October 9th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

West Virginia’s two teachers unions have merged, forming Education West Virginia. Workplace challenges have been spurred by funding cuts, teacher shortages, and increased consolidation. Union co-president Kristy Skidmore says the merger helps better address member concerns including benefits and pay, but juggling the bigger classrooms is an issue. “We’re looking at these school closures and consolidations around the state for lack of funds. That leads to shortages and that impacts the daily work that happens within the school system.”