Today, Governor Edwards announced that K-12 teachers and school employees will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Monday, February 22nd. As most of you know, LFT members have urged the Governor’s office to grant educators priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine since the State first began assembling its vaccination rollout plan.
COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDING
Louisiana school districts are poised to receive nearly 4x more COVID-19 relief funding under the latest federal relief plan. This aid does come with restrictions in how districts may allocate the funds, but it is a much needed and long overdue step towards a reprieve for our educators and students who have been ‘making it work’ for far too long. We are excited about the possibilities this funding presents, but it is vital that teachers
“Without a doubt, this year has brought unprecedented challenges to our lives,” says President Carter in a special end-of-year message to the members of Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees. “I am so proud of the solidarity and passion I have seen from LFT members…Whether it’s lobbying BESE, speaking out at local school board meetings, talking to journalists, or participating in socially distanced protests, teachers and school employees have found ways to make their voices heard.”
AFT President Randi Weingarten today delivered a major address on the crisis hollowing out the teaching profession—massive disinvestment in public education and deprofessionalization. In her speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., she called for reinvestment and freedom to teach. It was followed by two panels featuring education leaders who laid out pragmatic solutions.
This election cycle, Louisiana voters will consider seven possible constitutional amendments, in addition to candidates and local ballot initiatives. Each could have a lasting impact on our state.
LFT strongly OPPOSES Constitutional Amendment #5 because it could rob our schools of vital funding, here is our position on all the amendments:
Amendment 1: No Position
Amendment 2: OPPOSE
Amendment 3: OPPOSE
Amendment 4: OPPOSE
Amendment 5: OPPOSE
Amendment 6: SUPPORT
Amendment 7: OPPOSE
To see a full explanation of LFT’s positions, click
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT CARTER:
AFT Resolution
CONFRONTING RACISM AND IN SUPPORT OF BLACK LIVES
WHEREAS, foundational to our work must be the belief in justice for all, and that the fight for fairness, justice and dignity must encompass everyone—regardless of race, religion, gender, language, national origin or sexual orientation; and
Today is the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week!