The teacher’s union is threatening to strike because it says current conditions are unbearable. They say teacher’s salaries have not kept up with cost of living increases; over crowded classes with 40 or more students makes quality instruction impossible. And they say they need more ancillary help: nurses, social workers and librarians in every school.
It’s easy to know which side to pick when villains dress in all black and sport five o’clock shadows. But rarely is life that simple. During my legal career, I’ve found there’s often a gray area—no archetypical bad guy—only two opposing sides with competing interests. That’s where we find ourselves right now in the ongoing battle between LA Unified School District and United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). And although neither side has indicated a willingness to capitulate on their respective positions, my years of experience as a litigator and children’s rights advocate lead me to conclude that in this epic battle, putting our kids first means each side must compromise.