Teachers ratify contract

A standing-room-only crowd of Jefferson Parish teachers tonight unanimously ratified a new three-year contract  that was negotiated between the bargaining teams of JFT and the JPPSS.

The previous contract expired on June 30, 2012, in the wake of the Jefferson Parish School Board's decision to not extend it while a new  one was negotiated. The Board did authorize the Superintendent to enter into negotiations last summer, and the district's bargaining team met regularly for many months with the union's bargaining team to reach agreement on the new contract.

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Common Core: Do What It Takes Before High Stakes

In her latest column appearing in the New York Times, AFT president Randi Weingarten writes about the promise—and the possible pitfalls—of the new Common Core State Standards. If implemented properly—namely, by ensuring that frontline educators are prepared to teach these rigorous new standards—we can provide all children with the problem-solving, critical-thinking and teamwork skills they need to compete in today’s changing world. If not, they will end up in the dustbin of abandoned reforms. Read her full column.

Teachers: Show the School Board you want a contract! Wear blue to JPSB May 21 meeting

The School Board wiil vote next Tuesday night, May 21, on whether to ratify the contract negotiated by JFT and JPPSS representatives. Teachers ratified the contract unanimously in March.

Teachers are urged to attend the Board meeting to show support for the contract. The meeting will be held at JPPSS headquarters, 501 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey. It will begin at 6 p.m.

Wear blue to show your solidarity! And wear your button!

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Teachers support Common Core and moratorium on stakes

Three-quarters of public school teachers surveyed support the Common Core State Standards, yet just 27 percent said their district has provided them with the tools and resources necessary to teach the standards, according to the results of a new AFT poll.

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Healing Our Healthcare System

In her latest column appearing in the New York Times, AFT president Randi Weingarten talks about the accomplishments to date of the Affordable Care Act, even in its early stages. And she discusses the vital role that nurses and healthcare workers—the AFT is one of the largest unions of nurses in the country—play in enhancing patient care and improving the healthcare system. Read Weingarten's column.

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