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We are the PROMISE!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our day of action.

#ProtectOurKids#protectourschools#redriverunited

We are the Promise

The United States Department of Education is the realization of a promise this nation made to boys and girls. That promise is to ensure that every child, regardless of their ability, their wealth, their ethnicity, their gender – would receive a fair chance. Without the programs and policies created by this department, the safeguards, the safety rails, the stop gaps no longer exist. There is no way to measure our nation’s commitment to that promise.

Just imagine for a moment…

A mom sitting at her kitchen table, reviewing her daughter’s Individualized Education Plan. Without federal oversight, the special education funding that had once been a lifeline is gone. The state promised to do its best, but resources are stretched thin. This mom wonders how long it will be before her daughter’s specialized support vanished altogether.

The principal answering call after call from parents desperate for answers. Without federal Title I funds, the programs that had once helped low-income students thrive are crumbling. The tutoring sessions, the after-school programs, the literacy initiatives — they had all been rooted in federal dollars, and now they were disappearing like sand through fingers.

A teacher with a new set of state-approved textbooks that downplays pivotal moments in history and science. Without national standards or oversight, curriculum becomes the political battleground, and the students are the casualties.

Young people watching the news with sinking hearts as they see their hope and dreams move out of reach. The skyrocketing tuition without Pell grants and student loan protection will make higher education a dim reality for those without wealth.

Just as a first responder, we are on the front line of defense. We step up to do our part to protect our students, our schools, our families, and our communities. We stand in the gap for the future, for the opportunities of tomorrow. Together, we can ensure that every child receives the fair chance they deserve. We are the Promise of Public Education.

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A Pay Raise for the State Superintendent but Nothing for You

Teachers and school employees have not received a permanent pay raise for the past two years and continue to remain below the Southern Regional Average. In fact, they have received only stipends, and we are being told that even the stipends will NOT be paid next year. Meanwhile, the State Superintendent is getting a $26,000 raise due to the progress made in Louisiana schools.

According to NOLA.com, “During a meeting Friday, the Joint Legislative Budget committee voted unanimously to renew State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley’s contract and increase his yearly salary to $311,000 — a $26,000 pay raise.”

Citing state’s academic gains, lawmakers approve raise for Louisiana’s education chief

Who do we need to remind that Superintendent Brumley’s progress was actually made by YOU in the schoolhouses?

Why does he deserve more money, especially permanent monies, and you do not?

Why are you expected to continue to do more work for less money?

We truly do believe in paying people for their hard work, but why should he be the only one benefiting from YOUR HARD WORK?

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AFT Professional Learning Opportunity for Members- Differentiating Instruction

Registration is now open for AFT members to enroll in the online module, Differentiating Instruction, running Oct. 17 to Nov. 18. You must register by Oct. 3 to save your spot.

Despite the fact that students learn at different rates and have different interests and levels of motivation, many instructors overlook these differences and treat students as if they are all alike. This online module will examine three differentiation models: Tomlinson’s tiered lessons, Conklin’s choice boards and Sternberg’s triarchic model.

The differentiation course, as with all of AFT’s training modules, is designed to foster:

  • Reflection on research;
  • Consideration of the research for application to classroom practice; and
  • Dialogue with other professionals as a way to expand professional knowledge.

This three-part Differentiating Instruction module takes about four hours to complete and is eligible for four hours of credit. If you are an AFT member and aren’t familiar with AFT eLearning, your first step is to create a free account.

In addition to the eLearning course, there will also be four virtual meetings held via Zoom. In order to participate in the course, you MUST attend the first meeting (separate registration link below). The additional meetings are eligible for extra credit hours and are strongly encouraged.

Learn more about the Differentiating Instruction module and register now.

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Guidance on 2024 Legislative Acts

Dear RRU Members,

Every year, the legislature passes new laws that impact educators. But this year we experienced an unprecedented number of laws – good and bad – that impact your daily activities at your schools. Because of the sheer volume of new laws, and the uncertainty surrounding how school boards are going to implement these laws, we, along with LFT, have come up with guidance for you.

Important: School districts have already begun the process of drafting and adopting policies to implement these laws. Since each school district has its own policies, the adaptation of these laws will vary. CONACT RED RIVER UNITED with any questions you may have.

Click the links below for more information as well as guidance.

ACT 115-Donation of Sick Leave to Other Employees

ACT 216- Child Abuse Reporting Law

ACT 311- Compensation for Work Beyond Prescribed Duties

ACT 311- Guidance for Members

ACT 313- Cell Phone Ban

ACT 315-School Employee Physical Contact Pay

ACT 400-Student Discipline: Behavior Prevents Orderly Instruction

ACT 400- “Cooling Off” Referral Form

ACT 676-Ten Commandments Law

ACT 680-Pronouns Law “The Given Names Act”

ACT 681-Prohibits Discussion of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity