Like the mythological phoenix rising from the ashes, attacks on our public retirement systems are once again making news. At the request of Speaker of the House Jim Tucker (R-Terrytown), the joint Senate and House Committees on Retirement are meeting to discuss “reforming” the retirement incomes of teachers, school employees and other public servants.
A company that recruited hundreds of Filipinos to teach in Louisiana schools violated federal laws when it exploited, intimidated and threatened the teachers, according to a complaint filed Oct. 20 by the AFT.
Official complaints filed over mistreatment of teachers
(Baton Rouge – October 1, 2009) A company that recruited foreign teachers to work in Louisiana schools is guilty of cheating those teachers out of thousands of dollars and holding them in virtual servitude, according to complaints presented to the Louisiana Federation of Teachers by international educators.
Poll: Teachers don't like linking pay to student test scores
ASCD, a professional education leadership organization, posted a back-to-school survey on teacher opinions about education issues. They found that teachers do not like the idea of linking their salary to standardized test scores.
Study says virtual charters are suspect for both financial and student performance reasons.
(Baton Rouge – September 16, 2009) Considering the problems plaguing virtual or cyber schools in other states, Louisiana should proceed carefully before granting charters to schools that exist mainly on the Internet, Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Steve Monaghan said today.
Blue Ribbon consultant: “Getting a degree is not related to student achievement.”
(Baton Rouge – September 12, 2009) If attracting and keeping the best teachers in our public schools is the goal of the state’s Blue Ribbon Commission for Educational Excellence, some information given to the panel on Thursday would send our state in the wrong direction, according to the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.
The Louisiana AFL-CIO will award three $1,000 scholarships at the 55th Annual AFL-CIO Convention, to be held March 15-16, 2010, at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center Hotel.
The Vietnam Veterans of America will recognize two Louisiana teachers for encouraging their students to develop values that portray Love of Country, Patriotism and appreciation for veterans and those currently serving in the military. Each recipient will receive a plaque and a $500 Award.
Union lists concerns about $4 billion Race to the Top Fund
(Baton Rouge – August 31, 2009) As Louisiana enters the competition for over $4 billion in federal Race to the Top education funds, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers reminded Secretary of Education Arne Duncan that poorly defined or implemented reforms can produce painful consequences.
