Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT-AFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide an end-of-the-2023-2024 school year recap. Cropper discussed an OFT survey that focused on the factors causing the state's teacher shortage. She also provided an update on recent organizing and contract wins for union members.
The survey revealed that just over 65 percent of respondents have a lower level of satisfaction in their jobs than they had in their first few years of teaching. More than 72 percent of respondents have recently considered leaving their jobs, including 54 percent who considered leaving the education field. Cropper explained that the two main reasons for teacher retention issues are poor student behavior and a lack of autonomy/respect.
Cropper also talked about Ohio House Bills 556 and 662, which she called an external force that could lead to teacher shortages. She explained the purpose of each bill and her concerns that if they became law, could lead to some teachers and librarians to face felony charges. Not only are the bills problematic, but they are also ambiguous, Cropper said. With these types of attempts to censor public educators, many teachers continue to leave the industry, she added.
The OFT has enjoyed organizing success in Ohio libraries. Since 2021, the OFT has successfully organized four libraries, as the Upper Arlington Public Library United was the latest to join the union. She explained how the organizing victories are not just at libraries, but include major wins for health workers. Cropper discussed the newly ratified contracts with Equitas Health Workers United and Bright Promise Educators United.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Cropper.