Employee Rights

Your Rights as a Teacher

Under Louisiana R.S. 17:416.18, teachers have the following rights:

1. Protection from frivolous lawsuits. Teachers have the right to teach free from the fear of frivolous lawsuits, including applicable rights to qualified immunity, legal defense, and indemnification by the employing school board.
2. Appropriate student discipline. Teachers have the right to appropriately discipline students in accordance with Louisiana law and local school board regulations.
3. Removal of persistently disruptive students. Teachers have the right to remove a persistently disruptive student from the classroom when the student's behavior prevents orderly instruction or when the student displays impudent or defiant behavior, as provided by law.
4. Respect for professional judgment. Teachers have the right to have their professional judgment and discretion respected by school and district administrators when taking disciplinary action in accordance with school and district policy and Louisiana law.
5. A safe and orderly environment. Teachers have the right to teach in a safe, secure, and orderly environment that is conducive to learning and free from recognized dangers or hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious injury.
6. Civility and respect. Teachers have the right to be treated with civility and respect as provided by Louisiana law.
7. Parent communication and participation. Teachers have the right to communicate with parents and to request their participation in appropriate student disciplinary decisions.
8. Reasonable paperwork requirements. Teachers have the right to complete only paperwork that is not excessively burdensome and that, when required by law or regulation, adheres to those requirements without overly cumbersome interpretations.
9. Support for beginning teachers. Beginning teachers have the right to receive leadership and support, including assignment of a qualified, experienced mentor who provides support and assistance in meeting performance standards and professional expectations.
10. Time for teacher collaboration. Teachers have the right to be afforded time during the school day or week to collaborate with other teachers.

School Employee Rights

The School Employee Bill of Rights addresses a range of workplace protections and responsibilities, including safety, student behavior, compensation, training, professional development, and respect.

• Work in a safe, secure, and orderly environment conducive to learning and free from recognized dangers or hazards likely to cause serious injury.
• Work free from fear of frivolous lawsuits, with legal protections provided by applicable law.
• Hold students accountable for disorderly conduct in accordance with Louisiana law and local policy.
• Have professional judgment and discretion respected in disciplinary actions taken in accordance with law and district policy.
• Be involved in decisions regarding student behavior management as provided by law.
• Receive additional compensation when provided for by applicable law or school board regulation.
• Receive the wage and salary protections provided by Louisiana law.
• Receive additional compensation when serving as a substitute teacher when provided by law.
• Be treated with civility and respect.
• Perform noncomplex medical procedures only when applicable legal requirements have been met and documented.
• Administer medication only when applicable legal requirements have been met and documented.
• Perform duties requiring specific training only after receiving the mandated training and having that training documented as required.
• Have access to professional development and opportunities for career advancement as provided by law.
• Complete paperwork that is not excessively burdensome and that appropriately follows applicable law or regulation.