AFT President Randi Weingarten visits West Virginia

Judy Hale and Randi Weingarten watch students participate in science class at Stonewall Jackson Middle School.

Despite an all-night drive to arrive on time, AFT president Randi Weingarten was a bundle of energy as she worked her way through several stops in Charleston as part of a Back To School tour of the nation's public schools. The jam-packed day began with a breakfast meeting at the Governor's Mansion, where Weingarten, AFT-WV president Judy Hale, WVSSPA president Jackee Long, WVSSPA executive director Bob Brown and local AFT and WVSSPA leaders from Kanawha County met with Governor Manchin and the First Lady and others about several initiatives, including community schools and education reform.

The group quickly traveled to Stonewall Jackson Middle School, on Charleston's west side, to speak with school administrators and community activists, who hope to pilot a community schools program at the site. Weingarten toured the historic building, observed math and science classes and participated in a roundtable discussion with stakeholders about the pilot program and how AFT might help Stonewall with the process.

From Stonewall, the group made a brief stop at the AFT-WV and WVSSPA office for a quick lunch, and then it was off to the State Board of Education meeting at the Capitol Complex. President Weingarten addressed the board about community schools and teacher evaluations, stating the need for an evaluation that truly reflects performance and not just a "snapshot" approach. She cited several examples of districts that have successfully implemented teacher evaluation processes that are fair and meaningful.

After speaking to the Board, Weingarten met with Dawn Miller and Davin White from the Charleston Gazette and sat down for an interview for about an hour, then rushed to catch a plane to her next destination. It was a wonderful experience for all involved and AFT-WV can't wait to host our national president again someday! Check out the Photo Album for more pictures!