News

AFT-Marion County's first ever FREE Teacher Resource Giveaway was a HUGE success!

The event, held August 8th, allowed teachers and parents to take advantage of a large collection of teaching materials donated by retired and current teachers.

Many 1st year teachers, home school parents and grandparents left with many resources to help children learn!

    AFT locals are hosting Holiday/Legislative Meet & Greet events across the state this winter. These events are a fantastic opportunity for AFT members to meet legislators and discuss education in a relaxed, social atmosphere. It's also a chance to enjoy great fellowship with AFT members from other counties.

The North Central AFT event garnered positive coverage from the local media (see article, left.)

Other regional or county meet & greet events were well-attended and energized our members! The events in Beckley and Elkins (photo below) had fantastic turnout!

AFT-WV Update: IRS Retirement Ruling

              Many teachers across the state have voiced concerns about an IRS ruling regarding the retirement age for public employees. In 2007, the IRS defined the normal age at which a participant in the private sector can retire as 62. Governmental agencies were granted an extension until the rules could be revised to address the differences in the various government retirement plans. The IRS has delayed implementing any changes since then, leaving educators approaching retirement with a serious question; will my benefits decrease if I don’t retire now?

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Recently the Hampshire County Board of Education considered resurrecting the dress code policy proposals that AFT had fought back several times.

After much discussion on the issue with AFT-Hampshire leaders,  the  Hampshire County Board of  Education decided to table a proposed dress code policy for school employees. The Board of Education decided at the Dec. 1 meeting to delay any action on a new policy until  an administrative law judge  issues a decision on a pending Lewis County grievance regarding teacher dress codes.

AFT would like to thank the numerous teachers and AFT activists who

Watch AFT President Randi Weingarten and others discuss the latest progress and projects of Reconnecting McDowell.

State Board of Education to hire new superintendent

“My hope is that he will see the value in bringing all the stakeholders together. I think any success we've had in the last several years in working with the state Department of Education and the Board or Education is because of the opportunities to collaborate and bring everyone to the table.” ~AFT-WV President Christine Campbell

Learn how Reconnecting McDowell and AT & T are working together to provide mentoring for students in McDowell County.

AFT-WV held its "Professional Issues Conference" on January 31 and February 1 at the Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg. Greg Merritt, president of AFT-Wood and treasurer of AFT-WV, served as chairperson of the conference planning committee. "This conference allows teachers the opportunity to discuss important educational issues and challenges their professional growth," Merritt said. "The planning committee was pleased to hold the conference in Parkersburg and the staff at the Blennerhassett Hotel was gracious and accommodating at every turn."

The conference title was 'Reclaiming the Promise

   Christine Campbell, president of AFT-WV, commended Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s commitment to public education after tonight’s State of the State address in Charleston.
   The Governor’s proposals for higher expectations and accountability, a focus on career and technical education, and a salary increase for educators are opportunities to improve public education in West Virginia.
   Tomblin proposed increased expectations from students and parents. He also suggested the implementation of an accreditation system to create more transparency for parents and the public to assess the progress in