UTLA statement on coaches’ protest

May 14, 2009 - Today, LAUSD instructional coaches protested in front of United Teachers Los Angeles headquarters their reassignment to classroom jobs as teachers. The reassignments are part of LAUSD's layoff strategy, where instructional coaches whose jobs are terminated are transferred to a teaching position resulting in the displacement of probationary teachers who had previously received RIF notices.

UTLA understands that change is sometimes difficult, but let's remember that while 3,000 teachers may lose their jobs, the instructional coaches' employment is secure. Instructional coaches are experts and specialists in their fields and, because of the nature of their jobs, have reached high levels of expertise. This is their opportunity to go back to the classroom and share that expertise with students and fellow teachers.

UTLA is committed to saving the job of every one of its members who received a RIF notice from LAUSD. Even while committed to saving every member's job, the union's top priority has to be the people who work directly with students every day: classroom teachers and counselors.

"I respect the coaches' right to protest," said A. J. Duffy, UTLA president. "Some of these people are amongst the best teachers we have and I trust they will understand the need to fight for classroom teachers who are at risk of losing their jobs."

Contact Marla Eby, Director of Communications at 213-368-6247 for additional details.