Norfolk Federation of Teachers

In the 1979-80 school year an organizing group of the AFT was established in Norfolk. The basic goal of this group of Norfolk educators and school employees was to create a professional organization that would be responsive to its members’ needs and concerns. In 1981, a charter was granted to the Norfolk Federation of Teachers (NFT) from our parent group, The American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Since receiving our Charter, the Federation has grown into a large organization representing more teachers and other school employees than any other group in Norfolk Public Schools.

One reason for the NFT’s continual growth is the fact that our membership has been able to re-elect our leadership. This brings continuity and makes our leadership more effective, knowledgeable and credible.

Members have continued to re-elect our charter President, Marian Flickinger, because she is a seasoned professional who listens to the membership and is responsive to the concerns and needs of the members. President Flickinger graduated from Norview High School and received both her Bachelor and Master of Education degrees from Old Dominion University. President Flickinger began her teaching career in Norfolk Public Schools in 1970. She has taught first, fourth, fifth, sixth, ninth and tenth grades in the course of her career. Our President exemplifies commitment and dedication to improving our professional lives and preserving a strong public educational system.

The Norfolk Federation of Teachers represents a model of an exemplary AFT local. The Norfolk Federation of Teachers is one of the largest AFT locals in the nation.