From left,LFT President Steve Monaghan, Jack Loup, St. Tammany Federation President Elsie Burkhalter
The Louisiana Federation of Teachers honored three leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to the cause of public education in our state. The awards –Senator of the Year, Representative of the Year and Friend of Education – were presented on November 21 at the Federation’s 47th annual convention in Bossier City.
Jack Loup, president of the St. Tammany Parish School Board, was named the Federation’s Friend of Education for 2011. The Friend of Education Award is the highest honor that the Louisiana Federation of Teachers presents to a non-member of the union. It is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to public education.
Loup received the award for his leadership in starting the Coalition for Public Education, which has grown to comprise public education organizations including unions, school boards, administrators and retirees. The coalition was very vocal during the last legislative session, and remains a vital supporter for public education. The coalition is recognized as a force working to halt the state seizure of local schools and mass privatization of public education.
Senator Sherry Smith Cheek of Shreveport received the Federation’s Senator of the Year Award; Representative Patricia Haynes Smith of Baton Rouge was named the Federation’s Representative f the Year.
Both lawmakers were recognized for their support of public education during the four-year term that ends with this year’s elections.
“These officials have been extremely sensitive to the importance of public education,” said LFT President Steve Monaghan. “Their efforts are greatly appreciated by teachers and school employees.
Rep. Smith was one of a very select group of lawmakers who earned a 100 percent favorable voting record with the Federation over the past four years, Monaghan said.
LFT President Steve Monaghan, Senator Sherry Cheek.
Sen. Cheek, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, has strongly supported funding public education in the committee’s deliberations, said the LFT president.