ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Leading a union can be difficult. Even more difficult? Leading the educators union in the second-largest school district in the country, United Teachers Los Angeles, through the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we talk to the woman who did just that: immediate Past President of UTLA, Cecily Myart-Cruz. She was also the first woman of color to be elected to the position.
During her tenure, she made strides in racial justice and protections for immigrants. She helped secure more financial protections for the district, its workers, and more. Under her leadership, UTLA was able to expand what is possible through organizing that includes the community, not just its members. But now, public schools across the country are under attack from the right, including the Trump Administration's plans to dismantle the Department of Education.
As she steps away from the position, she joins us to talk about her tenure from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to her transition to a new role as a member of the National Education Association’s Executive Committee. We'll also discuss the threats currently facing public education–a foundational piece of our democracy–everywhere.
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