Four local chapters of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers received the Union Values in Action Award for improving the lives of members, enhancing the influence of the union and advancing the mission of public education. The awards were presented at the 47th annual LFT convention at Diamond Jacks Resort in Bossier City.
The award recognizes the efforts of local LFT chapters to promote the union agenda and express commitment to the values that make the Federation the largest professional organization for teachers and school employees in Louisiana.
“These Federation chapters exemplify what the LFT stands for,” said LFT President Steve Monaghan. “The Union Values in Action Award serves as an inspiration and a road map for other chapters around the state. It shows how much can be accomplished when we are true to the principles that led us into the union movement in the first place."
Calcasieu Federation of Teachers: Teachers and school employees in Calcasieu Parish knew that something was wrong in their parish. The system’s discipline policy was in disarray, and out of compliance with state law. The educational process was impeded because of disrespect and violence against teachers. The Calcasieu Federation and President Jean Johnson convinced educators who had been victims of student violence to come forward with their stories.
At a packed school board meeting with about 400 people in attendance, CFT demonstrated that the school system violated not only state law but its own policies regarding assault and battery of employees. Following President Johnson’s presentation, the board unanimously voted to put new’ stronger discipline policies into effect. These policies will strengthen discipline and allow for a better educational outcome in the parish.
Jefferson Federation of Teachers: Following a tumultuous election last fall, the Jefferson Parish School Board came under the control of a group of individuals with no prior experience in public education, and who enacted policy changes that are disrupting the lives of thousands of students, teachers and school employees.
In response, JFT and President Meladie Munch developed the “Stand With Jefferson Teachers” coalition, a grassroots movement designed to give voice to teachers’ concerns and build community support for teachers. JFT reached out to Working America, the community arm of the AFL-CIO, to assist in the campaign.
Elements of the “Stand With Jefferson Teachers” campaign include newspaper ads, billboards, radio ads, print publications and the keystone of the campaign, a door-to-door engagement with parents and other citizens. Volunteers are educating citizens and asking them to sign petitions ad fill out postcards for mailing to their school board members.
St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees: With a favorable school board, strong public support for district schools and a business community that takes pride in the school system, the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and President Elsie Burkhalter still work tirelessly to build coalitions that strengthen the union.
Their latest effort is called the Local Investment For Tomorrow, or LIFT. Starting with the fact that two cents of every dollar spent in St. Tammany Parish goes to the school system, the St. Tammany Federation began a campaign urging shoppers to patronize local businesses.
The Shop St. Tammany theme brought together local governments, the Chamber of Commerce, elected officials, police and fire departments, civic organizations and others. It reinforced the truth that the union and its members are important to the community – not just as teachers and school employees, but also as customers and patrons that the business community needs to survive.
Tangipahoa Federation of Teachers: When the American Federation of Teachers announced its “See a Bully, Stop a Bully: Make a Difference” campaign, the Tangipahoa Federation of Teachers and President Doris Flanagan seized the opportunity to make a difference in their own parish.
TFT prepared a resource booklet and a week’s worth of lesson plans for every grade level. The booklets were given to every principal along with “no bully” posters and 2,500 blue bracelets for students who report bullying behavior.
After TFT made a presentation before the school board, Superintendent Mark Kolwe sent a memo to every principal designating the first week of October and National Bully Week, and School Board Member Chris Cohea presented a resolution declaring October to be national no bullying month.
Throughout the year, the district’s Child Welfare and Attendance Department will use the resource and lesson plans to combat bullying in the schools.