A message to substitute teachers from A. J. Duffy, Candidate for President of UTLA:
I have always been a supporter of substitute teachers in LAUSD and will continue to be so in the future. When I become president, I will pressure the district to upgrade the status of subs whenever necessary.
I believe subs are a critical part of the regular education program. Substitute teachers are the people that we as classroom teachers rely on to carry through with our lessons when we are absent. Therefore, it is essential that the following items always be included in contract negotiations with the district.
1. We must always look at the salary schedule to see if subs are being short changed.
2. Because subs are an integral part of the regular education program, they should be included at all times in any meaningful staff development, on school time.
3. I will always strive to get the district to adhere to the agreement made many years ago that substitute teachers are not clerks, therefore if they have free time they should never be required to do clerical work.
4. Beyond the above thoughts, as your president, my door will always be open. I will always listen to your concerns and take them into consideration when putting together negotiation packages.
Sincerely yours,
A. J. Duffy, Candidate of President of UTLA
May 1, 2004
