Above: Students enrolled in East Valley Skills Center’s Adult Education program showing their support Wednesday morning for computer teacher Dawn Wilson (third from left).

Dawn Wilson has been an adult education computer teacher for LAUSD for 24 years and has made a difference in the lives of thousands of students over her career.  

Last week, the principal of North Valley Occupational Center, and its satellite campus East Valley Skills Center (EVSC) where Wilson teaches, told her that she has to resign or she will be dismissed. 

“I have been with LAUSD since 2002,” said Wilson. “The principal’s decided she’s going to get rid of me. She’s given me no reason, no explanation — just ‘you’re out of here’ after 24 years.” 

On Wednesday morning educators and students walked out at EVSC to protest Wilson’s unjust firing. North Valley Occupational Center Vice Chapter Chair Christopher Jones noted the outpouring of support from Wilson’s students. 

“What you see is a display of love and support for a beloved teacher, a 24-year veteran computer teacher, because she was unjustly fired last week with no cause given,” said Jones. 

Unfortunately, the dismissal is legally permitted under California’s AB 2245. The law was intended to create a path to permanent status for CTE teachers, but in doing so it resets the clock for everyone, including longtime educators like Wilson, placing them back into a two-year probationary period before being able to reach permanent status. Wilson had been on track to finally reach permanent status next year for the first time in her career. 

Educators at EVSC believe the principal is taking advantage of the law’s loophole to retaliate against Wilson. First, Wilson has an intermittent leave protected under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and second, she is at the top of the salary scale after nearly 24 years with the district, making her position more expensive than hiring a newer teacher.  

EVSC students are outraged at the thought of losing Wilson and the years of experience that help make her a great teacher. 

“After 24 years, her experience is a huge asset to our school. She’s not just teaching computer skills — she’s building confidence in students who might otherwise struggle with technology,” said EVSC student Sanaa Ballout. 

Educators and students are planning further actions to escalate pressure on the principal and the district to preserve Wilson’s job, including going to speak at next Tuesday’s school board meeting. 

While AB 2245 is a step in the right direction to build parity, CTE teachers are still fighting for the same respect from school administration and the district for the work and services they provide.