Convened by UNITE-LA, and engaging key IHE teacher training programs, LAUSD and the L.A. County Office of Education (LACOE)
In 2020, as a result of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the urgent spotlight on systemic racism prompted by the murder of George Floyd, UNITE-LA launched a policy workgroup to advocate for legislative and budget reforms that support flexibility in pathways to careers in teaching, modifications to credentialing requirements, and equity-focused improvements in financial supports for teacher candidates.
The LAEPP Policy Advisory Group developed a set of guiding principles, which centered the group’s efforts.
UNITE-LA’s policy team provided guidance to the LAEPP Policy Advisory Group on critical legislative and budget opportunities.
UNITE-LA, on behalf of the LAEPP Policy Advisory Group, sent three successful legislative support letters pertaining to three Assembly Bills and one budget support letter in 2021 to lay the groundwork for an equitable education system that supports the diversity of teachers and provides a quality education to each and every student.
Leveraged the existing LAEPP trust table, added membership from new LAUSD department, and expanded membership to include LACOE. Group mandate was to provide guidance and input on state teacher training policies specifically to (1) address teacher training improvements and adaptations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) promote anti-racist practices in funding for teacher preparation–with the dual aims of addressing the teacher shortage and promoting diversity and equity in the teacher workforce.