UTLA boycotts faculty meetings

32 Pages·2015·7.73 MB·English

Award-Winning Newspaper of United Teachers Los Angeles • www.utla.net Volume XLIV, Number 7, March 20, 2015
UTLA boycotts faculty meetings
Members’ fire fueled by layoff notices sent to 609 colleagues.
UTLA members are building on the faculty boycott plan, organizing class-size cotts, which are scheduled for March 24, nary layoff notices to 609 UTLA bargaining
major success of our February 26 Stand caravans with the community, volunteering April 7, and April 14. unit members, even though state funding
at Grand Rally by taking new action for for the School Board campaigns, and more. “We took a vote at school on who would per student is going to significantly in-
the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. With Alexandria Elementary chapter chair participate, and everybody raised their crease in 2015-16. UTLA President Alex
contract talks in mediation, educators are Carla Mcnellis says that 100% of her faculty hands,” she said. “We have been prepar- Caputo-Pearl questioned the motivation
stepping up the fight by implementing a will be honoring the faculty meeting boy- ing and building up to this. We feel the behind the RIF notices in a speech before
District’s offer is still unacceptable and the the LAUSD School Board on March 10.
foot-dragging has to stop. We are ready “I would hate to think these are being
to move forward with stronger action.” put forward as a way to push back against
UTLA members have a new outrage to the righteous anger, passion, and frus-
protest: This month LAUSD sent prelimi- (continued on page 6)
UTLA action calendar
March 24, April 7, and April 14: Faculty meeting boycotts
Stand at UTLA members will boycott faculty meetings during the scheduled me-
diation period for contract negotiations (mediation sessions are scheduled
Grand Rally for March 26, April 6, and April 15). By compellingly demonstrating our
ability to act collectively when we need to, we will maximize the pressure
15,000-plus people in Downtown L.A. on LAUSD to come to an agreement. For more info, read the Q&A on page
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April 14: Pack the School Board meeting at Beaudry
This action will be tied to the caravans and the third mediation session
on April 15.
April & May: Volunteering for School Board campaigns
See more information on page 7 on how you can play a role in the May
19 elections.
Key member steps for faculty meeting boycotts
• Sign the public petition. Schools are circulating petitions for members to
sign to commit with their colleagues to honor the boycotts.
• Wear the “boycott” sticker all day on boycott days. Chapter chairs will
have boycott stickers for members to wear from the very beginning of the
school day to after the boycott.
• Boycott the faculty meeting and be sure to check in with your chapter chair.
Instead of attending the faculty meeting, members will be holding their own
short meetings in the school parking lot or on the sidewalk. Be sure to check in
with your chapter chair so you can be counted as having honored the boycott.
Cortines threat letter: We won’t back down
Superintendent Ramon Cortines recently communicated directly to UTLA mem-
bers in an apparent attempt to stop our boycott of faculty meetings. UTLA mem-
bers have boycotted faculty meetings many times in past years, and we have no
intention of backing down now because of threats by Cortines. We are fighting
for smaller class sizes, fully staffed schools, clean and safe sites, improved
learning and working conditions, and fair compensation. These issues are too
important to give up on.
United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net March 20, 2015
United Teacher
President’s perspective
PRESIDENT Alex Caputo-Pearl
NEA AFFILIATE VP Cecily Myart-Cruz Building our boycotts and our movement
AFT AFFILIATE VP Betty Forrester
ELEMENTARY VP Juan Ramirez
SECONDARY VP Colleen Schwab
TREASURER Arlene Inouye By Alex Caputo-Pearl What’s the money 100% participation at all work sites, accom-
SECRETARY Daniel Barnhart UTLA President situation at LAUSD? plish all of these—without even remotely
After four years with an expired contract, affecting student learning. The boycotts touch
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jeff Good
In the late 1990s, I was part of a boycott five years without a restoration of cuts that each of our members, with an “ask” to each
targeting the L.A. Metropolitan Transpor- hurt students, eight years without a pay of them to be involved. They show collective
BOARD OF DIRECTORS tation Authority (MTA). I was organizing increase, and three years under one of the action across the city. They surface members
with the Bus Riders Union (BRU) and was most top-down, corporate superintendents who do not participate, who then need to
NORTH AREA: Interim: Kirk Thomas, Chair (Eagle
Rock ES), Blanca Mejia (EEC Center), fortunate enough to be working side by side in the country, we have been aggressively be approached by colleagues with a firm,
Rebecca Solomon (RFK UCLA Comm. with some of the best community organizers bargaining and organizing since July—our diplomatic demand that they take part in the
School), Julie Van Winkle (Logan Span School)
I have ever come across— Kikanza Ramsey, students, our schools, and our profession collective action. They ask members to take a
SOUTH AREA: Ingrid Villeda, Chair (93rd Street ES),
Ayde Bravo (Maywood ES), Ayesha Brooks Martin Hernandez, and Rita Burgos. All can’t wait any longer. The demands we have slight risk, which is empowering and a critical
(Markham MS), Maria Miranda (Miramonte ES) three had grown up in L.A. and on MTA in our Schools L.A. Students Deserve cam- learning experience. They lend themselves to
EAST AREA: Gillian Russom, Chair (ESP Academy), buses, attended LAUSD schools, and, after paign are fundamentally reasonable and being organized systematically, with chapter
Ingrid Gunnell (Lane ES), Gloria Martinez (Rowan ES),
Adrian Tamayo (Lorena ES) college, decided to devote their chairs using public petitions, “sticker
WEST AREA: Erika Jones Crawford, Chair (Angeles lives to community organizing up” days, and systematic tracking and
Mesa), Noah Lippe-Klein (Dorsey HS), Rodney Lusain around social justice issues. reporting to build them. They provide
(Los Angeles HS), Jennifer Villaryo (Grand View ES)
The BRU launched its “No the opportunity to have our own 10-
CENTRAL AREA: José Lara, Chair (Santee EC),
Kelly Flores (Maya Angelou), Paul Ngwoke (Bethune Seat, No Fare” boycott action minute meetings on the sidewalk or in
MS), Zulma Tobar (Harmony ES) because, even under a civil rights the parking lot where we can do a roll
VALLEY EAST AREA: Scott Mandel, Chair (Pacoima court order and massive com- call to check participation, and discuss
Magnet), Oleetha Mae Arnold (Grant HS),
Victoria (Martha) Casas (Beachy ES), munity pressure, the MTA had developments. All schools must do
Alex (David) Orozco (Madison MS) refused to divert monies from these 10-minute meetings after school
VALLEY WEST AREA: Bruce Newborn, Chair, rail projects to buy new buses, on those Tuesdays, whether they have
Melodie Bitter (Lorne ES), Wendi Davis
(Henry MS), Javier Romo (Mulholland MS) leaving L.A. with the most over- a faculty meeting to boycott or not,
HARBOR AREA: Aaron Bruhnke, Chair (San Pedro crowded urban bus system in the because it shows solidarity and co-
HS), Elgin Scott (Avalon Gardens ES), Steve Seal country (94% of public transit ordination very powerfully across
(Eshelman ES), Mary Tello (De La Torre Jr. ES)
users depended on the bus, less the city. Perhaps most importantly,
ADULT & OCCUP ED: Ernest Kettenring (Roosevelt CAS)
than 6% on the rail). Students, they show our ability to withhold
BILINGUAL EDUCATION: Cheryl L. Ortega (Sub Unit)
grandmothers, hotel workers, Alex Caputo-Pearl addresses the 15,000-strong crowd rallying in front labor across the city if we need to in
ECE: Juanita C. Garcia (San Fernando EEC)
garment workers, toddlers, and of City Hall on February 26 for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. a disciplined, collective way. Faculty
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: Linda Gordon
more—overwhelmingly low-in- meeting boycotts simply make sense
SPECIAL ED: Darrell Jones (Byrd MS) come people of color—often got passed common sense. Beginning to meet them as the next step in our struggle.
SUBSTITUTES: Fredrick Bertz up by buses that were too crowded to would simply be a down payment for a The week before the boycott start date,
PACE CHAIR: Marco Flores accept more or they had to stand for entire bigger plan to move LAUSD in a direction Superintendent Cortines sent a letter to
UTLA RETIRED: John Perez bus rides across town, while suburban that improves the quality of education, re- employees threatening repercussions for
rail commuters, with subsidies per pas- cruits and retains educators, meets the needs honoring the boycotts. This was an unfor-
senger several times that of the bus, often of the whole child, and strengthens truly tunate response by a District that has failed
AFFILIATIONS
American Federation of Teachers got padded seats and spacious places to public education by expanding enrollment to offer a fair agreement to educators who
National Education Association work on their rides. in the District. have been without a renewed contract for
STATE & NATIONAL OFFICERS Six years of organizing and a major From Big Red Tuesday in September to almost four years. UTLA members have
NEA DIRECTOR: Sue Cirillo federal lawsuit had preceded the boycott the regional actions on November 20, to the boycotted faculty meetings many times
CFT PRESIDENT: Joshua Pechthalt action—all attempting to push the MTA to massive Grand Park Rally on February 26, in past years, and we have no intention of
CTA PRESIDENT: Dean Vogel do the right thing and buy more buses. At we’ve made clear that we want an agreement backing down now. Our collective effort is
CTA DIRECTOR: David Goldberg a certain point, an escalation of pressure this academic year, but that we are preparing our greatest defense against any possible
CFT VICE PRESIDENT: Betty Forrester
was necessary, and we launched the “No to strike if necessary. repercussions. LAUSD will not want to,
NEA PRESDIENT: Lily Eskelsen Garcia
AFT PRESIDENT: Randi Weingarten Seat, No Fare” boycott. We prepared for Now at impasse because of a lack of Dis- and wouldn’t have the capacity to, dock
weeks, riding buses and talking to pas- trict counter-proposals, heading into the late- or reprimand 35,000 people at once. In this
UTLA COMMUNICATIONS sengers about the launch of the boycott. March/early-April mediation period, we environment, individual administrators who
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Alex Caputo-Pearl When the day came, we intensified our need to state our message to Ramon Cortines attempt to retaliate would be isolated and
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: Suzanne Spurgeon organizing and took risks, talking with and the School Board again. They’ve issued would have “no case” because they would
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS: passengers at crowded bus stops and then 609 layoff notices, in a clear tactic to stoke fear. have to retaliate selectively, and therefore
Kim Turner, Carolina Barreiro, Tammy Lynn Gann
entering the buses, en masse, without They’ve accepted that there is a $47 million inequitably, at one school, rather than across
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: Laura Aldana
paying. We were amazed. The passion, hole in the budget for next year because of the District. UTLA has been through this
EDITORIAL INFORMATION anger, and thirst for justice that bus riders MiSiS errors and haven’t said anything about before, and has come out victorious. In fact,
had been feeling for years crystallized attempting to recoup that money from the in the past, educators have worn buttons
UNITED TEACHER quickly, and boycott actions multiplied state. They’ve issued the layoff notices even that stated proudly, “Make My Day, Dock
3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Fl., LA, CA 90010
Email: [email protected] exponentially across the city, putting the though their own projections show a more My Pay” during struggles that led to key
UTLA main line: [phone]
pressure on the MTA. optimistic budget picture: LAUSD Chief Fi- victories for students and educators.
ADVERTISING The “No Seat, No Fare” boycott action nancial Officer Megan Reilly has shifted from Moreover, our boycotts sit within a broader
Senders Communications Group
Bruce Loria: [phone], ext. 1107 ended up being a key event in winning an saying that the District will end this year with mediation period action plan. UTLA is
entirely new and expanded bus fleet in L.A., a $165 million deficit to saying that it will working with parents, community organi-
UNITED TEACHER accepts paid advertisements from all clean fuel (the first in the country). It end the year with a $45 million surplus. She zations, and the media to create caravans to
outside companies and organizations, including UTLA took a long time, it took escalating actions, projects that 2015-16 will bring $210 million schools with outrageous class sizes and outra-
sponsors and vendors with no relationship with UTLA. Only
and ultimately, it took people taking risks, in additional revenue, and the following year geous student-to-nurse, student-to-counselor,
approved vendors can use the UTLA logo in their ads. The
content of an advertisement is the responsibility of the but we won something very important and will bring $109 million in additional revenue. or student-to-other-HHS-professional ratios.
advertiser alone, and UTLA cannot be held responsible historic, and Kikanza, Martin, Rita, and I LAUSD’s current behavior doesn’t make This will highlight the need for class size
for its accuracy, veracity, or reliability. Appearance of an
advertisement should not be viewed as an endorsement developed a whole new set of leaders who sense. and HHS ratio components in any agree-
or recommendation by United Teachers Los Angeles. would carry the Bus Riders Union forward ment we reach, support the site organizing
in the coming years. Faculty meeting boycotts: It’s time of chapter parent action liaisons (CPALs), and
United Teacher (ISSN # 0745-4163) is published We, in UTLA, find ourselves in a similar to escalate again strengthen relationships with community
monthly (except for a combined June/July issue) by situation right now—in a righteous fight It is critical that we apply maximum organizations. The caravans will culminate
United Teachers Los Angeles, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., for the things that are unambiguously pressure right now, during the mediation at the April 14 School Board meeting, the day
10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Subscriptions: needed in schools and for our students, period, in our attempt to get an agreement, before the third mediation session.
$20.00 per year. (Price included in dues/agency
fee of UTLA bargaining unit members.) Periodical against an LAUSD that has appeared in- and that we do it in a way that continues Moreover, another component of the me-
postage paid at Los Angeles, California. POSTMASTER: transigent, and in need of escalated pres- to build our school, work site, cluster, area, diation period action plan is a Cesar Chavez
Please send address changes to United Teachers Los sure to move forward the Schools L.A. and citywide structures in preparation for Day event in support of the bargaining team
Angeles, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, Students Deserve initiative. It is time to a strike, if necessary. at the Monday, April 6, mediation session (the
CA 90010. Telephone [phone].
boycott faculty meetings. Faculty meeting boycotts, where we need (continued on next page)
2
United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net March 20, 2015
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Letters to the editor
(continued from previous page)
second session). Educators have that day off
from school—please place a hold on 9 a.m.
hours a week for a tenured adult ed teacher)
We welcome letters to the editor and will
Huge opportunities in that I wanted that would have permitted
print as many as possible in the space
the School Board runoffs me to spend time with my two-year-old
available. Letters may be edited for length
As we organize pressure during the me- daughter. I wrote to the principal asking
and clarity, and they do not necessarily
diation period to get an agreement, while if I could get these hours. She said no. She
reflect the opinions of UTLA or its officers.
further preparing to strike if necessary, we gave me a morning, late afternoon, and
are asking all current School Board members By mail: Editor, evening class, with the break in the day
and candidates running for School Board to UNITED TEACHER coming at a time when my daughter takes
support the Schools L.A. Students Deserve 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, a nap. It is not that the adminis-
and to press the District to come to the table Los Angeles, CA 90010 trator gave the hours I wanted to
with new proposals. someone with more seniority and
By fax: [phone]
In this context, we did exactly what we experience. Those questions are
needed to do in round one of the School By e-mail: [email protected] not considered in adult education.
Board elections on March 3—we helped Administrators get to choose the time
George McKenna clear the field to run and I work and the levels I teach regardless
win unopposed in Board District 1, helped of my seniority. Adult school teachers,
destabilize Tamar Galatzan and force her Don’t forget the psychologists unlike K-12 and early education teach-
into a runoff with Scott Schmerelson in Board All the UTLA signs, messages, and ers, have no matrix. It is written into our
District 3, and helped Bennett Kayser have emails indicate wanting lower class sizes (separate and unequal) part of the con-
a strong showing in Board District 5 while and more teacher librarians, nurses, and tract that our administrators are allowed
staying even with a massively funded cor- counselors . . . but there’s NO mention to make all staffing decisions behind
porate charter candidate. Now, we have to of school psychologists. Please include 1872 versus 2015 closed doors.
double-down for Kayser and against Galat- us as we are UTLA and I feel that UTLA Something hit me the other day when I For me, this means I barely see my
zan to win in the May 19 general election. is lumping us in with “counselors,” and was reading this poster listing the “Rules daughter for four days a week. For some
You must be involved in this. the two jobs are not the same! The signs for Teachers” in 1872. As No. 9 on the teachers who have worked more than 20
Board District 7 also went into a runoff,
mention mental health but do not mention list shows, it seems a teacher back then years in adult education, it means living
with Richard Vladovic facing Lydia Gutierrez.
psychologists. Psychologists are licensed received more of a raise that we LAUSD in your car for five hours of the workday,
We must insist that all School Board
to assess and determine special education educators have had in eight years! It’s working an arduous multi-level class,
members press the District bargaining team
eligibility. Without us, there would be no high time we end the salary drought while other teachers with less seniority
to bring new proposals to the table before
special education assessments and many and get a fair raise that is commensurate get a better schedule.
and during the mediation period. Only in
other services. with the work we do every day for our This has been a problem for decades,
this way will the Board be able to move on to
—Janet L. Robertson students. but now that we continue to struggle
what is arguably its biggest task—choosing a
Retired  —Maia Manley year after year, with our budget down
permanent superintendent. Board members
Substitute psychologist GATE Teacher nearly 75%, obtaining a matrix has
do not want to play a role in forcing UTLA
Blythe Elementary become an even more critical issue in
on strike in the middle of that process.
As part of our contract demand for “full contract negotiations. No one wants to
staffing,” UTLA is calling for more health Adult school teachers continue in a profession where 25 years
The fight for the future
and human services professionals of every cat- deserve a matrix of hard work can be devalued by one
of public education
egory—including psychologists—at school When I started at a new school, I saw administrator. It’s time for LAUSD to tell
As we initiate the faculty meeting boycotts
sites. The key student supports provided by transparency in scheduling for the first time us that our hard work means something.
and other components of the action plan in
HHS professionals suffered severe cuts during in nearly 15 years of teaching adult educa- It is time for adult school teachers to
pressing for an agreement, as we mobilize
the recession that have not been restored. Please tion. At my new site, I was able to see the have a matrix.
thousands into the build for the May 19
see page 12 for a column on the many special- classes for the new semester posted online. —Natasha Urias
School Board elections, as we engage School
ties that make up health and human services. There were three classes (equaling my 30 Adult Educator
Board members and Superintendent Ramon
Cortines, and as we continue preparing for a
strike if necessary, we can also get a glimpse
of the struggle that continues beyond that. In this issue
Seventy courageous educators at the Al-
liance charter schools, the biggest charter
school in Los Angeles, recently declared
4 Faculty meeting boycott Q&A 4 Unity in red
their intent to organize a union, with UTLA’s
Standing together for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve.
support. When we see educators like Elana
Goldbaum in the lead of that—a widely 9 Milestones
awarded educator, hugely popular with 5 The parent-community connection
parents and students—stating firmly that Educators build deeper relationships with our natural allies. 24 Practical matters
they need the union to advocate for students,
stability, and the profession, it shows us what 7 School Board focus shifts to May
part of the struggle for educational justice 27 Union dues for tax purposes
Kayser heads into runoff with UTLA support.
will look like in the next few years. UTLA is
thrilled to support these educators. 27 STRS workshops
Then we have Sharonne Hapuarachy, UTLA
chapter chair at Dorsey High School, and
30 Classified ads
another widely awarded classroom teacher,
working with students like Beverly’anne
Ogarro to build a school site movement for 31 Grapevine
more electives, ethnic studies courses, and
more college counselors. When we see this
kind of student/community/union partner-
Get connected to UTLA
ship, it, again, shows us what an incredibly en-
couraging part of the struggle for educational Facebook: facebook.com/UTLAnow
justice will look like in the next few years.
Twitter: @utlanow
Leaders like Kikanza, Martin, and Rita
have moved things forward in years past, YouTube: youtube.com/UTLAnow
and leaders like Elana, Sharonne, and
Beverly’anne are continuing to move things
forward today. Let’s do this, let’s build 100%
participation in the faculty meeting boy- Big groups of colleagues traveled to the February 26 rally together in
cotts, let’s build this movement together, solidarity for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. See more shots from
and let’s win a victory on the path to the the rally on our pullout poster on page 16.
Schools L.A. Students Deserve.
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United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net March 20, 2015
Faculty meeting boycotts Q&A
Standing together for the Schools L.A. Students Deserve.
Why are we launching boycotts? councils. UTLA is NOT calling for boy- to tell you in a meeting that is boycotted, the I am a probationary teacher. Can I
We are launching boycotts to protest cotts of period-by-period faculty meet- principal will find another way to replay participate in the boycotts?
LAUSD’s failure to make bargaining pro- ings (which occur in secondary schools) the information to you. Yes. You have the same rights as all
posals that include a fair pay raise and or other meetings that occur within the other UTLA members in this contract
improvements to teaching and learning traditional school day. I have a good relationship with my campaign and you have the same re-
conditions. By compellingly demonstrat- administrators. Won’t these actions sponsibilities to your colleagues in your
ing our ability to act collectively when What should we do in place harm our relationship? union. No UTLA member has ever been
we need to, we maximize the pressure on of the faculty meetings The boycotts are not actions against terminated or not rehired for participat-
LAUSD to come to an agreement. we are boycotting? any individual principal or administrator; ing in high-profile UTLA actions like
Hold ten-minute meetings in the school they are a demonstration of our power to these.
When are the boycotts? parking lot or on the sidewalk—a highly LAUSD.
UTLA members will boycott all after- visible location where you will be seen What should we do if some faculty
school faculty meetings (and similar meet- by parents and probably administrators. What are the risks of participating members don’t observe the after-
ings held after the instructional day) on Check in with your chapter chair at that in the boycotts? school meeting boycotts?
March 24, April 7, and April 14, during the meeting so you are certain to be counted As boycott activities intensify, it is pos- Talk with them and explain that they are
scheduled mediation period for contract as honoring the boycotts. If your school is sible that you could be subject to discipline, undermining you and your coworkers and
negotiations (mediation sessions are sched- holding parent conferences on those days, such as a letter of reprimand. Sometimes weakening our chances of achieving a fair
uled for March 26, April 6, and April 15). you and your coworkers should hold a risks need to be taken for progress to occur. contract and encourage them to participate
The boycott must have 100% participation meeting in the parking lot or on the side- Our greatest protection comes from every in the next boycott.
to compellingly demonstrate our unity and walk before the conferences and all walk one of us participating in the boycotts. If
commitment to achieving a fair contract. in together—wearing red. the District does issue discipline, we need What key points should
to ensure that they have to do it to 35,000 I make with parents?
What type of meetings Won’t these kinds of UTLA members. We urge you to have discussions with
are we boycotting? actions hurt my students? parents about why UTLA members are
We are boycotting all after-school meet- No, our students are currently being hurt As an out-of-classroom member, undertaking boycotts and how we hope
ings, including faculty, grade level, depart- by a bureaucracy that will not offer com- should I join the boycotts? the boycotts will ultimately benefit student
ment, and SLC, on March 24, April 7, and petitive pay, lower class sizes, fully staffed Absolutely! You are a member of UTLA learning. Talk with parents about the need
April 14. At this time, UTLA is exclud- schools, due process rights for educators, and we need every member to join the for LAUSD to send more resources to schools
ing from the boycott after-school parent and a strong voice for parents and educators effort to send a strong message to LAUSD so that we can have smaller class sizes, more
conferences and participation by elected in school decision making. If there is some- that the District needs to offer us a fair nurses, more librarians, more counselors,
UTLA members on various site-governing thing really important that the principal has contract. and other crucial supports for students.
Unity in red
Thanks to the 300-plus
schools that have sent in
their red T-shirt pics since
the first Big Red Tuesday on
September 30. The input has
been amazing. We will keep
using as many as we can in
the coming months.
When we wear red on
Tuesdays, we tell the District
135th Street Elementary Hart Elementary
that we are united behind our
bargaining demands and the
Schools L.A. Students Deserve.
Keep the red growing!
RED
Montara Elementary Marvin Elementary
North Hollywood High Orthopaedic Medical Magnet High
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United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net March 20, 2015
The parent-community connection
Alta Loma Elementary is one of many sites where educators are
building deeper relationships with our natural allies.
One of the largest parent-educator L.A. Students Deserve. the CPAL position, Alta
groups at the February 26 UTLA rally— The parent-educator work has been Loma chapter chair Tony
and there were many among the 15,000- bolstered by UTLA’s chapter parent action Gatel welcomed a deeper
plus crowd—was from Alta Loma Elemen- liaison (CPAL) program, which aims to have focus on parent-commu-
tary, where the teaching force and engaged one UTLA member at every site leading nity organizing on the
parents are connecting with each other on the work of building relationships between school-site level.
new levels to build support for the Schools parents and educators. When UTLA created “Parents share our
concerns,” Gatel says.
“They don’t like the way
M the District is spending
A
R
G resources and unilater-
O
R
R P ally implementing poli-
E
M cies that aren’t beneficial
M
SU to students. Parents are
M
A supposed to have input
E
R
R/D into District decisions,
NTE but the policies are thrust
E
C down their throats, just
R
BO like they are for the teach-
A
A L ers, whether it’s the iPad
CL
U fiasco, the MiSiS crisis, or
Y
S
E the horrible implementa-
RT
OU tion of Breakfast in the Families from Alta Loma Elementary joined UTLA members at
C
Classroom.” the February 26 rally in downtown L.A.
Gatel sees the work of
the CPAL as a way to make schools more with Cedars Sinai to offer CPR training,
welcoming to parents, create a space to Healthy Habits workshops, and more.
hear parents’ concerns and needs, and “It’s so important for parents to get in-
connect those needs to the vision and volved,” Ramirez says. “The District has
UTLA and community/union demands of the Schools L.A. Students been cutting and cutting—there are no TAs,
Deserve campaign, such as lower class not enough materials, not enough room.
partnerships support sizes and fully staffed schools. Parents and teachers together have more
“When you talk with parents, you power, and together we can do much better.”
realize that we agree on 80% of the It is clear that there are many UTLA
undocumented students
issues,” Gatel says. members who have prioritized building
Alta Loma teacher Imran Syed stepped this natural alliance between parents and
Educators can become immigrant allies. up to be a CPAL for his school because he educators. UTLA’s CPAL program is ex-
sees the work as a natural progression in panding on those models and best prac-
educators’ advocacy for student rights and tices to create a District-wide organizing
By Arlene Inouye programs. We know there are a high better schools. program to build real power. To support
UTLA Treasurer number of undocumented students in “Parents need to be empowered,” Syed CPALs, UTLA is holding regular trainings
our classrooms who need services (one says. “LAUSD has very poor communica- on techniques such as having one-on-one
President Barack Obama’s recent estimate is that one out of every six tion with parents, and the dysfunctional conversations, holding parent meetings to
executive orders on immigration offer students in LAUSD is undocumented). District culture has to change. The financial build authentic partnerships, and identify-
Administrative Relief for qualified un- We are looking for educators who want special interests are overriding our stu- ing active and potentially active parents
documented youth and parents, pro- to support undocumented students in dents’ priorities and needs, and the parents and how to engage them. The CPALs’ work
viding a temporary remedy while the the following ways: are realizing what’s going on. They want also is being supported by the Parent Com-
need for comprehensive immigration 1. Attend no-cost trainings to learn what we want: a clean and safe school, a munity Organizing Committee (PCOC),
reform continues. This progress was how to refer youth and families for free nurse five days a week, more counselors, composed of representatives from all the
made possible after undocumented legal services for DACA and DAPA and a community-based school library that UTLA Areas and special employment cat-
activists and allies started a grassroots (Deferred Action for Parents of Ameri- serves parents, students, and teachers.” egories (such as health and human services
movement in 2012. They courageous- cans—another program available for Alta Loma formed a PTA two years ago, professionals).
ly brought the youths’ plight to the parents of undocumented students). and its president, Glenda Ramirez, has Syed sees the potential in a network
public, legislators, and media, express- 2. Offer to host a free classroom pre- been part of an active group of parents across LAUSD of engaged schools where
ing what it is like to be separated from sentation (flexible time frame) or parent who have been working with school staff parents, community, and UTLA members
family members, to be faced with de- center presentation from one of our to bring new community resources to the are working together on both local issues
portation, uncertainty, and barriers. partners. school. Without any District support, the and shared big-picture concerns.
Through the partnerships that UTLA 3. Host an undocumented students’ school planned beautification programs “On the micro level, more schools need
has formed with Asian Americans Ad- club or engage in other immigrant and fundraisers, and the parents partnered to do this work so that on a macro level we
vancing Justice Los Angeles and the justice activities. have the ability to
Miguel Contreras Foundation, families make the changes
and students can also receive free legal Contact Arlene Inouye at ainouye@ we need for our
advice in Spanish, English, Chinese, utla.net or [phone] if you are schools,” Syed says.
Khmer, Korean, Thai, and Vietnam- interested in the above. Other part-
ese about DACA (Deferred Action for ners who are providing resources and If your school
Childhood Arrivals). DACA allows support include the California Fac- does not have a
certain undocumented immigrants to ulty Association (CFA), the Alhambra CPAL, your chapter
receive a work permit, protection from Teachers Association, and the NEA, can hold a meeting
deportation, a Social Security number, which has provided a $50,000 Minor- to choose one. For
and the ability to apply for California ity Community Organizing and Part- more info, contact
driver’s license or ID card. nerships Grant to support this work. UTLA parent-com-
Students can receive information munity organizer
Become an immigrant justice ally from www.weownthedream.org and Esperanza Marti-
UTLA members can help support educators can secure NEA-supported nez at (213) 440-
students, parents, and community resources at [email protected] Parents and educators at Alta Loma are working together for better 0977 or emarti-
members to obtain benefits from these or (855) DREAM-31. schools. From left: Alta Loma parent Glenda Ramirez, CPAL Imran [email protected].
Syed, and chapter chair Tony Gatel.
5
United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net March 20, 2015
ESCALATING ACTIONS $109 million in 2016-17.
(continued from cover) • Nine months ago, the District was
projecting a $165.9 million ending deficit
tration that were coming out at the rally for 2014-2015. Today the District says it
downtown at Grand Park,” Caputo-Pearl will have a surplus of $45.8 million at the
said. “I fear if that’s the case, it will be end of 2014-2015.
kicking a hornet’s nest rather than moving LAUSD is an outlier among school dis-
toward a solution.” tricts in warning of potential layoffs for
As part of our ongoing investigation next year. The vast majority of Califor-
of the District’s budget, UTLA has been nia school districts are not issuing layoff
digging into LAUSD documents as well as notices for 2015-16, including San Diego,
filing Freedom of Information Act requests Long Beach, Oakland, San Jose, San Fran-
to get access to additional reports. Our cisco, Fresno, and Stockton school districts.
research has revealed the extent to which “There’s a national civil rights move-
LAUSD’s technology blunders have had an ment to curb the school-to-prison pipeline,
impact on the District’s budget, including yet LAUSD is cutting counselors and social
these details on MiSiS: Front row at the February 26 Stand at Grand. workers,” Caputo-Pearl said. “There’s
• Mistakes caused by the new attendance huge income inequality and a tremen-
system may lead to a one-time decrease in dous need for job training for adults, yet
average daily attendance (ADA), resulting in LAUSD is cutting adult education. There
a $47 million loss in revenue next school year. are 3,000 classes in the city with more
• The District already sent $10.2 million to than 45 students, yet LAUSD is cutting
school sites to address the problems created educators to raise class size. There’s a na-
by the MiSiS Crisis and admits it does not tional movement to provide support to our
know how or if the money was spent. most vulnerable and youngest children,
• Together, this money is more than yet LAUSD is threatening to cut SRLDP.
enough to pay for all 609 educators who LAUSD is simply out of step with the
were issued RIF notices. needs of schools.” 
In spite of the money misspent on MiSiS
and other ill-conceived projects, the Dis- Member actions more important than
trict has the funding to support the Schools ever: Receiving a reduction-in-force (RIF)
L.A. Students Deserve:   notice does not mean a job loss is cer-
• LAUSD’s revenue is projected to in- tain. Forcing LAUSD to rescind these lay-
crease by $201.2 million in 2015-16 and by off notices is a top priority of our ongo-
ing organizing and contract campaign for
the Schools L.A. Students Deserve. See
Stages of bargaining
the calendar for more details on upcom-
ing actions and make a commitment to
W e a re here participate.
I M P A S SE MEDIATION UnCiotyll eoangtu doegiss espttlhaaneyrd:. UTLA organizing
N S F by the numbers
O A
Either side can A state-appointed C
TI T-
A declare that talks mediator tries to FI
TI are deadlocked, get the two sides N 443
GO which leads to to reconcile their DI
E mediation. differences. If N Schools visited in first
N not successful, G
Both sides sit down, the mediator A fact-finding panel School Site Visit Blitz
with a legal obligation will send the will issue a report U
to bargain in good faith parties to with recommended DIT 18,991
G to attempt to reach fact-finding. terms of settlement, STL
IN an agreement. bnuott thhaev ep atort ies do RICA C UTLA members who
N T
I agre e to If no agreement is CA participated in contract
H UTLA and LAUSD it. reached, LAUSD can AN priority survey in the fall
S N
SUN ptbhraeersyge ainnintt e.thned ttoop ics priomppooslesaegls ai.t lUsly lT aaLsnAt,d cb auenns till,ea agtneardlal yfil lhyn oalld IMPOSTRI 350+
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a job action, including a strike. S
EE Schools that sent in red T pics
A tentative agreement can be reached at any time in the process. since Big Red Tuesday
A closer look at the negotiation process
518
Schools visited in second
Collective bargaining is a step-by- oncile their differences. The role of the terms of the report.
School Site Visit Blitz
step process governed by the EERA PERB-appointed mediator is to bring the After fact-finding: UTLA can legally
(Educational Employment Relations parties together for a mediated settlement strike and LAUSD can unilaterally
Act). So far UTLA and LAUSD have agreement. The mediator has sole discre- impose its last, best, and final offer. 700+
already been through the stages of tion to send the parties to fact-finding if A strike authorization vote by UTLA
sunshining (at a public meeting UTLA an agreement can’t be reached through members must be held before a strike. Chapters that picketed
and LAUSD present the topics they mediation. Negotiations can continue during all in front of schools on
intend to bargain), negotiations (both Fact-finding: A fact-finding panel (one of these stages, and a tentative agree-
February 12
sides sit down, with a legal obligation representative appointed by the union, ment can be reached at any time.
to bargain in good faith to attempt to one representative appointed by the Dis- UTLA will continue our aggressive
reach an agreement), and the decla- trict, and one neutral representative ap- organizing campaign through every 15,000+
ration of impasse. Here are the next pointed by PERB) will listen to evidence stage of bargaining and beyond. Any
stages: from both sides and issue a report with movement so far at the table has been People at the February 26
Mediation: A state-appointed me- recommended terms of settlement. The because LAUSD sees our unity and de- “Stand at Grand” rally
diator tries to get the two sides to rec- parties have no obligation to agree to the termination.
6
United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net March 20, 2015
Politics & the classroom
The fight for public education
Three out of four School Board incumbents face runoffs.
By Oraiu Amoni where seats in four of the seven School
UTLA Political Director Board districts were on the ballot.
Dr. George McKenna, our endorsed can-
UTLA continues to play a vital role in didate whom we worked to get elected in
LAUSD School Board races, as reflected in the summer of 2014, faced no opposition
the results of the March 3 primary election, in District 1. In District 7, where UTLA
made no endorsement, incumbent Richard
Vladovic was not able to overcome the 50%
+ 1 threshold to win his seat outright. In
District 3 Tamar Galatzan, who received the
early endorsement of Mayor Eric Garcetti, is School Board member Bennett Kayser with volunteers during the primary campaign.
now in a runoff because of UTLA member
engagement and investment in a “Galatzan nurses, firefighters, homecare workers, and Kayser and such a clear adversary as
Be Gone” campaign. In District 5 our early- many others be able to have input into the Tamar Galatzan, we must engage.
endorsed candidate, Bennett Kayser, ran education of our children? There are several ways to get involved
a tight race and now faces a tough runoff Privitization supporters and the cor- in the campaigns, such as adopting a
against a charter school executive support- porate “reformers” gave us costly top- phone-banking night. Invite your col-
ed by the business interests who want to down mandates such as the iPads fiasco leagues to one of our field offices (locations
redefine public education. and the MiSiS crisis. They tried to cir- will be given at the April 8 Area meetings)
As an educator you know the obstacles cumvent UTLA members’ contractual or host a phone bank in a box (PBIB) at a
you face every day to provide a quality rights with the TGDC evaluation system, local restaurant. Walk your communities
education to your students: Lack of re- and they try to pit us against parents where School Board elections are happen-
sources, your input not being respected, by spreading false propaganda about ing and talk to your neighbors about the
overgrown bureaucracy, and the children their children’s education. We know importance of the upcoming elections. Get
As part of the “Galatzan Be Gone” campaign, in your classrooms not being valued. The what happens when we don’t engage involved and let’s show the other side that
Brian Simily and David Feldman join other fight for public education is at our door- in politics—we lose and our students our school boards are not for sale.
UTLA members in protesting during rush hour step. Will public education be controlled suffer. Elected officials are not perfect,
at the busy intersection of Tampa and Nordhoff by the top 1% of income earners? Or will and they at times let us down, but when To get involved: Call UTLA Political Or-
the night before the School Board election. working families, teachers, counselors, we have such a clear advocate as Bennett ganizer Juan Parrino at [phone].
Thanks to our campaign volunteers
Thanks to the following UTLA members, community members, family, and friends Art Lopez Jennifer Owens Maria Smith
who volunteered as part of UTLA’s political action in the March primary elections.
Dennis Lopez Adelaida Padilla Cheryl Smith-Vincent
Carol Lum William Page Colleen Stewart
Brandon Abraham Victor Castillo Leticia Garcia Stuart Lutz William Pasderin Britt Storrs
Ricardo Abreu Andrew Casvilles Steve Garcia Benny Madera Gary Pearlson Yolanda Tamayo
Lydia Acosta Juan Catolan Alma Garcia Abel Mala Carmeliene Pingtella Adrian Tamayo
Bodin Adler Jerrell Cebrales Jr. Trina Gasaway Scott Mandel Sandra Perez Pizano Anita Thomas
Gloria Alhadeff Lucia Cerda Tracy Godfrey G. Marroquin Dan Perryman Zulma Tobar
Javier Alvarez Isabel Cervantes David Goldberg Ana Martin Max Phillips Jean Torre
Elizabeth Amaral Marciela Chagoya Arturo Gomez Gloria Martinez Cat Proctor Barbara Torres
Gissela Anaya Susie Chow Jeff Good Maria G. Martinez Maria C. Quitegui Carla Tott
Jada Anderson Sue Cirrillo Dorcas Green Angie Mata Kennon B. Raines Michael Towner
Maria Aragon Mauricio Cortez Ingrid Gunnell Judi Mauss Alma Ramos Sinh Trinh
Sylvia Arias Michael Daniel Czyk Maria Elena Guzman Brian McNamara Juan Rauz Malinda Troy
Jocielly Aure Marcia Dade Kathy Ham Carla Mcnellis Shane Riddle Edwin Umana
Gwendolyn Baker Nicholas D’Amico Ted Hampton Roshni Mejia Argentina Rodriguez Arturo Valdez
Daniel Barnhart Walter Tony Davison John Hamrick Julian Mendez Claudia Rodriguez Tomiko Varga
Ebony L. Batiste Norma Delgado Leo Haragreaves Maria Menendez Narcisco Rodriguez Norma Vasquez
Angela Beltran Paul H. Des Mavais Constantin Haramis Patrick Meyer Pedro Rodriguez Silvio Vidal
Frederick Bertz Star Dixon Anthony Haz Alam Mijango Rene Rowland Cristina Vieiwbano
Lynette Bickham Jennie Duggan Fredy Hernandez Leonor Miramontes Arturo R. Romo Socorro Vilches
Melodie Bitter Ralph Duran Sergio Hernandez Maria Miranda Ana M. Rubio Ingrid Villeda
Michael Blasi David Earhart Tanya Hildreth Buckley Mitchell Gillian Russom Bobby Vinas
Robert Richard Bon Chaplin Early L. Hirata Cynthia Mitthers Mirka Rhyne Kristen Walker
Ayde Bravo Stephen Early Raymond Hongo Jeremy Mohr Henry Said Kate Weber
Ayesha Brooks Angel Escobedo Mel House Dan Moran Francisco Salazar Jimmie Woods-Gray
Alicia Brossy de Dios David Feldman Barbara Hupp Brian Muller Lorena Salazar Ronel Wright
Jose Buenabad Tony Ferguson Arlene Inouye Eda Munoz Judy Ann Sanchez Susan Wright
Marisol Cabrera William Fernandez Erika Jones Cecily Myart-Cruz Mardo Sando Marc Wutschke
Ericka Camajeil Kelly Flores Ani Kazazian Manny Nana Cristina Sanzur Rafael Zamora
Susan Campodonico Marco Flores Matthew Kogan Chuck Narcho Lisa Sawai Anne Zerrien-Lee
Alyce Cantu Tomas Flores Luli Koza Lisett Nevarez Greg Schiller Lorena Zorrilla
Alex Caputo-Pearl Gabriela L. Flores Wade Kyle Bruce Newborn Jorge Serrato
Laura Carls Betty Forrester R.M. Lacarc Linda Nutile Yolanda Serrato Jonian
Names are compiled
Julie Carson Barbara Foster Jose Lara Linda Okamoto Alma Servato
from sign-in sheets.
Traci Carter Jack Fris Kathy Leckie Yemi Orija Andrea Shaffer
Did we miss or misspell
Susan Casas Fidel Fuentes Wayne Leslie Alex Orozco Joy Shiraishi
your name? Send it to
Emilia Casilllas Mike Fuoroli John Lincoln Mary Rose Ortega Veronica Silva
[email protected].
Guadalupe Castillo Brenda Garb Mike Lloyd Teri Osborn Susan Singh
7
Your state of mind has a big impact on how old you feel, so live a little — and live a little healthier.
Celebrate heart health
This month, choose a habit (or all 5) to add to your life for a happy heart.
1. Eat to your heart’s content 3. Aim to lose 5. Break up with a bad habit
50% fruits and veggies Make it your goal to get and If you smoke, quit. Your
25% lean protein keep your BMI (body mass heart will heart you.
25% whole grains index) to less than 25.
2. Move that body 4. Watch the pressure
150 minutes a week Maintain a healthy
of exercise (like brisk blood pressure —1 20/80
walking) is all you need. or lower is ideal.
4
1
0
2
er
b
m
e
v
Visit kp.org/heart to learn more about heart health. No
8
0
3
5
4
2
0
Services covered under a Kaiser Permanente health plan are provided and/or arranged by Kaiser Permanente health plans: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, e. 6
Inc., in Northern and Southern California and Hawaii • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine ycl
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Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-364-7000 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., in Maryland, e re
Virginia, and Washington, D.C., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 • Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite as
e
100, Portland, OR 97232. Self-insured plans are administered by Kaiser Permanente Insurance Company, One Kaiser Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612. Pl
United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net March 20, 2015
Getting involved in your school community
UTLA member finds a warm welcome for educators.
By Stacey Michaels unteered with local elections. I am amazed
232nd Place School Teacher at how welcoming community members
are to teachers who get involved. As a new
Last summer I attended the American member to the San Pedro Democratic Club, I
Federation of Teachers National Conven- was asked by Club President Robert Brandin
tion in downtown Los Angeles as a first- if I could arrange for UTLA President Alex
time national delegate. While at the con- Caputo-Pearl to speak at the February
vention, I was inspired by AFT President meeting. I emailed their formal request to
Randi Weingarten’s call for educators to UTLA’s new political director, Oraiu Amoni,
get involved and to be actively engaged and within a week, we had a commitment
with educational issues on behalf of their from Alex to be the keynote speaker.
school community. After her speech I I couldn’t believe it. Alex didn’t say
found myself outside the Staples Center no, I am too busy; he committed to being
and heard what sounded like a parent there, even though he had a speaking
calling my name, “Ms. Michaels, Ms. Mi- engagement before and after our meeting.
chaels . . . ” I turned around, and to my The venue was the San Pedro Omelet &
surprise met face to face with a family from Waffle Restaurant on busy Gaffey Street
my school in Carson, who were visiting the in San Pedro. The night of our event,
circus that was performing there. February 23, the waitresses gladly put
“What are you doing here, Ms. Mi- up our UTLA protest posters on the res-
chaels?” they asked, so we chatted for 15 taurant walls, and community members,
minutes on the sidewalk about what Ms. including 25 teachers from area schools,
Michaels was doing at the convention. I filled up the restaurant venue. San Pedro
walked away from that exchange inspired High School seniors met and greeted
to get more involved. community members as they took their A chance meeting outside the AFT Convention with a family from Stacey Michaels’ school
Over the past year, I have joined various seats and ordered dinner specials. Gulf helped cement Michaels’ determination to get involved with her community. Above: Michaels
Democratic clubs in my area and have vol- Avenue teacher Linda Bassett began the (upper left) with Claudia and Cesar Cancino and their children, Delyah and Azereth, from
232nd Place School in Carson.
program and spoke passionately about community activist Diane Middleton. The
UTLA bulletin board the importance of restoring full staffing following day she sent out a detailed email
of nurses, counselors, and librarians to message to a multitude of community
our schools. members outlining the issues Alex spoke
Upcoming meetings APRIL 10 Alex arrived on time and gave us the about and inviting people to the Stand at
one hour he promised, taking questions Grand rally on February 26.
Adult and Occupational Education:
MARCH 25 & APRIL 29 5:30 p.m., UTLA building. from the audience before beginning his Randi Weingarten’s call for action con-
UTLA House of Representatives: 6 talk, carefully jotting down and respect- tinues to resonate real meaning to me,
p.m., UTLA building. APRIL 14 fully repeating back the audience’s ques- whether it’s when I am building new con-
The following committees also meet Unjustly Housed Teachers Committee: tions. He immediately engaged the audi- nections with my community or experi-
on the same day as the House of Rep- 3:05 p.m., UTLA building. ence as he spoke passionately about the encing the collective body of 15,000-plus
resentatives from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Schools L.A. Students Deserve Campaign, attendees at the Stand at Grand rally. It
APRIL 15
(unless noted) in the UTLA building: reiterating the importance of building rela- does make a difference to get involved
Elementary Committee: 4 p.m., UTLA
Arts Education Committee, Asian-Pa- tionships with community organizations. in your school community . . . one UTLA
building.
cific Education, Bilingual Education Among those in the audience was influen- teacher at a time, one school community
Secondary Committee: 4 p.m., UTLA
Committee, Chicano/Latino Educa- tial workers rights’ lawyer and San Pedro member at a time. Your voice does matter.
building.
tion, Gay & Lesbian Issues, Health
African-American Education Commit-
& Human Services, Human Rights,
tee: 4 p.m., UTLA building.
Inner City, Instructional Coaches, Kin- Milestones To submit an item: Send details
Capably Disabled Teachers Commit-
dergarten Teachers, Library Profes- to Milestones, UNITED TEACHER,
tee: 4 p.m., UTLA building.
sionals (4:45-6 p.m.), Middle Schools, 3303 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los
PACE Committee: 6:30 p.m., UTLA
Multi-Track/Year-Round Schools, Non- Angeles, CA 90010 or utnewspa-
building. Passings
Classroom/Non-School Site, Options [email protected]. Material must arrive
Committee, Physical Education Action APRIL 16 at least three weeks before publi-
and Dance, Professional Rights & Re- UTLA/AFT General Membership UTLA has learned that two longtime cation date, and please include a
sponsibilities, Pre-Retirement Issues, Meeting: UTLA building. members, Lupe Callero and Theressa Sams, daytime phone number. Photos wel-
Salary & Finance, School/ Community have passed away. Look for their obituaries comed. We reserve the right to edit
MAY 11
Relations, School Readiness Language in the April UNITED TEACHER. text for length and clarity.
Development Program, Secondary UTLA/NEA Service Center Council
School Counselors, Special Educa- Membership Meeting: UTLA building.
tion, Substitutes, Violence Prevention
& School Safety, Women’s Education. MAY 13
The National Board Certified Teachers UTLA Area Meetings: See times and
Standing Committee: For meeting dates locations at utla.net.
please check calendar at www.utla.net. Early Childhood Education Committee:
Substitute Committee General 7 p.m., UTLA building.
Meeting: UTLA building.
APRIL 7 Upcoming conferences
UTLA/NEA Service Center Council
Membership Meeting: UTLA building. APRIL 20 & APRIL 25
Pilgrimage to Manzanar: Info at www.
APRIL 8
utla.net/apconference031415 . See flyer
UTLA Area Meetings: See times and
in this issue.
locations at utla.net.
Early Childhood Education Committee: APRIL 25
7 p.m., UTLA building. Investment Workshop: See flyer in
this issue.
Theressa Sams Lupe Callero
9
United Teacher • for the latest news: www.utla.net March 20, 2015
NEA & AFT affiliate actions
Connecting with the classroom
Programs like Read Across America and Share My Lesson help inspire teachers.
NEA’s Read Across America:
Oh, the Places We’ll Go
Ime Hackman’s class at De La Torre Elemen-
tary held a Lorax party.
partook in a rhyming game of hopscotch.
The next stop brought me to Angeles
Mesa Elementary (invited by West Area
Chair Erika Jones and kindergarten teacher
Mercedes Robles’s students at 68th Street get
Elvia Cruz). Angeles Mesa is my former
in the Read Across America spirit.
school, and I was eager to go back to see
my students. I was led by two students
eggs and ham (kosher turkey), creating who sent me to six different classes. I read
Oobleck, and designing hats and book- UTLA/NEA VP Cecily Myart-Cruz reads to my new favorite book, Dragons Love Tacos
marks. We would even wear our pajamas Yolanda-Spencer Tamayo’s class at Lorena Street. by Adam Rubin. I read to Megan Kemp
By Cecily Myart-Cruz
while we dedicated our day to literacy. and Judy Ngyuen’s third-grade classes,
UTLA/NEA Vice President
This was my first year not doing these year in advance. The students are at the Ashley Poplawski’s special education
activities with my own class because I’m center of creating and implementing the preschool class, and my former teaching
Every year as March approaches, educa- a UTLA officer. Frankly, it had me feeling day’s activities. Fourteen kindergarten partner Erick Valdez’s fifth-grade class,
tors start combing through Pinterest and down—until I received several calls from classes walked over to Santee for the day and I ended the day reading to Erika Jones
resource books and doing Google searches Area chairs, chapter chairs, and rank-and- (from San Pedro Elementary, Dolores Huerta and Elvia Cruz’s kindergarten classes.
to find the perfect activities to celebrate file members to come and share the love Elementary, and 28th Street Elementary). My last stop took me to Lorena Street
Read Across America Day. In my classroom, of reading with their students. The Santee band and drill team welcomed Elementary (invited by Yolanda Spencer-
I used to look forward to coming up with My first stop was Santee High School at them with a performance. It was a sight to see. Tamayo and joined by East Area Board of
the most creative ideas to spark, rekindle, the invitation of Central Area Chair Jose The students were broken into groups and Director Adrian Tamayo’s special educa-
and celebrate the love of reading for Read Lara. Santee puts on a remarkable Read enjoyed different reading-related stations. I tion class). I read Dragons Love Tacos to her
Across America. I remember making green Across America Day, which it plans one was at the Hop on Pop Station. I read the story first graders, and they loved it so much,
“Hop on Pop” and afterward the students they asked me to read another book: Wacky
DON’T JUST WORK
IN EDUCATION.
LEAD IT.
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lead the transformation in education?
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10