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 for the Children of West Virginia.' This echoes the initiative set forth by AFT's National President, Randi Weingarten, emphasizing the commitment to helping all children dream their dreams and achieve them through provision of a high-quality public education. AFT-WV's Professional Issues Conference is patterned after the AFT's national "TEACH" Conference, held every other year. Through workshops, general sessions, and panel discussions, participants experience high-quality professional development.
One presenter was Lisa Moser, a retired educator from Wood County Schools. Along with a retiree from Putnam County, Mrs. Moser is working with AFT on the national scene to train teachers with strategies that are standards-based. "It is a pleasure to see teachers come together for this purpose," Mrs. Moser said. "AFT serves its members in many ways, and this conference is a fine example of what the union can provide."
With inclement weather and school cancellations, conference attendance may have been a challenge. However, nearly 90 participants were in attendance from around the state, some of which secured their spot through the use of a personal day. Brandon Tinney, an AFT-WV staff representative, said, "It shows the commitment of teachers, that they would make the effort to attend this conference. It's easier to stay at home, but this conference inspires participants and that's why they were here."
State Superintendent, Dr. James Phares, was in attendance on Friday morning and allowed a 'q and a' session with attendees. Other conference highlights included a session on the Smarter Balanced assessment, content-area workshops, and West Virginia's Labor History Week initiative. Christy Gill, president of AFT-Fayette, and Jason Kozlowski from WVU's Institute for Labor Studies led a workshop on "Share My Lesson," an excellent on-line resource hosted by AFT and Britian's TES Connect.
Building on "Reclaiming the Promise" and its emphasis on wrap-around services for children, the conference included a panel discussion on poverty in West Virginia. Moderator Sue Kelley from Fairmont State University welcomed Alvin Phillips (director of Habitat For Humanity in Wood County), Rosemary Scott (a school nurse), and Father Brian O'Donnell (the Catholic Diocese of Wheeling/Charleston) to share with participants the impact of poverty in our state and how a combination of efforts from teachers and community services can make a difference in the lives of public school children. Father O'Donnell spoke on the pastoral letter written by the most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield, which calls for action in the fight against poverty.
Merritt explained, "At our conference, we always spotlight a community or civic group that impacts the lives of children and parents in our state. This year, we focused on Habitat for Humanity. Conference attendees offered gifts to Alvin Phillips for the use of Habitat in the Wood County area and around the state. His work is important and we were glad to offer a bit of help and to raise awareness."
"AFT is a solution-driven union," Christine Campbell said. Campbell serves as president of AFT-WV and acknowledges the struggles faced by students and teachers in public education. "We won't allow these struggles to overtake us," she continued. "Our union will do its best to equip teachers to best serve their students and to integrate community outreach. That makes all of us stronger."