Kim Turner/UTLA

UTLA President, Warren Fletcher in the AirTalk studio.

When United Teachers Los Angeles President A.J. Duffy was termed out of office this year, it was widely expected Vice President Julie Washington would be elected his successor. But in a surprise upset, Warren Fletcher, who teaches English at City of Angels alternative school, narrowly edged Washington out with a 53-47 percent victory. In his third run at the seat, Fletcher garnered the support of a coalition of teachers dissatisfied with the direction of union leadership as well as displaced school nurses, substitute teachers and learning coaches. In recent years, UTLA has been plagued with layoffs, salary cuts and loss of political clout. Fletcher’s term started on July 1st; it remains to be seen how he’ll implement his campaign promise to restore the UTLA to its former glory. Are you a teacher, parent or administrator who’s been unhappy with UTLA? What changes would you like to see happen in the teachers’ union? What should the new president’s priorities be?

Guest:

Warren Fletcher, President, United Teachers Los Angeles