Contrary to popular belief, not all retired union members bumble around their Florida homes in their fuzzy slippers reading the Sunday comics.

Children of all ages, races and social statuses across the nation find inspiration and stimulation in the art and music programs their public schools offer. Despite the influence these powerful programs can have on students’ lives, they have been at the top of the chopping block when schools are looking to make budget cuts; some schools even have lost their art programs altogether.

Nearly 7,500 New Orleans Public School Employees (NOPSE) and PANOPSI members have been embroiled in a wrongful-termination lawsuit for more than five years against the Louisiana State Department of Education, the Recovery School District, and the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Originally published in the Spring 2011 edition of The Leader

AFSA Local 44 President Thomas Cason weighs in on the importance of professional development and his career in St. Louis public schools.

PANOPSI, AFSA Local 17, filed a class-action lawsuit against multiple Louisiana state education officials for the wrongful termination of nearly 7,500 school employees immediately following Hurricane Katrina.