West Virginia has around 18,000 public school teachers, according to data from Ballotpedia.
West Virginia – West Virginia’s two teachers’ unions have officially merged, forming a new labor union called Education West Virginia. Federal funding cuts, school consolidations, and ongoing teacher shortages have spurred more workplace challenges for educators.
Kristy Skidmore, Education West Virginia co-president, said the merger will enable the new union to better address members’ concerns, including benefits and pay. She added that juggling bigger classrooms, resulting from school consolidations, is a major issue.
“We’re looking at these school closures and consolidations around the state for lack of funds, which leads to shortages, and that impacts the daily work that happens within the school system,” she explained.
Teacher pay in the Mountain State is among the lowest in the nation, ranging from around $34,000 to $48,000 annually. Lawmakers passed a bill this year that went into effect on July 1st that raises teacher salaries by 25%.
Skidmore added that improving conditions for workers also benefits students and families, and said ongoing shortages with school bus drivers have forced some families to find alternative transportation.
“If we can make things better for education employees, we can make things better for our students,” she continued.
Earlier this year West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey signed a bill creating a statewide Troops to Teachers Program, offering pathways to help veterans gain classroom experience while they complete certification requirements to become educators.
