News

Big changes are coming to public education. Will teachers guide those changes, or stand on the sidelines watching?

The $247.9 million budget shortfall predicted for the coming year could easily be covered by proceeds from the state’s Tax Amnesty Program if Gov. Bobby Jindal were not so focused on further cuts to higher education and health care.

(December 21, 2009) The state’s largest teacher union intends to be fully engaged in how a new federal education program’s funds will be used in Louisiana’s classrooms, Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Steve Monaghan said today.

To hear the captains of industry tell it, Louisiana has some of the highest business taxes in the United States. That claim has prompted lawmakers to grant hundreds of millions of dollars worth of tax breaks in the past few years. Louisiana schools have lost millions because of those giveaways, according to economist Greg LeRoy.

Teacher evaluations should be meaningful and appropriate, and should be seen as professional development tools, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten told delegates to the 45th annual Louisiana Federation of Teachers convention.

Two State Representatives have been recognized for their commitment to public education and the teachers and school employees who dedicate their careers to the children of our state.

Cory Moore, a junior at Grace King High School in Metairie, is the designer of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers’ 2009 holiday greeting card

Longtime union leader Joe Potts received the Pioneer Award from the Louisiana Federation of Teachers at the LFT's 45th annual convention in Kenner. The award is presented annually to individuals who, over the years, made major contributions to the growth and influence of the LFT.

Seven 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 45th annual LFT convention in Kenner.

Stressing areas of common ground, State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek told over 200 delegates to the Louisiana Federation of Teachers annual convention that he wants to work with union leaders to solve the problem of low-performing schools