Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/740763
Yes, it's a new day for UTLA, the largest CTA chap- ter, in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the largest school district in the state, which happens to be ground zero in the war on public schools. Instead of feeling beleaguered, UTLA is doubling down on organiz- ing, finding strength in numbers, reaching out to the LA community, and fighting for something instead of being on the defensive. Just a few years ago, UTL A was called a "sleeping giant" even by its own members, for its inability to orga- nize the rank and file to effect change. But those days are over ; the giant is wide awake, well organized and fighting mad. "Take Back Our Schools" was the theme of walk-ins on Feb. 17, May 4 and Oct. 6, when UTLA members joined with the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools. e events, described as "love fests" for public schools, drew thou- sands of educators, parents, students and community members, who gathered at well over 100 public school campuses to talk about the great things happening at local schools and what can be done to make them better, such as lowering class size and increasing staff. In August, UTLA launched "We Are Public Schools," a public awareness campaign with dozens of outdoor ads and more than 75 billboards. e goals: Create a posi- tive narrative around educators, parents and students At the peak of The Broad protest, almost 1,000 UTLA members, students, parents and community members marched in opposition to Eli Broad's plan to enroll half of LAUSD students in unregulated charter schools. Photo by Kim Turner. In February, May and October, UTLA and other CTA chapters helped lead walk-ins nationwide to reclaim our schools. The walk-ins, tailored to the needs of individual schools, demonstrate educator, student and community support for public education and strong local schools. Above, walk-ins at Castelar Street Elementary and 20th Street Elementary in Los Angeles. 23 October 2016