MFPE, U of M Western and Virtual Education Software (VESi) have partnered to offer MFPE and GFEA members access to discounted online graduate semester credit courses for a $275 subscription for up to 3 courses per year (up to 9 credits).    GFEA and GFPS have agreed that these credits meet our CBA requirements for salary advancement (although teachers still need to fill out the preapproval paperwork prior to signing up), for these courses (30 different courses including topics like: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Differentiated Instruction, English Language Learners, and 26 others).                                 
Visit virtualeduc.com/UMW or https://www.virtualeduc.com/direct_accounts/index.php?uid=114 for more information. 

      Local members spend hours interviewing candidates for local offices, and the MFPE Board of Directors use these interviews and recommendations to inform their endorsement of candidates for local and statewide offices.   MFPE's PAC chooses to endorse or not to endorse candidates based on the MFPE member voted legislative priorities document each year.  Candidates of all parties and non-partisans are considered for potential endorsement based on interview responses, voting records (incumbents and those having held office who have records) again based on MFPE legislative priorities.  MFPE endorsements typically favor candidates who advocate for public education funding, labor rights, healthcare access, and strong community services.  The process to endorse a particular candidate or not often comes down to the nexus or potential for nexus with union members needs and priorities for their work and jobs as well as positions on member endorsed and MFPE priorities, including working conditions, salary, and benefits which historically have led to better lives for all Montanans.   These include the 5 day work week, 8 hour work day, sick leave and other benefits for public and private sector employees.     We encourage all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote and should you seek MFPE endorsements they are available on the MFPE website.

    GFEA is offering 2 - $250 scholarships to children of current GFEA members.   The Scholarship is for college or career training programs and open to current seniors or those who have already graduated from high school who are pursuing post secondary education or training.
      The link to the application is below and the deadline for applying is 5 pm April 30th 2026.

GFEA Scholarship
Criteria: Recipients must be the child of a current GFEA member.   They must be a graduating senior or have graduated from High School and be enrolled or plan to enroll in a college or career training program in the fall of 2026.   
Application Process:

1.  Fill out the demographic information sheet (this may be submitted electronically or by mail).  Send all application material to [email protected] (or the address below).
2. Please include questions 1-6 (please limit your responses to no more than 8 pages typed, 12 pt font Times New Roman or equivalent, double spaced).  Please also send a 7-semester transcript from your high school, or most recent semester of post-secondary attendance report or official acceptance.
3. Submit your completed application by the deadline: April 30th, 2026 (post mark mailed applications no later than April 27, 2026). GFEA 511 13th Ave S. Great Falls, MT 59405
4. Applicants will be notified of award status by May 25, 2026.   Scholarship checks will be mailed directly to college or career training providers by August 15, 2026, unless other arrangements have been made prior to that date. This scholarship is for one year only; however, recipients may apply in subsequent years for a 2nd award.

Please direct any questions or concerns to: [email protected] or Call 406-727-4233.
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     Keeping yourself and your family safe online has become a challenge for everyone these days, from concern over posts on social media to personal information being shared by others 
(friends or foes) there is considerable concern about how to manage this communication and ensure both our freedom and our careers.   Below are links to some resources and guidance to help manage this growing area of our lives.

Teachers filling boxes with new and gently used classroom supplies donated by fellow teachers and paid for with GFEA S.T.A.R. NEA Grant funding.   New teachers received a canvas tote filled with supplies (Postits, disinfectant wipes, pencils, nice teacher pens, etc.) plus some snacks (for the teachers).

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Monday night 7/21 the GFPS School Board approved the CBA with GFEA for 2025-26.    The new CBA includes a 4% salary increase for 2025-26 and a 3% increase for 2026-27 (these are minimums as the STARS act requirements involve the requirement that not teachers receive less than 11X the Quality Educator Pay or 70% of the average teachers salary for the District to receive the additional funds from the state).  Additionally all teachers at year 19 will also receive an additional $500 stipend in December of each year.     Other bargained items include compensation for Special Educators for students over specified numbers on their caseloads, and some stipends for extra and co-curricular compensation.   The new CBA will be posted on this website soon, so check back for the full details.

Tuesday afternoon GFEA Members gathered to listen to changes and proposed new salary schedule for 2025-27.   The members present voted to ratify the Contract and Salary Schedule which includes a 4% salary increase for 2025-26, and a 3% salary increase for 2026-27 and a longevity stipend for all teachers who will have taught for GFPS starting at year 19.   Thank you to those who attended and for your questions and comments prior to the vote.   The CBA now goes to the GFPS Board of Trustees for approval on July 21st at 5:30 PM.

      Members of the GFPS teaching staff are invited to the ratification meeting and members of GFEA will vote on the 2025-2027 proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement Tuesday June 24th at 4 pm at the Paris Gibson Education Center Cafeteria.    There will be a presentation of the proposed changes and salary matrix followed by question and answer session and vote of the membership on ratification.   If you have questions or need more information email us at [email protected].

Montana Legislature enacts changes to state and local flows of public school funding
Montana Free Press Article 5/12/2-25
​https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/12/montana-legislature-enacts-changes-to-state-and-local-flows-of-public-school-funding/