Originally a school teacher with the New Orleans public schools, he signed up as a member of AFT Local 527 on his first day of teaching in 1961. In the middle of the decade, seeing how some of his fellow teachers were mistreated, he became more of an activist.
Initially, he worked as an educator in the New Orleans public schools, becoming involved with AFT Local 527 as a member upon starting his teaching career in 1961. Later, witnessing mistreatment of fellow educators, he became more of a vocal advocate.