My name is Leonard Segal. I have been teaching at LAUSD since 1995. I was going to be a math or science teacher. I had my own classroom for 3 years but I thought the conditions in the classroom were too abusive. I thought instead I wanted to create a website for teachers to exchange best lesson plans. The lesson plans from experienced teachers were always better than what I was getting from the text books.

In 1999 I decided it was time to go to UTLA to learn my rights because I believed I was being taken advantage of by some of the schools. At the UTLA meeting I raised my hand to ask a question and they elected me. That is when my journey began to learn about how UTLA and LAUSD are supposed to work. From that time till now there was a 10 year span that I went to virtually every UTLA meeting. I can tell you who knows what they are talking about and can do the job.

I have been a Committee Chair for 3 years, was on the Board of Directors for 9 years, I have been on the House of Reps for more than 10 years, I am on my UTLA Area’s Steering Committee, I have been a Chapter Chair for around 9 years, I have been on the Substitute Article 30 Committee for over 10 years and was an NEA RA Rep for over 10 years and a NEA Committee Chair for around 5 years.

For many years I have virtually lived at UTLA. Most of the major candidates are like family to me. It is hard on me to tell you to vote for one of my family members over another. I know it will cost me in my relationships with some of them. And I am sad about that. But I have given more than 10 years of my life in service of UTLA and LAUSD. I had no personal life. All my time has been in service of UTLA and our students. So while I care about all of these people I know how important it is to get the most knowledgeable people elected.

I see many people running in this election that I have rarely if ever seen at any of the meetings. All these people are likeable people with good hearts. But you need to understand how things work in order to accomplish the worthy goals many of them have for UTLA.

I think many of the candidates will make good Officers of UTLA someday. I am giving you my recommendations of who it makes the most sense to vote for at this time. For example it doesn’t make sense to replace an elected UTLA Officer when they are doing a good job. Due to term limitations they can only serve twice. We should have them working on our behalf while we develop good leaders to take their place when they are termed out.

And then there are some currently elected Officers who are not interested in working with President Warren Fletcher who is one of the most important Presidents in the history of UTLA. I am recommending competent candidates who are ready, willing and able to work with him to benefit all members. Click here for my election recommendations.

 Click here for my views about how to make education relevant.