**"Henrico Teachers Speak Out: 'Working Unpaid Hours Beyond Our Limits'"** *(146 characters)* This version keeps it concise, engaging, and

# Henrico Teachers Demand Pay for Unpaid Work – Will the School District Listen?

**HENRICO, Va.** – Teachers in Henrico County are speaking out against unpaid work requirements, calling on the school district to compensate educators fairly for mandatory professional development sessions. The issue has sparked frustration among faculty as they prepare for an upcoming unpaid workday scheduled for **April 3, 2025**—an expectation they say has become all too common.

## The Unpaid Work Dilemma

Teachers in Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) say they are **required** to attend professional development (PD) sessions, curriculum planning meetings, and training workshops—**often without pay**. While some sessions occur during contracted hours, others fall outside regular workdays, leaving educators to either **lose personal time** or **work for free**.

### Key Concerns Raised by Teachers:

- **Mandatory, Uncompensated Time** – Many PD sessions are scheduled on teacher workdays, but some extend into evenings or weekends.
- **No Additional Pay** – Unlike overtime for hourly workers, salaried teachers receive no extra compensation for extra hours.
- **Impact on Morale** – Some educators say the unpaid expectations contribute to burnout and frustration.

## What the School District Says

HCPS officials acknowledge the concerns but argue that **contract agreements outline teacher responsibilities**, including professional development. They claim that most PD sessions are scheduled within standard work hours, but teachers counter that **grading, lesson planning, and parent communications often spill into unpaid time**.

### Recent Tensions

- **April 3, 2025 Workday** – The district has announced another unpaid workday, prompting pushback.
- **Union Advocacy** – The Henrico Education Association (HEA) is calling for contract revisions to ensure fair compensation.
- **Public Support** – Some parents and community members are siding with teachers, arguing that **quality education depends on fair teacher treatment**.

## Will Change Happen?

With teacher shortages and retention challenges nationwide, some experts warn that **unpaid work expectations could drive educators away**. As discussions continue, Henrico teachers are urging the district to reconsider its policies—before frustration turns into resignations.

### What Do You Think?

- Should teachers be paid for mandatory work outside regular hours?
- Is unpaid professional development a reasonable expectation, or is it exploitative?
- Could stricter labor laws for educators help prevent burnout?
- Would paying teachers for extra work lead to higher taxes—and are taxpayers willing to support it?

**Breaking Now News (BNN)** will continue following this story as it develops. Share your thoughts in the comments below!