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.
Listen to the segment here, and read EdSource Today coverage of the trial here and here.
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