55 Strong: Inside the West Virginia Teachers\u27 Strike

Abstract

This panel presentation will feature readings and discussion from the book 55 Strong: Inside the West Virginia Teachers’ Strike. This session will use the power of stories to walk participants through the events leading up to the West Virginia teachers’ strike of 2018 and provide first-hand accounts and experiences from teachers and allies who realized that only through the power of the collective voice and collective action would public employees’ concerns over healthcare and diminished wages be heard by legislators. Participants in this session will hear what moved teachers to leave their classrooms, how they organized, and what they expect moving forward. Panelists will include West Virginia folklorist, author, and co-editor of 55 Strong: Inside the West Virginia Teachers’ Strike, Emily Hilliard, and book contributors and teacher leaders who participated in the 2018 West Virginia public employee work stoppage: Jay O’Neal, Emily Comer, Jacob Staggars, Erin Marks, Mark Salfia, and Karla Hilliard. The book and panel will be introduced by co-editor of the book, West Virginia teacher and writer, Jessica Salfia. Teacher panelists will introduce their selections, read, and discuss their experiences before, during, and after the West Virginia public employee work stoppage. Emily Hilliard will discuss her work during the work stoppage documenting the stories and interviews from rallies and picket lines. This session will conclude with an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and discuss with these educators the events of movement that inspired the nation and the world