West Virginia Teachers Unions

Educators in West Virginia are represented by Education West Virginia (EWV), a unified statewide union created through the merger of the West Virginia Education Association and AFT-West Virginia. As the state affiliate of both the National Education Association (NEA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT), EWV combines advocacy, professional support, and legislative influence under one organization.

Education West Virginia (EWV)

Leadership

  • Co-President: Kristie Skidmore
  • Co-President: Dale Lee
  • Co-Vice President: Josh Gary
  • Co-Vice President: Wayne Spangler

Organization
Education West Virginia is the unified statewide K–12 education union, formed by the merger of AFT‑West Virginia (AFT‑WV) and the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA). Officially launching on September 1, 2025, EWV affiliates with both the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA). Through the merger, the group consolidates the membership and advocacy efforts of both predecessor organizations statewide.

Member Dues
Annual dues for full-time members are expected to fall in the range of $550–$600 per year, with small local add-ons possible. Payments are typically set up through monthly auto-pay, and members are notified in advance of any adjustments.

Meetings
Throughout 2025, EWV is governed by transition and advisory councils drawn from both organizations. The first official EWV state convention, where elected officers and governance structure will be confirmed, is expected in spring 2027, with terms beginning July 1, 2027. EWV members, through their AFT and NEA affiliations, will continue to participate in national representative assemblies annually.

Requirements
Membership is open to K–12 public school employees and education support professionals through their local affiliates. Enrollment carries state and national affiliation. West Virginia does not grant public-sector collective bargaining rights, and educators are not legally permitted to strike under state law.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • EWV offers unified statewide and national advocacy, consolidating legal guidance and educator benefits under one membership umbrella.
  • The merger of AFT-WV and WVEA streamlines political and legislative strategy, giving educators a stronger, coordinated voice across the state.

Cons

  • Membership dues may represent a meaningful cost for educators, especially during the transition.
  • West Virginia’s lack of public-sector bargaining rights and prohibition on strikes limits the union’s leverage.

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