The Caddo Federation of Teachers and Support Personnel (CFT/SP) first took shape in the mid-1990s when our founding members created a “PEG” — a Professional Educators Group — with guidance from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). We had two dreams: improvement in our student’s academic performance and a better working relationship with the Caddo school administration.”
Then as now, membership grew quickly. In 1997, we received our CFT/SP charter from the AFT.
The Caddo Federation of Teachers & Support Personnel and the Bossier Federation of Teachers & School Employees merged together under an umbrella organization with a new title– “Red River United, Local 4995” in late 2011.
The two groups worked on the idea for a while, and they say it makes sense to join together. President of the Caddo Federation of Teachers and Support Personnel Jackie Lansdale said, “Although we serve two different locations on the map, our goals are the same.”
The two federations chartered their new group at the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Convention on November 21, 2011. KTBS News Coverage and news from the Shreveport Times.
“It will essentially be a super group over the two organizations,” said CFT/SP President Jackie Lansdale. “I will still be the president of the Caddo Federation and the Bossier Federation will still have its board, but there will now be another board established to look at ways to address teacher and support person needs in both districts.”
The combined Federation will now be one of the largest non-collective bargaining organizations in the state.
“It’s a great opportunity for teachers and school employees in Caddo and Bossier to join forces,” Les Landon, director of public relations for the Louisiana Federation, said. “Anything that makes our teachers and school employees stronger is always a great as we continue to see increased challenges in the coming years in both the legislature and BESE (Board of Elementary and Secondary Education).”
On April 3, 2014, Red River Parish, formerly a PEG (Professional Educators Group), voted to merge under the Red River United umbrella. Officers to the the Red River United Executive Board and worksite leaders were voted upon to ensure an equal voice to our brothers and sisters in Red River Parish.
Red River United stands with over 3,000 members, the largest professional organization in Louisiana.
