Louisiana Federation of Teachers

In defense of public education

Randi Weingarten and NYC teacher Tamara Simpson

Attacks on public education in America by extremists and culture-war peddling politicians have reached new heights (“lows” may be more apt), but they are not new. The difference today is that the attacks are intended not just to undermine public education but to destroy it.

In AFT President Randi Weingarten’s latest New York Times column, she describes what it is exactly that unions do. Though unions are the most popular they have been in decades, anti-union sentiment still thrives in red states and across the nation. “Several years ago, The Atlantic ran a story whose headline made even me, a labor leader, scratch my head: ‘Union Membership: Very Sexy,’” Weingarten writes in the column. “The gist was that higher wages, health benefits and job security—all associated with union membership—boost one’s chances of getting married. Belonging to a union doesn’t actually guarantee happily ever after, but it does help working people have a better life in the here and now.” Click through to read the full column.

Tell Legislators: Use the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund Money to Prevent a Pay Cut

Take action today and tell legislators to use Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund dollars to prevent a pay cut for teachers and school employees.

Louisiana teachers and school employees should not face a reduction in pay while the state has resources available to prevent it.

The Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund exists to help Louisiana navigate critical financial needs, and protecting educator pay should be a priority. Teachers and support staff have continued showing up for students every single day, and lawmakers must do the same for them.

President Larry Carter, parents, and advocates took another important step forward for Louisiana families.

SB 157, the Paid Parental Leave for Educators Act, passed out of the House Education Committee with an amendment and continues moving through the legislative process. This bill would provide eligible school employees with six weeks of paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.

Every student, teacher, and employee deserves safe, welcoming classrooms where learning can thrive. We also believe in accountability, transparency, and creating pathways to a better future for all Louisiana families.

✅ HB 818 would call for more transparency in state testing for students, parents, and educators.

✅ HB 283, the Teacher’s Shield Act, is a targeted school safety bill that addresses assault and battery involving students and school employees.

✅ SB 157 would grant paid parental leave to teachers and school employees.

Now is the time to raise your voice and take action. Contact your legislators and tell them to vote YES for schools, educators, and communities.

Click here and tell lawmakers to vote YES on HB 818, HB 283, and SB 157!

HB 818 has officially passed off the LA. House Floor and is now headed to the Senate. This legislation increases transparency around student testing and assessment requirements in Louisiana schools.

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the bill would require the Louisiana Department of Education and local school systems to publicly post assessment schedules, including state mandated tests and locally required benchmark assessments.

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In defense of public education

What unions do