Saturday, February 01, 2014

VERGARA v. CA: EdSource Today editor, attorneys for plaintiff and respondent interviewed on KQED about trial challenging teacher job rights

By EdSource staff | http://bit.ly/MokvUq

January 31st, 2014  ::  EdSource Today editor John Fensterwald was featured on KQED’s Forum program Friday, answering questions about a closely watched trial under way in Los Angeles that challenges teacher job protections.

Vergara v. California is seeking to overturn state laws governing teacher tenure, seniority and dismissal procedures.

The nonprofit group that brought the suit, Student Matters, says the laws protect poor teachers and make it too difficult to dismiss them, to the detriment of California children. But the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers, who are joining in the defense of the case, say the lawsuit is an attack on essential workplace protections that ultimately benefit the education system.

Fensterwald was joined on Forum by James Finberg, lead attorney representing the teachers’ associations, and plaintiff’s attorney Theodore Boutrous.


Forum

Lawsuit Challenges Teacher Tenure in California

Fri, Jan 31, 2014 -- 9:00 AM

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A student from Oakland High School is part of a lawsuit alleging that ineffective teachers violate students' right to an education.

Should it be easier for California public schools to fire teachers? A Silicon Valley entrepreneur is spearheading a lawsuit against the state challenging teacher tenure and seniority, which critics say make it harder to remove ineffective instructors. Advocates for teachers say job security and other benefits are essential to lure good teachers into low-paying jobs. We'll get the latest developments on the trial and examine the implications of the case.

Host: Rachael Myrow

Guests:

  • James Finberg, lead attorney in the Vergara lawsuit trial representing California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers
  • John Fensterwald, reporter for EdSource
  • Theodore Boutrous, attorney for the nine student plaintiffs challenging California's teacher tenure rules

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