What you should know about Duval Teachers United, the union of Jacksonville's teachers
Federal and local law enforcement officers were seen at the Duval Teachers United building at 1601 Atlantic Blvd. on Wednesday. It's unclear what is being looked into, but prominent defense attorney Hank Coxe was spotted at the scene.
The teachers union, which represents some 13,000 Duval County Public Schools employees, dates back to 1974. Its current president, Terrie Brady, has held the position for nearly 25 years, according to the organization’s website.
Here’s what we know about the union and its executives.
What is Duval Teachers United?
Duval Teachers United is the union representing the paraprofessionals, office personnel, security guards and teachers employed by the Duval County School Board, according to its website. Members work to improve education in the school district with collective bargaining and by lobbying lawmakers. The union website states “improving our members’ salary, rights and working conditions will improve the students’ learning conditions.” The teachers union is affiliated with Florida Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and Florida AFL-CIO.
When was Duval Teachers United formed?
The organization began in 1974 when members of the Duval Teachers Association, the local National Education Association affiliate, and the Jacksonville Federation of Teachers, affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, formed a new group, according to the union’s website.
How many people are in Duval Teachers United?
The local union represents some 13,000 employees, according to the Florida Education Association.
Who is in charge of Duval Teachers United?
The union’s president is Terrie Brady. Executive vice president is Ruby George, first vice president is Rhonda Howell, treasurer is Gary Avery, para first vice president is Cynthia Benjamin and United Office Personnel Of Duval (UOPD) first vice president is LaShonda Phelps.
Who is Terrie Brady?
Terrie Brady has served as president of Duval Teachers United since 1999, but her ties to Duval County Public Schools began as a teacher in 1979. Brady was honored with a lifetime achievement award in 2022 for her commitment to Florida students and public schools, according to a Florida Education Association news release. The same release credits Brady for her work with former Superintendent Nikolai Vitti to allow principals the authority to select their own teachers and her work on a new teachers' contract "that made Duval County the first district in Florida to comply with state requirements for pay and retention and the highest paying school district in Northeast Florida for new teachers."
Brady also serves on the FEA Governance Board, the FEA Advocacy Committee and the American Federation of Teaachers' Teachers Program and Policy Council, the release said.
Where are the Duval Teachers United offices?
The offices are located at 1601 Atlantic Blvd. in San Marco.
Who was in charge of Duval Teachers United before Terrie Brady?
Past presidents are as follows:
1999-present: Terrie Brady
1998-99: Lynne Lucas
1995-98: Andy Ford
1993-95: Nancy Miller
1991-93: Laurie Murray
1978-91: Luann Bennett
1977-78: Hybird Hendry
1976-77: Jim Geiger
1975-76: Vince Exley
1974-75: Vince Exley (Provisional President)
1974: Catherine Luther (Provisional President)
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Duval Teachers United: What you should know about the teachers' union
