An association born from the dedication and passion of thousands of Louisiana’s hardworking public school professionals, LAE’s roots are compelling and significant, not only to association members, but to the ever-changing landscape of the state’s public school system.
The professional advocacy association known today as the LAE looked quite different 40 years ago. In the 70’s, Louisiana’s educator advocacy groups were segregated -- the Louisiana Education Association’s membership consisted of predominantly African American members, and the Louisiana Teachers Association’s members were predominantly Caucasian. Governor Edwin Edwards encouraged a merger, saying it would give educators more power with lawmakers as well as the general public. In 1977, the two groups merged to create the Louisiana Association of Educators. A bold new voice for educators had emerged; a voice fighting for fair treatment of both black and white educators in Louisiana. Lawrence Narcisse took the reigns as the first president of the LAE. Shortly after the merger, the association held its first and largest joint rally at the Louisiana State Capitol in support of educator pay increases.
As the LAE continues to head further into the 21st century, it continues to change, evolving with the landscape of the Louisiana’s public schools. And members continue to push their mission – to organize and empower educators, strengthen the education profession all while creating great public schools for every child in Louisiana.
Past LAE Presidents
1978: Lawerence Narcisse, III
1979: Jerry Boudreaux
1980: Gloria Walker
1981: Ann Gilbert
1982: Lorraine Slacks
1983: Jesse Scott
1984: Lorraine Slacks
1985: Virgina Budd
1986: Shirley Williams
1987: Virgina Budd
1988 - 1990: Shirley Williams
1990 - 1994: Linda Day
1994 - 2000: Mary Washington
2000 - 2006: Carol Davis
2006 - 2013: Joyce Haynes
2013 - 2019: Debbie Meaux
