89 Years of Standing Up for New Orleans Educators
Since 1937, AFT Local 527, has brought educators together to fight for stronger public schools, better working conditions, and a voice in the decisions that shape education.
Our union was founded with a powerful mission: securing equal pay for Black teachers working alongside white teachers in New Orleans public schools. That commitment to fairness, equity, and collective action remains at the heart of who we are today.
Our Fight Is Bigger Than the Classroom
We believe strong public schools start with empowered educators. Teachers and school staff deserve fair compensation, safe working conditions, professional respect, and a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their students.
Our work doesn't stop there. We believe New Orleans families and communities deserve real power in their public schools, and school leaders must be accountable to the people they serve.
Through organizing, collective bargaining, advocacy, and community partnerships, our union works to build a public education system where educators are respected, students have the resources they need, and families have a say in their schools' futures.
Rooted in History. Organizing for the Future.
For nearly nine decades, our union has been part of New Orleans' fight for educational justice. Our members were leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, breaking down racial barriers and building power to win equity for all educators and students.
In 1972, AFT Local 527 merged with the Orleans Educators Association to form United Teachers of New Orleans (UTNO). Just two years later, educators secured collective bargaining rights with broad community support, helping establish a stronger voice for teachers and school employees.
After Hurricane Katrina, thousands of New Orleans school employees were fired and the city's public education system was ruthlessly restructured, UTNO continued organizing. Our members advocated for reopening schools, supported returning families, and secured collective bargaining agreements in charter schools.
Today, we carry that legacy forward by helping educators build collective power, negotiate stronger contracts, protect their rights, and advocate for more accountable public schools.
Our history reminds us that meaningful change happens when educators and communities stand together.
Part of a Larger Movement
UTNO is proud to be AFT Local 527, affiliated with the Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT), the AFT national union, and the AFL-CIO. These connections unite our local work with a broader movement for workers' rights, educational equity, and strong public schools.
The AFT was founded in 1916 and has a long history of advocating for educators, school employees, and working families. Its work includes defending collective bargaining, advancing civil rights, and supporting quality public education from early childhood through higher education. (The AFT was the only education organization to file an amicus brief in support of the NAACP in the monumental Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case.)
The Louisiana Federation of Teachers, chartered in 1965, brings educators and school employees together across the state to advocate for fair working conditions, collective bargaining rights, and policies that strengthen Louisiana's public schools.
Together, these organizations help connect the voices of New Orleans educators to advocacy and organizing efforts across Louisiana and the country.
Join Us
Whether you're a classroom teacher, school support staff member, or education professional, you deserve a voice in your workplace and a say in the future of New Orleans public education.
When educators stand together, we have the power to build the schools our communities deserve.
Membership is open to eligible teachers and non-managerial school employees in Orleans Parish, as well as eligible non-managerial employees of education-related organizations.
Learn More About Our History and Affiliations