Absentee ballot requested for: Letters sent out acknowl- edging receipt of nomination forms. faxes or emails). CTA State Council August 17: Absentee ballots sent out. October 5: Area and absentee ballots August October counted. Letters sent to winners and August 22: Elections at all UTLA Area results will be posted at www.utla.net Check one: CTA/NEA Board member Formal LAUSD leave meetings and UTLA headquarters by the end of the next business day. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those who are not elected delegates I hereby declare that the above information is accurate. will become alternates. August 22: Absentee ballots due back Signature Date to UTLA by 5 p.m. by U.S. mail only October 15: Final date for challenges Return this request to UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz by 5:00 p.m., August (no faxes or emails). to be submitted in writing to Cecily 13, 2018, via U.S. mail to UTLA, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA Vice Presi- 90010. Forms may also be dropped off at UTLA headquarters on the 10th floor August 24: Area and absentee ballots dent, provided an additional runoff (attention: Cecily Myart-Cruz, UTLA/NEA VP) during regular business hours counted. Letters sent to winners and election is not required. Please contact from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. NO FAXES OR EMAILS. results will be posted at www.utla.net Vivian Vega for appropriate form at by the end of the next business day. 213-368-6259. Form must be received by UTLA by August 13, 2018. 24 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 GRAPEVINE ($185 on the first day), which includes strategies for working with English learners. For more info: https://thewritingstudio. (continued from page 31) materials and museum admissions. En- Hands-on workshops include visual arts, biz/lausd-salary-points. rollments will be accepted until cap is ceramics, dance, music, drama, poetry, and explore the millions of ways that color reached, whichever happens first. NOTE: playmaking. Five Saturdays: 9/15, 10/6, SCHOOL Kids Yoga & Mindfulness enhances everything and how the colors Late enrollments can be accepted until 10/13, 11/3, 12/1, each day from 8:30 a.m. Training online course in your teaching environment affect your August 18, with makeup work. For further to 5:30 p.m. Fee is $225. Discounted tuition Learn the classroom-proven calming students, and look at ways to make your information, email en4ed@earthlink. through work-study is available. Partici- methods of SCHOOL Kids Yoga and Mind- classroom environment more inviting. net// or visit: www.en4ed.com, or call/ pants may earn two salary points. For more fulness specifically designed for public school Class will cover basic art concepts such text Larry Carstens at 818-645-4259. information or to register, go to www.inner- students and teachers. Educators gain tools as mood, analogous color, and opposite cityarts.org/citc or contact PD@innercityarts. to improve physical, mental, emotional, and color and concepts that will help your Free climate studies course org or 213-627-9621, ext. 114. social well-being of students and themselves. students get into their projects, regardless The free American Meteorological Soci- The course reaches all Pre-K-5 ages (modifica- of content area. The workshop takes place ety’s Datastreme Climate course, a college Workshops in creative writing tions for secondary students). No prior yoga in the conference room of the La Cañada online climate studies course, will be for salary point credit experience is required. SCHOOL Kids Yoga & Public Library on three Saturdays: Sep- offered to Southern California K-12 teach- Elana Golden, MA, is offering weekly Mindfulness techniques meet Common Core tember 8, October 6, and October 13. Each ers this coming September. Tuition, three and Saturday classes, with flexible en- Standards. One salary point. Register by email- meeting is from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and units of graduate credits, and all course rollment, on creative writing for salary ing Kelly Wood ASAP at info@school-yoga. the total cost is $149. To join this class, go materials are free to participants. For more point credit. Two workshops currently org or call 323-240-8711. Registration ongoing. to Bartt.net and click the online registra- information and application forms, please enrolling: “Turn Life Stories Into Lit- Online course begins August 23. View details tion button. Advanced registration online contact Steve LaDochy at sladoch@calsta- erature” (#NA-05-93) and “The Hero’s/ at https://school-yoga.org/training. is required. Class limited to 30 people. For tela.edu or go to the Datastreme Climate Heroine’s Transformational Journey” questions, call or text Bartt at 818-568-3595. website www.ametsoc.org/amsedu/ECS/ (#NA-05-124; NA-05-93 is a prerequi- Salary point class on cultural index.html. site). The skills of creative writing are competency Salary point workshop taught and explored, as well as methods “Valuing Difference” and “Cultural Com- on Classical heritage Salary point workshops to quiet the critical mind. Small groups, petency” are interactive seminars on cultural Expand your knowledge of Classi- at Inner-City Arts safe and confidential atmosphere. Elana diversity, family history, media and societal cal heritage by enrolling in “Greeks and Inner-City Arts, an oasis of creativity in Golden, MA, has been certified to teach impacts, and effective communications. The Romans for Geeks a-Roamin’.” The class downtown Los Angeles, provides experien- creative writing to LAUSD teachers for salary point workshops cover the important will visit the Getty Villa (near Malibu), the tial training for preK-12 teachers in the visual salary point credits since 2010. One role your own culture plays in day-to-day LA County Museum of Art, and the Hun- and performing arts through its popular salary point credit for 30 in-class hours; interactions and include interactive exer- tington Library. This district-approved program “Creativity in the Classroom: Trans- two salary point credits with six ad- cises in which participants review various class is open to all K-12 teachers, is worth forming Practice.” The series of five Saturday ditional homework hours a week (re- issues from a variety of viewpoints. The next two salary points, and will expose par- workshops provides teachers with an op- writing, editing, reading). Classes are session for “Cultural Competency” is Sep- ticipants to exciting resources that can portunity to explore a variety of different Monday or Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 tember 15 and 16 (Saturday and Sunday). supplement their teaching. Class will meet media, ideas, and methods for integrating p.m., Wednesday from 1:15 to 4:15 p.m., The next session for “Valuing Difference” at Francis Polytechnic HS on August 11, the arts across the curriculum and grade or the fourth Saturday of each month is October 21 and 28 (two Sundays). The 18, and 25, and September 8, 2018 (all levels. The latest brain research and implica- from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Location: Hol- fee is $95. Location: 8339 W. Third Street, Saturdays) at 8 a.m. From there, partici- tions for the classroom are explored, as are lywood near the intersection of La Brea L.A., CA 90048. One multicultural salary pants will commute to the three locations utilizing creativity and the arts for support- and Melrose. Fee: $300 for each series. point available. For more information or (one each class day, except for September ing social-emotional learning, implementing To register email Elana at goldenelana@ to register, call Kari Bower at 323-653-3332 8). The course fee is $175, pre-registered restorative justice practices, and developing gmail.com or call her at 323-936-2601. or email [email protected].

If you are in the business of educating others, we have some savings for you!

Contact Andrea for a free Equity Check-up! Contact Ernie for a free mortgage evaluation!

Why not find out the options available to you? Call us today to get started!

Ernie Celaya Andrea Mauk Loan Originator REALTOR® NMLS: 416357 CALBRE: 01949767 3 Pointe Drive Suite 210 13604 Whittier Blvd. Brea, CA 92821 Whittier CA 90605

Direct: 818.809.8433 Direct: 213.909.1349 [email protected] [email protected] lo.primelending.com/erniecelaya A teacher knows what a teacher needs! PrimeLending and above-mentioned company are not affiliated. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. Mortgage financing provided by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. Equal Housing Lender. © 2018 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS: 13649). PrimeLending Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996. v010918

25 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 Note from the UTLA-R President Laying out the big picture.

By John Perez on the highest bracket in this period was Great Society Reforms reduced poverty in to PACE than wait until Eli Broad and his UTLA-Retired President mostly in the 90% range and the federal America, but since 1980 poverty has been merry band of billionaires totally control government had enough money to end inching up. Today, 11.6% of non-elderly the LAUSD School Board and a monthly We are in the mess we are in here in the Great Depression, defeat the Fascists adults live in poverty, and of these 39% payment of $200, $300, or $500 is imposed Los Angeles, in California, and in our in WWII, and continue to build America. are either retired, going to school, or dis- on us to keep our excellent health plan. If country because we have lost too many Even Eisenhower, a Republican, used the abled. One last example: Today, one in all of us contribute $10 a month to PACE, elections to the people who want to millionaires’ tax to build our interstate five teachers in America has a second job we can help UTLA run campaigns for privatize everything. They want to make highway system. to make ends meet. good school board candidates who will everything a commodity transaction, Let’s use one indicator to see how it Once again, join PACE and save your defend your health benefits. Ref Rodri- including the buying and selling of our was done and what the counterattack health benefits:Over the past few months guez has resigned. PACE needs your con- schools. In the recent Janus decision, has cost America. According to a new I have been pushing you to join UTLA’s tribution NOW. their right-wing Supreme Court turned report by the Economic Policy Institute, political action fund, PACE. My pitch has back the legal clock 41 years. In 1977 the during the New Gilded Age, in 1928, the been that it is better to pay $10 a month John can be reached at [email protected]. Supreme Court, in a unanimous deci- top 1% controlled 23.4% of all income. In sion in Abood v. Detroit Board of Educa- 1973, after the Roosevelt, Truman, and tion, said that people who benefit from Johnson reforms, the top 1%, because a union’s work in negotiating contracts they were taxed at a high rate on the top could be charged a fee for that service end of their income, only controlled 9.2% even if they do not want to join the of all income. Now, after the right-wing union. In Janus the court, by a tight 5-4 counterattack, the top 1% are back to con- decision, said that people who benefit trolling 21% of all income. from the union no longer have to pay Since 1980 taxes on the top 1% have this “agency” fee. been drastically reduced. Between 1933 This is just one example of the attack and 1980 the government worked for all of the extreme right on the gains made Americans, and since Ronald Reagan it by the average American during the has worked only for Eli Broad and the administrations of Franklin Roosevelt, top 1% of Americans. Remember that Harry Truman, and Lyndon Johnson. under the marginal rate system, Eli From 1933 to 1980 our country saw the Broad pays the same amount in taxes LASIK greatest economic growth and with it on that portion of his income that is the greatest growth of the middle class the same as your total income! He only FREE CONSULTATIONS in any 50-year period in our history. The pays more on that part of his income No Interest Financing Call for UTLA Specials hallmark of this period was high mar- that is way, way above what you and 14914 Sherman Way 1(888) 999-4202 ginal rate taxes on the extremely wealthy. I make. Van Nuys, California 91405 Using the marginal rate system, the tax Take another example from EPI. LBJ’s

We’ve proudly cared for Union members and families for over 20 years! At Blue Hills Dental, your oral health is our first priority! We offer full service dental care for your whole family from exams and cleanings to cosmetic and complex care such as:

5 Convenient Los Angeles Locations! Cudahy Panorama City 7903 Atlantic Ave, Ste G 7942 Van Nuys Blvd Long Beach West Covina 2306 E 7th St 1208 W Francisquito Ave, Palmdale Ste E 2140 E Palmdale Blvd

Hablamos Español #BlueHillsDentalSmiles *Invisalign discount is applied to regular full price treatment and may not apply to contracted insurance plans.

26 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

LA Academy STEAM Magnet, Esperan- Bilingual education za Trujillo from Madison MS, and Anne Zerrien-Lee from Aldama ES. In addition, There’s a new Master Plan in town Tomas Flores (chair of the UTLA Bilingual Get Ed Committee), Gloria Martinez (UTLA El- Prop. 58, which passed in 2016, caused guages), transitional bilingual (this will be ementary VP), and I labored for a year with a paradigm shift to take place in California its last year of rollout), structured English the district’s Multilingual & Multicultural connected and in LAUSD. Multilingual education immersion, and mainstream English. Education Department to produce a high did a 180-degree spin from a remedial or A chapter is devoted to Standard English quality, useful document that would help to UTLA “catch up” program for our non-English- Learners, who are defined as “students our teachers help our students. speaking students to a world-recognized who speak a variety of English different Multilingual education is not a cool elec- approach to teaching and learning for all from the variety often identified as ‘stan- tive. It is a core approach to teaching and students. Five earth-shattering changes dard.’ ” Those groups are African-Ameri- learning, embedded in UTLA’s Community happened for students looking to become can, Mexican-American, Native American, Schools advocacy and demanded in our bar- multilingually educated: and Hawaiian (and other Pacific Islander). gaining proposals.We need advocates. Our • Multilingual education is triggered UTLA wishes to thank a dedicated group students need advocates. Come and learn by parental request. of teachers who contributed their time and how to be an advocate at our first Bilingual • Multilingual education serves all stu- expertise to the writing of the new Master Ed committee meeting of the school year dents (ELs and EOs). Plan. They are Ramon Collins from Peary at 4:30 p.m. on September 5 in Room 828. • 30 initial days of English immersions MS, Britt Legaspi from Eagle Rock ES, Hilda no longer mandated. Lopez from Rowan ES, James Lopez from —Cheryl Ortega • No annual signing of parental waiver. Logan Span, Maricela Peralta-Cantoni UTLA Director of Bilingual Education • Multilingual education is an ETK-12 from Gulf Avenue ES, Marina Salas from [email protected] program. The biggest mind-set shift is that, ac- cording to the new Master Plan written RETIRED BILINGUAL TEACHERS in 2017-2018, an assets-based approach to education is what we’re after. That is, WANTED FOR PT WORK whatever a child brings to school—lan- guage, culture, readiness—is to be regard- Set, ady, Rea ed as an asset, not a deficit. Re d! Train parents to read The Master Plan presents an enlight- Facebook: ened, positive approach to identifying aloud to their children! English learners, following their progress, facebook.com/UTLAnow reclassifying them, and keeping track of Stipend paid. their success or needs after reclassification. Twitter: @utlanow There are five program choices in the YouTube: new plan: dual immersion (students of [email protected] (818) 986-9867 two language groups, learning in two lan- youtube.com/UTLAnow guages), one-way immersion (students of one language group learning in two lan- www.readysetread.org

Salary Advancement Courses for Educators

Convenient | Relevant K-12 Applications | Practical Curriculum

Contact us for the latest schedule at our Los Angeles Locations.

West Los Angeles & Carson Monterey Park Karen Rose Jim Burk (310) 745-1099 (800) 664-6130 Downtown Los Angeles Burbank Craig Yokoi Vicky Montes (310) 874-4090 (323) 559-5960 Sherman Oaks & Santa Clarita Downey & Los Alamitos Jennifer Krauss Tim Brown (805) 559-3060 (310) 292-1039

$329 FOR THREE SEMESTER UNITS OF GRADUATE LEVEL EXTENSION CREDIT Visit sandiego.edu/lacourses or call (619) 260-4585

27 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE takes on Trump and the Supreme Court to showing up at every court appear- this prepare us to strike if we need to. (continued from page 3) every day: U.S. Congresswoman Maxine ance. And, we’re not stopping. We’ve Parents have awoken and organized like Waters. Having allies like Maxine prepares demanded that all 4-3 votes with Rodri- we’ve never seen before against Proposi- whelming “yes” vote. Can we do this? us to strike if we need to. guez as the swing vote be thrown out. tion 39 charter co-locations. This year, we Through our recommitment campaign We’ve demanded that every source of saw youth join that fight, when Southeast Prepared to strike if we need to and a summer home visit program, we legal and pro bono support for Rodriguez High students walked out of class and sat Sisters and brothers, we are ready for have cut our number of non-members in be revealed. And, sisters and brothers, we in to protest a co-location. This prepares us this. This past year has given us the foun- half. We are at almost 96% members, the have demanded that there be an election to strike if we need to. dation for strike votes, and, if the district highest we have ever been. This prepares to replace Rodriguez as soon as possible— Over the past year, we have increased forces us, it has given us the foundation to us to strike if we need to. the parents and students of Board District 50-fold the UTLA social media presence powerfully strike. Let’s look at 2017-2018. As tens of thousands of our members 5 deserve to be represented. with more followers, shares, and activity After we beat back Eli Broad’s plan to recommitted, thousands also signed up to But, let’s be crystal clear about two than we’ve ever seen before. Red for Ed privatize 50% of LAUSD in 2015, he came contribute to our political fund, PACE. In things. First, winning that seat does social media campaigns in Arizona and back for more last August. With the help the last five months, we have seen a 63% not resolve our contract dispute or our other places, we’re right here with you. of allies in Sacramento, we defeated his increase in PACE contributors, bringing battle with Beutner. Beutner came in on This prepares us to strike if we need to. legislation to create a mega-charter-school us to the highest number of contributors a 5-2 vote and has circled the civic elites Our members and parents have con- in downtown LA. This prepares us to strike in UTLA history. This prepares us to strike tightly behind him. Second, getting into tinued to organize themselves to get rid if we need to. And, California Speaker of if we need to. the schools, and if need be into the streets, of bad principals. At Wilton Place EEC, the Assembly Anthony Rendon, crucial And, speaking of politics, we knocked with our strike readiness plan, shaping the through public actions, they not only got a to defeating that legislation, will be here Antonio Villaraigosa out of the governor’s narrative in that very public way, is exactly principal removed, not only saved the job with us tomorrow at the PACE reception. race. After all of the talk about how he what we need to do to compete in that of a chapter chair who had been unjustly This year, our community partners in would make up ground on Gavin Newsom election. That is exactly the weapon we nonreelected, but they also followed the Reclaim Our Schools LA grew to over 20 in LA County, we were a major part of need against the tens of millions of dollars principal to her new site and are focused of the premier civil rights and educational Newsom stomping Villaraigosa by 10 that will come in from the charter industry. on getting her removed from there too. justice organizations in the city, and have points in LA. I’d dare to say that Mayor Tying our electoral plan to our contract readi- Don’t mess with Early Ed! This prepares been a constant presence at the school Privatizer has reached the end of his politi- ness plan will prepare us to strike if we need to us to strike if we need to. board. This prepares us to strike if we need to. cal career. Let Villaraigosa hear you on that and will prepare us to win that seat. We’ve continued to lead the way on As part of the broader resistance to the one, in his Herbalife office! This prepares us Let me tell you more. Through contract research. Our report called “Whose Trump administration’s policies, we went to strike if we need to. enforcement, grievances, and legal action, Schools” documents the shocking racial on offense as Trump’s Supreme Court pre- Let’s stay on politics for a minute. In the we now have the final victory against John exclusion that characterizes LA charter pared to rule on the Janus case. We devel- race for state superintendent, we helped Deasy’s teacher evaluation scheme. We school governance. That report has made oped the All In recommitment card that Tony Thurmond win LA County. And killed TGDC in the 2015 contract, but this national waves. This prepares us to strike would inoculate us against the worst parts we’re going to help Tony become the next year, the courts went further, finding that if we need to. of the billionaires’ attempt to undermine state superintendent in November. the district committed an unfair labor prac- And, speaking of charter schools, let’s unions. And, over only three months, and Let’s do some more politics. Let’s talk tice by implementing TGDC at all. LAUSD talk about the courageous educators at Alli- through thousands of one-on-one conver- about the resignation of Ref Rodriguez. must now post this acknowledgement of ance charters. After a three-year, $2 million, sations, we have recommitment cards from We are proud of the work that our com- their illegal action in every school in the relentless anti-union campaign by manage- almost 75% of our members. 100% here we munity partners in Reclaim Our Schools city. Deasy’s now the superintendent in ment, these courageous educators filed for come. This prepares us to strike if we need to. LA did to dog him relentlessly over the Stockton. Let him hear you in Stockton: union recognition at three schools and were We will have with us tomorrow at the last months, from rolling hundreds of How do we feel about landing that final certified by the Public Employee Relations PACE reception a warrior who directly petitions into the school board on dollies punch against John Deasy? Victories like Board. Alliance charter educators, sisters

Learn why our health plans earn high marks from school districts.

UnitedHealthcare is committed to providing a broad portfolio of customizable health plans and specialty benefits, such as dental, vision, life and disability offerings. We also offer a number of wellness programs designed to get — and keep — teachers and other school district employees actively engaged in making decisions about their own health.

For more information, call Carissa Green at 714-252-0350.

Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. MT-1161140.0 12/17 ©2017 United HealthCare Services, Inc. 17-6442-B 28 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 and brothers in our union, please stand up our struggle. This prepares us to strike if Beutner, let us give you a message. We stay standing and put a fist in the air if and be recognized. This kind of organizing we need to. beat you once this year on healthcare, you will join me, your board of direc- prepares us to strike if we need to. It has been one year since we launched and we will beat you again. This fight tors, and your area steering committee Our community partners in Reclaim our 20 by 20 campaign to reach $20,000 prepares us to strike if we need to. in signing this commitment form tomor- Our Schools LA have made Commu- per student by the year 2020. This past And, finally, sisters and brothers, this row to build a strong “Yes” vote in the nity Schools the talk of the town, from year, we built a broad coalition in Sacra- year, as part of the leading edge of the strike vote. demonstrations at the school board, to mento aiming to close the carried interest national teacher union movement, we Let me hear you! You are a beautiful scores of youth and parent leaders knock- tax loophole that hedge-funders have have been talking and strategizing with antidote to the privatizers, a beautiful an- ing on doors, to the Mayor’s Office, the jumped through for a decade. We will the West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arizona, tidote to Janus, a beautiful reflection of the LA Chamber of Commerce, and univer- continue that struggle this year through and Puerto Rico teachers who capti- promise of public education. Let’s take this sity leaders now stating that Community legislation that would bring $1 billion to vated the nation with their strike wave. energy, this focus, this discipline and win Schools are the future of public education. public education. And, there’s more. I Through the national Alliance to Reclaim the Schools LA Students Deserve. You are This prepares us to strike if we need to. am thrilled to announce tonight, through Our Schools, we are receiving solidarity educators, you are great, stand with pride, We recently scored a victory that has work with a broad coalition of community commitments to our fight from New York, and let’s move forward together! thrilled our health and human services and labor across the state, we have just Chicago, St. Paul, Boston, and more. We leaders. Changing the rating-in system for completed collecting the 850,000 signa- have serious backup, and this prepares us to new and recent hires will help fill shortages tures needed to get the Schools and Com- strike if we need to. in critical fields and will put money in the munities First initiative on the 2020 ballot. Liza Luna-Chan pockets of our members. Victories like this This will be the first time in 40 years that Reflecting the promise Real Estate Agent prepare us to strike if we need to. we frontally challenge the Prop. 13 cor- of public education Last year, we built structures at our sites porate commercial property tax loophole Sisters and brothers, the time to act and tested those structures citywide. We that has devastated schools and ossified is now. Austin Beutner is attacking our elected chapter chairs at over 800 schools. institutional racism. If we pass it, this is healthcare right now. He’s simultane- We built over 400 contract action teams. We $11 billion to schools and social services. ously trying to weaken our healthcare gathered 25,000 recommitment cards. And, Being in these funding battles, being a part bargaining for 2020. He refuses to fight in one of the busiest times of the school of these coalitions, all of this prepares us to for the district, implements austerity year, we brought over 12,000 members strike if we need to. and privatization, and threatens that we to downtown LA on May 24 and shut it And, let’s talk about another victory. will not have a district at all by 2021. down! How many of you were there? This LAUSD spent more than a year grind- The time to act is now. The district sits prepares us to strike if we need to. ing the axe against our healthcare, and on a $1.7 billion reserve, the privatiz- We continue our work with the Cali- then finally came with a proposal: to ers siphon from our schools, the state 24 years home investing experience. fornia Alliance for Community Schools, cut dependents off our plans, to intro- starves our students, and we’re all being 18 years marketing experience. a collaboration of the largest teacher duce premium contributions for em- starved of the respect we deserve. The Specialize in working with teachers unions in California. Let’s have the presi- ployees, to open the door to two tiers. time to act is now. We have the unique & school staff. dents and vice presidents from these We punched back hard, and by the time leverage of our full contract campaign I work hard to find the best lenders & locals who are here tonight stand—San we had escalated to our regional rallies this year. To save public education, our homebuyer assistance programs. Diego, Anaheim, Oakland, San Jose, San in November, the district had backed students, our schools, our jobs—the time Liza Luna-Chan Francisco. As we build our strike prepa- off. We had an agreement by January to act is now. (323) 533-3060 (323) 863-5395 ration, and as Oakland does the same, that protected our healthcare across the Sisters and brothers, if you are com- [email protected] having declared impasse themselves, board. Now, Austin Beutner is attacking mitted to strike if the district forces us to, these locals see this struggle as all of our healthcare from a different angle. stand up right now! Sisters and brothers BRE# 01931120

with First Financial

29 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018

PASSINGS district, appealed his dismissal, and won (continued from page 19) back his teaching job with full back pay. “Liali was a committed teacher and union UTLA Honor Coach award and the 1999 CIF State member,” recalls Robin Potash, former Cross Country Honor Coach award. Central Area Board Member and colleague To those closest to him, Steve was known at Wadsworth Avenue Elementary. “He defi- CLASSIFIEDS for his quick wit, humility, everlasting faith nitely was his own person. Once you got to in God, and his strength and dignity while know him and became his friend he was CLASSIFIED AND DISPLAY AD POLICY: UNITED TEACHER will not accept ads for fighting the battle for his life. The training one of the most loyal people I’ve known.” legal services in the areas of worker’s compensation or personal injury; nor advertising and dedication Steve learned as an athlete Liali had a passion for movies, televi- for tobacco or alcoholic beverages; nor advertising deemed misleading or offensive was easily transferred to everything that was sion, comic books, and comic book action to members; nor advertising inconsistent with the programs and purposes of United important to him. As a dedicated and loving figures. In his free time, he reviewed Teachers Los Angeles. husband, father, stepfather, and Papa to his movies and wrote articles for the online grandchildren, he treasured his family as site NukeTheFridge.com for more than his greatest gift in life. He is survived by his seven years. He also tried his hand at im- Books Experienced Social Studies wife, Pat; daughter, Kris; two stepchildren; provisational comedy by taking classes at Teacher Wanted Fulfill your entrepreneurial aspirations! Make money two brothers; and six grandchildren. Second City Hollywood. teaching cooking classes: KatheMichele.com. Willing to pay a generous hourly rate. A former So- Claudia Rodriguez, current Central cial Studies Teacher who is looking to get back into Dr. Rudolph Jacqueline Eagleson —af- Area Board Member, was also a colleague Selling and donating great teacher resources. Con- the field is looking for an experienced Social Stud- fectionately known as “Rudi-Tootie”— of Liali at 49th Street Elementary. “Liali tact me at [email protected]. ies Teacher to meet with weekly for the purpose of has passed away. Rudi was a “mover and was always willing to collaborate in our helping me get back on track and up-to-date with shaker” with a tremendous heart who first-grade team at 49th Street,” Rodriguez social studies teaching. Phone: 818-859-3371. Email: worked for more than 40 years for the Los remembers. “He never refused to help our [email protected]. Angeles Unified School District. She was team and was willing to learn new things an advocate for education, a natural born despite not liking too much change.” leader and a lover of people, especially Derin Lowry also worked with Liali at children. Rudi was one of the first African 49th Street Elementary. “Tony was a good How To Place Your UT Classified Ad American female postal workers in Long friend, colleague, and fellow Hoosier trans- Print your ad from your computer or use a typewriter. Count the number of words in your Beach while working her way through USC. plant who had a great, twisted, and some- ad. Area code and telephone number count as one word. Email and web address count as In her years as an LAUSD teacher, she times misunderstood sense of humor,” said one word. Street address counts as one word. City and state, including zip code, count as filled many UTLA roles, including chapter Lowry. “He loved the arts, film, television, one word. Abbreviations and numbers are considered words and are charged individually. chair at San Pedro Elementary, Central Area and music. I’ll always remember our many The classified ad rate is $1.50 per word for each time your ad runs (there is no charge for Steering Committee member, Central Area lunches together and the interesting con- LAUSD job share/employment available ads). Multiply the number of words in your ad by cluster leader, House of Representatives versations. May he rest in peace.” $1.50. This is the cost for running your ad one time in UNITED TEACHER. If you’re run- member, and a UTLA/NEA delegate and Liali is survived by Mercedes, his wife ning your ad in more than one issue, multiply the one-time total by the number of issues board member at large. In the early ’90s, of nearly 18 years; her two children, Kathy you wish the ad to appear. We have a ten word minimum ($15.00). All ads are payable in she prepared meals to power Central Area and Peter John; as well as his half-brother, advance by check or money order. Please make check payable to UTLA. The deadline to chapter chairs while they did the work of Bill; sister-in-law, Kaye; their son, Bill Jr. and receive your classified ad at the UTLA Communications Dept. is noon on the Monday that the union. daughter, Lindsey. He is also survived by his falls two weeks prior to the publication date. Any questions? Call 213-637-5173 or email She was a lifetime member of Alpha sister, Harriet; brother-in-law, Jessie; and their Laura Aldana at [email protected]. Mail ad and payment to Classifieds, UNITED TEACHER, Kappa Alpha and was co-founder of the daughter, Jessica, as well as his sister, Sally; 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Frank M. Eagleson Scholarship Founda- and her children, Shelby, Crystal, and Michael. tion. Rudi loved her Friday Night Bridge Club, was an avid golfer and bowler and Gladys Roseman died in Olympia, Wash- lover of life. She was preceded by the love ington, on June 8. Gladys was born Febru- of her life, Frank M. Eagleson. She touched ary 8, 1934, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Jack and the lives of everyone she taught, mentored, Marian Gerson and married Mel Roseman and mothered. in 1952. After attending UCLA, Gladys joined her husband in Salzburg, Austria, Hollywood High social studies teacher and later lived in Westwood and Encino. Neil Fitzpatrick passed away from colon She moved to Olympia, WA, after the cancer July 24 at his home in the Silver Lake death of Mel in 2014. Her occupation was Your Eyes Come neighborhood of Los Angeles. Fitzpatrick teaching young children. She received an ® retired in June 2017 after 30 years with MA in Early Childhood Education from LAUSD, the last 24 years at Hollywood High Cal State Northridge, and after working School. During that time, he taught nearly in various nursery schools, she joined the First with VSP every high school history class, including Los Angeles Unified School District, and Advanced Placement. He served as social retired in 1999. Along with Mel, she was studies department chairman for many years. an active and proud member of UTLA and Fitzpatrick was an avid traveler, pho- statewide teachers’ unions, both while tographer, and music aficionado. Former she was teaching and after retirement. With your wellness as our focus, students often approached him at music, Gladys loved to garden and was very fond film, or art events, as his 6’6” frame made of nature. She took great pleasure in music, it’s easy to see why consumers him easy to recognize. He is survived by both classical and folk. Her main avocation his sister, brother, nephew, and niece. was reading. She was a member of the rank VSP as the #1 choice CCNC Book Club and shared many of her in vision care1. Anthony Marc Liali, an elementary and insights with others. She loved learning middle school teacher known simply as and never stopped, and she was known “Liali” to his colleagues, passed away on by many teachers and students at the May 18, 2018, after a battle with cancer. Olympia Senior Center and Temple Beth Liali was born July 14, 1962, to Salva- Hatfiloh. She had many philanthropic in- tore J. Liali and Treva K. (Small) in Tipton, terests, especially the ACLU, many Jewish Indiana. After graduating from the Uni- causes including Olympia’s Temple Beth versity of Indiana in 1988, with a degree Haftiloh, as well as Planned Parenthood in telecommunications and a minor in film and the Humane Society. She was a role Contact us. studies, Liali moved to Los Angeles and model for living life fully and with tre- worked as a boom operator in the film in- mendous love, and she will be greatly vsp.com | 800.877.7195 dustry for many years before joining the missed by all the people and animals in District Intern program in the early 2000s. her life. Survivors include her children, Liali taught at Wadsworth Avenue Elemen- Marcia Sarka (Michael), Dr. Barry Roseman 1. 2017 National Vision Plan Member Research. tary School, Los Angeles Academy Middle (Susan), Barbara Roseman, and Sara Eve ©2018 Vision Service Plan. All rights reserved. School, and 49th Street Elementary School. Sarliker; her four grandchildren, Jeremy VSP is a registered trademark of Vision Service Plan. 26914 VC Tony was dismissed by LAUSD after some Sarka, Ethan Roseman, Seth Roseman and controversies, but he successfully fought the Ella Sarliker; and a niece, Sydney Tanaka. 30 United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net August 10, 2018 UNITED TEACHER GRAPEVINE Salary point classes on immigrant tive Education” (two salary points) aims • Hearing personal testimonies from torical fiction book is about nine-year-old rights, ethnic studies, and to shift school climate towards a more witnesses to history. Maria Singh who learns to play softball restorative justice inclusive and safe space where students, • Engaging in facilitated discussions just like her heroes in the All-American LAUSD educator German Gurrola is of- teachers, staff, parents, and community around issues that matter. Girls’ League, while her parents and neigh- fering three workshops with ongoing en- can enjoy an environment of growth and • Participating in customized workshops bors are struggling through World War II, rollment: development. The course will be taught led by expert consultants, covering topics working for India’s independence, and • “Immigrant Justice Advocate” (one by practitioners with the goal of providing that may include promoting a positive trying to stay on their farmland. Teach- salary point) will build the capacity in teach- tools, tactics, best practices, and lessons campus climate; Common Core through a ers and teacher librarians can share the ers and support staff in better meeting the from projects in public schools throughout social justice lens; teaching the Holocaust; book, available at your school library or a needs of undocumented and immigrant Los Angeles. The course is 45 hours of media literacy; bullying prevention; restor- nearby LAPL branch library, with students students and families in LAUSD PreK-12 professional development and 30 hours ative justice; and much more. in grades 3 to 8, and encourage them to grades. Emphasis will be placed on identify- of homework. Donation is $160. • Lunch and resource materials. write about why they liked the book, their ing issues related to legal status and strate- Enrollment is ongoing for all workshops. Individuals may register for special open thoughts about a character or scene, and gies to support undocumented students and For more info or to sign up, contact: German enrollment institutes. Groups of 30 partici- what it would mean to attend the FOCAL immigrant families to foster academic, per- Gurrola at [email protected]. pants or more may register for a customized Award luncheon on December 8, meet sonal, and social development. The course is program. All pre-K to 12th-grade educa- the author, and receive their own auto- 15 hours of professional development and Free professional development tors welcome. Some programs qualify for graphed copy of the book. To find out more 30 hours of homework. Donation is $80. at the Museum of Tolerance LAUSD salary point credit. Register now about the fall essay writing contest, go to • “Ethnic Studies and Youth Participa- The Museum of Tolerance is offering at www.museumoftolerance.com/FreePD. http://focalcentral.org. Questions about tory Action Research” (two salary points) grant-funded professional development the contest and book may be directed to the will prepare teachers in various fields to programs for teachers. Educators can sign Essay contest for grades 3-8 Children’s Literature Department, Central develop culturally relevant Ethnic Studies up for Tools for Tolerance for Educators, FOCAL (Friends of Children and Litera- Library, at 213-228-7250. and Youth Participatory Action research an interactive, experiential program de- ture) of the Children’s Literature Depart- (YPAR) curricula ranging from units to full signed to advance anti-bias education and ment, Central Library, Los Angeles Public Salary point class on “Art in Color” courses utilizing research methodologies the creation of inclusive and equitable Library (LAPL) is sponsoring their annual “Art in Color” is a new salary point that connect subject material to meaningful schools. Programs take place in the immer- writing contest for the 2018 FOCAL Award class with Bartt Warburton, an LAUSD real-life situations with the goal of motivat- sive learning environment of the Museum book, Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh, Teacher of the Year. Experienced artists ing youth to take action. The course is 45 of Tolerance and are offered in one- or by Uma Krishnaswami. The book is the and newbies are invited to join in making hours of professional development and two-day formats. Programs include: Children’s Book winner of the American art, talking art, and playing with color. 30 hours of homework. Donation is $160. • Experiencing the Museum of Toler- Library Association 2018 Asian/Pacific Using a variety of materials, the class will • “Restorative Justice and Transforma- ance as a laboratory for human behavior. American Award for Literature. This his- (continued on page 25)

31 Start the school year right.

No auto loan payments for 90 days*. • Up to 100% financing available • Purchase new or used • Refinance an existing auto loan from another lender • Purchase your lease

GET PRE-APPROVED TODAY. Speak with your local branch representative. ccu.com/autoloans

*Interest will accrue from contract date. Your overall creditworthiness will determine the days to first payment, rate, term, and amount available to you. All loans subject to approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change and are not available to refinance an existing California Credit Union auto loan. Fees and charges may apply.

Federally insured by NCUA. © 2018 California Credit Union.