gloria martinez

Summary Learn about research on the intersection of disability and the school to prison pipeline conducted by United Teachers of Los Angeles and their allies, and learn about their actions to demand just and equitable educational access.

Gloria is a National Board Certified Teacher in Special Needs, has been teaching for 16 years, and holds credentials in both general and special education. As a long-time chapter chair, Gloria led campaigns in support of special education compliance and gathering community support for UTLA-endorsed candidates for School Board and other key state initiatives. She has taken the lead in campaigns against Prop 39 charter co-location and in informing parents about their rights regarding excessive standardized testing. As a member of UTLA’s Board of Directors for East Area, Gloria went to the bargaining table to hammer away at LAUSD’s implementation of MISIS and its impact on services for ELL and special needs students, and the educators who serve them. Gloria has been a key member of UTLA’s Organizing Team, which planned the escalating actions in UTLA’s 2014-2015 contract campaign; including the massive February 26, 2015 Stand at Grand rally at City Hall. Gloria played a key role in the systematic organizing behind the 2015-2016 Build the Future, Fund the Fight campaign. Gloria is active in CTA and CFT committee work and has presented at a national conference on organizing against privatization.