Where we stand and who we are
Dear Colleague:
This may be one of the most difficult and contentious legislative sessions ever faced by Louisiana’s teachers and school employees. Issues facing educators this year could result in diminished salary schedules, weakened tenure protection, increased class sizes, the privatization of school services and a host of other bad outcomes and unintended consequences for our public schools and our profession.
It is a session that cries out for tough, smart, clear-eyed leadership from the union that represents professional educators. It calls for leaders who are willing to do the hard work of researching the issues, forming the positions, and building the coalitions it takes to make an impact in the legislature.
Anyone can stand on the outside and criticize. And, while there is certainly reason for anger and frustration, neither generalized anger nor non-focused frustration is the best tool for today’s debates.
The real work, the work that makes a difference, requires a cool head, careful analysis, and well chosen words. The leadership of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers understands this.
The 2010 Louisiana Legislative Session is moving into the second month of deliberations. As issues become more critical and the debates more heated, I want to share with you the basic principles that guide the Federation’s actions.
- The LFT always bases its positions on the best interest of teachers, school employees, and the children we serve.
Everyone involved in LFT’s decision-making process is dedicated to our profession. Each bill is considered on its merits, its relationship to the ‘big picture’, and the intended and unintended consequences that could result.
- The LFT will meet with any elected or appointed official, regardless of party affiliation, to present our arguments and to work on legislation that is in the best interest of public education.
We have disagreed with some powerful and important leaders on some education issues. These include President Barack Obama, Governor Bobby Jindal, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Louisiana Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek, and more than a few legislators. We believe we have done so intelligently, reasonably, and honorably.
However, on some issues, we have agreed with those same people.
The point is, if we refuse to talk to the individuals with decision-making power, or if we demonize them personally, or if we do not offer constructive solutions, we will fail in our representational mission.
To be very clear, we will meet them in the front room, back room, side room, or in the yard. Any place and any time that we can have a positive effect on law and policy, we will be there.
- LFT will never exaggerate the potential harm - or benefit - of proposed legislation.
Frightening educators by overstating a threat might attract attention in the short term, but it won’t enhance public education or improve the lives of teachers and school employees.
Neither will inflating claims of success, or overstating the benefit of a bill.
Our credibility is important to us. We have grown to be the largest education organization in the state by dealing honestly with our members, with elected officials, and with the general public. We will not jeopardize that credibility by making indefensible claims.
- LFT will respect friends and foes alike and expect to be respected in return.
The LFT has earned the respect of reasonable decision-makers by being well-prepared for debates and maintaining civility during even the most controversial discussions. For this reason, the Federation is welcomed to the table as honest brokers with an appreciation for the big picture, and who vigorously represent the interest of our membership.
In closing, these are not simple times, and the issues we face are not simple ones. Whether the issue is retirement or compensation, employee evaluation or privatization, school board reform or tenure vilification, charter school operations or public school funding, the Federation will work tirelessly to have your voice heard and respected.
We do refuse to be left out of the debate. And if, at the end of the day, an agreement
cannot be reached, the first of our statement of principles applies:
- The LFT always bases its positions on the best interest of teachers, school employees, and the children we serve.