Supporting President Kesler Camese-Jones
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for JFT President Kesler Camese-Jones. This has been a difficult time for our entire JFT family. Kesler is still in the hospital in critical condition and she is not able to receive gifts or cards at this time.
On Wednesday, March 9th we will have a Special Solidarity Day in honor of Kesler. Please wear your JFT union shirt (or any blue shirt, if you don't have a union shirt) and take pictures of you and your colleagues. In the pictures, you can hold up a sign identifying your school and saying "Kesler Strong" -- or hold a sign with a special message to Kesler. Whether you are getting together in a small group to take a picture, or joining up with your whole school – we know that your efforts will mean the world to our president.
Please email your pictures to lmarino@jft.org.
Make sure there aren’t any students featured in your pictures.
JFT Scholarship JFT Scholarships
JFT offers two (2) college or university scholarships. Each scholarship will be in the amount of $500 per year over a period of four years, for a total scholarship of $2,000 each. Children of JFT members, who are graduating high school seniors, are eligible to apply for the scholarships. Click here to see the instructions and application.Please return completed applications, along with the transcript to lmarino@jft.org. The deadline is April 1st.
Please email lmarino@jft.org for more information.
Lawyer’s Desk
What should you do when you’re handed a conference form or any document by your principal or supervisor and you’re given a directive – “sign this.” Our advice is to write these magic words above your signature: “my signature does not mean I agree with the contents of this document, only that I have received it.”
Member Spotlight
Joshua Matthews is the Graphic Arts teacher at Cuillier Career Center. He’s been the Building Rep. at his school for seven of his eight years of teaching and has served on the Executive Council since Meladie Munch was JFT President. His students have been featured in spotlights and won gold medals in the design and photography competitions of SkillsUSA.
Joshua is also a self-published author! He writes fiction for all ages but his most recent book is a young adult book geared towards middle and high school students. Show him some love and support by ordering a copy for yourself, a youth, or requesting it at your local or school libraries. Click here or visit his website at Joshnm88.com.
Legislative Session
The 2022 Legislative Session begins March 14th and there are already a lot of important bills to watch. Our state affiliate, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, has been putting out weekly articles to highlight some of the most important issues facing teachers and school employees this session. Catch up on the State of Education here.
Make sure that you are getting all the latest updates through the session by signing up for the LFT Action Center here.
General Membership Meeting:
Thursday, March 24th
Have a Happy & Safe Mardi Gras Break!