Racial Tensions in the Classroom
As a teacher privileged to work with Helene Zaslove (“Teacher Offers Youths Crash Course in Getting Along,” Sept. 21) at University High, I think you should know that Zaslove’s work with students promoting cultural understanding was only part of the story. What she didn’t tell you was that she spent countless hours after school and on weekends finding food, shelter, and medical care for students in need.
The irony of this is that a few days before the story appeared, Helene retired from the district, forced to do so by the threat of impending cuts in retirement pay and medical benefits. It is unconscionable that she and thousands of other dedicated teachers in this city should have their very existence threatened by the shortsighted managers of our school district, many of whom earn more than the governor of California. Helene Zaslove’s legacy will live on in her students, but all of us are poorer for her leaving.
ALEXA SMITH MAXWELL
Los Angeles
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
