The Federation worked for a $5,000 state supplement for national board certified teachers, and won an additional $3,500 supplement from the local school board.

I was owed a full year’s salary as a bus driver for the Monroe City School Board, but the board refused to pay me. I fought on my own for a couple of years, but got nowhere with the board.

Years ago, the Rapides Federation of Teachers and School Employees fought for and won extended sick leave for support personnel. Without the benefit won by the Federation, I would have lost my income and my health insurance.

We needed to pass a bond issue in Richland Parish to remodel and repair our schools, but school leaders needed direction in organizing the bond issue campaign.

I was completely vindicated, and all of my legal costs were paid by the Federation. I had no out-of-pocket expenses at all.

We love teaching, and we want respect for the work we do. That means we need a say in how schools are run, as well as fair compensation. The union is the only organization that makes this a priority.”