During this disruptive and stressful time, OFT is committed to sharing information and resources that can help our members understand the public health situation and advocate for our safety and rights at work and for our students’ safety and educational needs. See the table of contents below to find the information you’re looking for. 
- Public Health Resources
- AFT & Share My Lesson Resources
- Information on COVID-19 Vaccines
- Ohio Department of Education Information
- Ohio Department of Higher Education Information
- U.S. Department of Education Information
- Workers Rights During a Pandemic
- Financial Information and Resources
- Reopen Resources
This is a fast-moving issue, and this page will be updated with more information as it is available. Throughout this page, you will find links to resource pages from trustworthy agencies and organizations. We have also pulled out and highlighted some specific links within those pages you may be interested, but please do also look at the full resource pages since there is useful information beyond the items we are highlighting.
Contact your local union President or leadership regarding any workplace issues or potential violations of your collective bargaining agreement.
Here are three places you can find reliable public health information on COVID-19.
- Ohio Department of Health - Resources on COVID-19
- You can also call ODH with questions at 833-4ASK-ODH
- Helpful checklists for a variety of important tasks, including when to contact your healthcare provider, what to do if you’re isolated or quarantined, how to assist people who are isolated or quarantined, and much more.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs
- World Health Organization - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
AFT & Share My Lesson Resources
AFT and Share My Lesson have a wealth of information and resources available to members. If you have not already created your free log-in account for Share My Lesson, we encourage you to do that so you can join their online community on Preparing for the Coronavirus, which is described below.
- AFT resources on the coronavirus
- Share My Lesson - Coronavirus Lesson Plans and Resources
- Remote Learning Community: Preparing for the Coronavirus
- Is your school or community preparing for possible school closures due to the spread of COVID-19? If the answer is yes, join our online community for educators, school support staff, and parents to share ideas, lesson plans, and resources. In this community, you will find remote learning resources to address the needs of children who may have to stay home from school for prolonged periods of time. You can also engage with fellow educators and parents in the discussion section and share helpful tips, or ask for advice.
- Once you have joined the community, you can access discussion threads for teachers of different subjects and age groups.
- Preparing for COVID-19 School Closure: Interactive/Printable Handouts
- Parent and Community Printables for the Coronavirus: Prevention Tips
- COVID-19 Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families
- Coronavirus Student Guide: Explanations and News Updates
- Trauma Coverage for AFT members
Information on COVID-19 Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccines: Frequently Asked Questions (Ohio Department of Health)
- COVID-19 Vaccines: Myths vs. Facts (Ohio Department of Health)
- K-12 School Staff Vaccination Program (Ohio Department of Education)
Ohio Department of Education Information
We have been in touch with ODE leadership about Ohio’s school closures. Their top priority is ensuring that students' physical needs are met during the school closures, including meals and health services that they normally receive at school. They are also working on continuity of education during the closure and how the closure affects accountability issues, like testing and the required length of the school year. These resources will be updated.
- ODE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Ohio’s Schools and District
- COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for Ohio's Schools and Districts - These will be updated as the situation progresses.
- Educator Licensure
- Supporting Whole-Child Nutrition
- COVID-19 Guidance from ODHE
- College Credit Plus memo and guidance.
U.S. Department of Education Information
- COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
- Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children With Disabilities During the Coronavirus Outbreak
- Fact Sheet: Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
- Letter to Education Leaders on Preventing and Addressing potential discrimination associated with COVID-19
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Virtual Learning Related Resources
Workers Rights During a Pandemic
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has general resources on workers’ rights and safety during this pandemic. The AFL-CIO has some resources as well.
If you have any questions about your union contract or issues in your workplace or concerns about your health and safety at work, contact your local union President or leadership.
Financial Information and Resources
- Because of the coronavirus crisis, the IRS has issued new guidelines allowing for mid-year changes to health plans and flexible spending accounts.
- OFT: Having the Reopen Conversation
- AFT: A Plan to Safely Reopen America’s Schools and Communities
- CDC: Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
- Big 8 Plus Health and Safety Coalition: Ohio Guidelines for School Re-entry