Rep. John Bel Edwards is LFT’s Friend of Education

State Representative John Bel Edwards of Amite, at right in the photo, has been named the Louisiana Federation of Teachers’ Friend of Education for 2014. The Friend of Education Award is the highest honor that the Louisiana Federation of Teachers bestows on a non-member of the union. It is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to public education.

Rep. Edwards was recognized for his effort in shepherding increases in public education’s Minimum Foundation Program through the legislature after several years of freezes, and for ensuring that part of the increase becomes a permanent part of the teacher salary schedule. In addition, Rep. Edwards has been a consistent supporter of public education and critic of schemes to de-professionalize teaching and privatize our schools.

The award was presented by LFT President Steve Monaghan at the Federation’s 50th annual convention in New Orleans on November 24.