Representing GovGuam Agencies and Alutiiq Bus Drivers
GFT, AFT Local 1581, exclusively represents the Guam Department of Education Teachers and Support Staff, Guam Memorial Hospital Nurses and Staff, University of Guam Support Staff, Guam Waterworks, Guam Fire Department, Department of Public Health and Social Services Eligibility Specialists, Guam Port Authority, Department of Public Works Bus Drivers, Alutiiq Bus Drivers, Guam Police Department, Customs and Quarantine, Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and the Department of Corrections.
GDOE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PILOT PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
Prekindergarten is returning to GDOE schools. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, The Guam Department of Education will have pre-K classes at the following elementary schools: Finegayan Elementary School: 632-9364 J.Q. San Miquel Elementary School: 477-9368 Lyndon...
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION VICTORY IN THE LEGISLATURE
On Tuesday, February 4, the Guam Legislature voted to improve Workers' Compensation. For the first time in 30 years, payment rates will increase. The Bill, 200-35 (COR), proposed by Senator Regine Biscoe Lee, makes the following changes: Sets the minimum weekly...
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10
There will be a GFT General Membership Meeting on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the UOG-SBPA Building, Multipurpose Room #129 at 6:00 p.m. Members are highly encouraged to attend for updates on collective bargaining agreements, issues and concerns at the work sites,...
SBG SURVEY FOR TEACHERS PUSHED BACK
The survey for teachers on Standards-Based Grading (SBG) that GDOE and GFT have collaborated on will be implemented later this month or possibly by the Professional Development Day in March. The intent of the survey is to gauge the level of acceptance amongst teachers...
LEGISLATURE TO HOLD HEARING ON 180 INSTRUCTIONAL DAYS
The Legislative Committee on Education, Air Transportation, and Statistics, Research, and Planning will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at the Guam Congress Building on Bill 232-35 regarding the definition of the 180 Instructional...
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BILLS STRENGTHENED: Bipartisan group supports first update to payment rates in 30 years
Several changes to legislation on Guam's Workers' Compensation law made in this session strengthen the first meaningful update to this important lifeline in 30 years. "These updates to the Workers' Compensation law mean we have bills that are better for the employees...
AFT ROBERT G. PORTER SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The AFT Robert G. Porter Scholars program offers four 4-year, $8,000 post-secondary scholarships to students who are dependents of AFT members, as well as 10 one-time $1,000 grants to AFT members. Grants can be used for continuing education and also for implementing...
VICTORY FOR STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS IN LOS ANGELES!
The Los Angeles teachers reached a tentative agreement with the school district to end their weeklong strike. “The agreement is a paradigm shift for the city and nation, as it makes a clear commitment to the resources and conditions necessary for teachers to teach and...
PHONICS FAUX PAS
In a new article for American Educator’s Winter 2018-19 issue, researchers Nell Duke and Heidi Mesmer discuss seven common instructional missteps in phonics instruction and how to correct them. The need to explicitly teach letter-sound relationships in U.S. classrooms...
CHECK OUT THE NEW ISSUE OF AMERICAN EDUCATOR
The Winter 2018-2019 issue of American Educator is available online for free. It explores what’s needed to support literacy in early childhood education, which is the foundation for all future learning. Also in this issue: tips for connecting science learning at home...
THERE’S A DISCONNECT BETWEEN TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS
A growing body of research confirms what AFT educators have known all along: Students are the real beneficiaries when teachers have real professional input and latitude. But a new report from the Rand Corp. finds that the majority of principals surveyed believe...
DONATE TO AFT MEMBERS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE MICHAEL
By now you’ve seen the devastation that Hurricane Michael left in its wake. Many communities still stranded without power, while others were totally wiped out. We’ve reached out to members in the area to make sure everyone is safe, and are in contact with local union...