Ohio Federation of Teachers, AFT, AFL-CIO

Photos of 4 librarians and library workers.

Organize a Union at Your Library!

Librarians and library workers across central Ohio are uniting for job security, fair wages, and a voice in workplace policies. Contact us to learn how to organize your library!

Discounted Online Graduate Courses for OFT Members Only

Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), Ursuline College and Virtual Education Software (VESi) have partnered to offer OFT members access to online courses available for graduate credit. Learn more today!

Congratulations to Our 2023 Tom Mooney Memorial Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to Clare Dolan and Derek Pfeiffer, our 2023 Tom Mooney Memorial Scholarship winners!

Workers at Worthington Libraries Ratify First Union Contract

Worthington, OH — Librarians and other workers at Worthington Libraries voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first union contract. The union members held their vote on Monday and Tuesday, March 20 and 21. The Worthington Libraries Board of Trustees also voted to ratify the agreement during their Board meeting on Tuesday evening. The contract makes huge gains on the issues that motivated library staff to form their union, including paid leave, job security, and competitive wages. MORE

Tell your legislators: Don’t defund Ohio schools, libraries, and children’s services

Tell your legislators to reject two dangerous proposals* that would sabotage Ohio’s budget and jeopardize funding for public schools, higher education, libraries, children’s services, and other essential public services. Instead, tell them to meet their constitutional obligation to fully and equitably fund Ohio’s public schools.

*HB1 is a regressive tax scheme that would lead to big tax cuts for the rich and create a $4 billion revenue shortfall over the next two years.

HB11 would drain public schools of funding by offering private education vouchers to every Ohio student who attends private

Columbus, OH — Today, teachers and staff at the KIPP Columbus charter school called on their superintendent and board of directors to voluntarily recognize their union after they presented signed union cards from an overwhelming majority of teachers, paraprofessionals, intervention specialists, social workers, and student life coordinators. The organizing campaign is led by educators from all four schools (Primary, Elementary, Middle, and High) at the KIPP Columbus campus. MORE

Resources on Social Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an aspect of a child’s education that is integral in supporting academic success. Though Ohio has developed a set of SEL standards, SEL is not a subject like math, reading, history, or science. While it may be addressed directly, SEL skills can be infused throughout the instructional day. The five social emotional competencies addressed are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and making responsible decisions. MORE

Grandview Heights Public Library Employees Launch Union Campaign

GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, OH — Today, staff at Grandview Heights Public Library (GHPL) called on their Director and Board of Trustees to voluntarily recognize their union. Copies of signed union cards from an overwhelming majority of library employees were delivered to management, while the originals were filed with the State Employee Relations Board (SERB) to request voluntary recognition of the union. MORE

OFT President Cropper: HB 99 Makes Ohio Schools Less Safe

“We are disappointed that Governor DeWine signed HB 99 into law despite widespread concern from educators, parents, and public safety professionals. Allowing more guns in our schools, without the necessary training to ensure those guns are kept secure and are handled safely, will make our schools more dangerous and increase the likelihood that Ohio students, teachers, and school staff will be harmed. Similarly, the new law that allows permitless concealed carry, will also make our communities less safe." MORE