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Member Bulletin for September 19, 2023
Topics include: LEAD, Skyline survey, SPED chief search, Hispanic Heritage Month and more!
read moreExtreme Heat Watch Member Update
As the first week of school and this Extreme Heat Watch comes to an end, it is clear that our work to create more green schools and the development of a 10-year facilities master plan that will center our students, their families and sound environmental values is both necessary.
Extreme heat update
As we all grapple with the impacts of the current climate catastrophe, here is a quick update about where we are on ensuring that we keep our classrooms and school buildings safe and thriving.
It’s critical to stay safe in the heat
Welcome back to another school year, and congratulations on a great first day. As we begin to settle in for another year, we have all been gripped by the impacts of the Extreme Heat Watch issued by the National Weather Service. For some of us, extreme heat has resulted in limited outdoor times for our students, and for others the extreme heat in our classrooms and hallways have exposed the vulnerability of our school buildings, many of which were built decades ago without air conditioning or accommodations for a warming plant.
Chicago Teachers Union President Continues Back-To-School Tour with Visit to George Washington High School
As the city grapples with an Extreme Heat Watch, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates will visit with educators at Washington High School and uplift the solutions to aging public-school facilities.
Important updates about Special Education issues
This update contains news about a grievance victory regarding the 70/30 ratio rule, the CTU SpEd committee, and how you can participate in selecting the next ODLSS chief.
Beginning-of-Year Special Education Checklist
We’ve pulled together some of the most important special ed contract articles that are especially important for our special education members to be aware of at the beginning of the year. Remember, our contract won important protections for you, but they are meaningless without enforcement.
Welcome to a new school year: the year we turn power into progress.
In movements like ours, we often forget to take time to celebrate and acknowledge our victories. Because of our solidarity, this year we have an opportunity to take the political power we won at the ballot box and in the state legislature and convert it into power in our school buildings. That is our challenge in the coming year.
CTU to Host Back-2-School Summer Jam Friday
This event will bring together educators, families and elected officials to help students say goodbye to summer and start the school year off strong.
Welcome to the CTU team: Abbie Illenberger, Lori Torres, Graciela Guzman
The CTU is pleased to welcome three new dynamic, powerful leaders and activists to our team, bringing years of experience to our organizing and political work: Abbie Illenberger, Lori Torres and Graciela Guzman.
Good news: CTU wins $5,000 back pay and return to CPS for member targeted for union activism
An activist member and probationary teacher at Holden Elementary, who was fired unjustly by a bully principal, will receive $5,000 in back pay and be assigned to the Reassigned Teacher Pool under an agreement with CPS to settle our ULP on her behalf.
The Chicago Teachers Union Applauds the Appointment of Lakesia Collins to the State Senate
The Chicago Teachers Union issued this statement after West Side Democratic committeepersons selected State Representative Lakesia Collins to replace 5th District State Sen. Patricia Van Pelt, who resigned in late July.
Say NO to Arts Cuts and Schedule Changes at ChiArts
Concerned about ChiArts’ proposal to cut back on arts instruction at the school and ram through major changes to students’ school day without support from parents, teachers or students? Concerned about attempts to wall off funding at the “ChiArts Foundation” — money that was raised to support our schools? Sign this petition.
Governor signs legislation to improve teaching, learning conditions for our schools
The power of our collective advocacy and dedication helped CTU secure important gains during the state legislature’s spring session and Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed three bills that will improve the teaching and learning conditions in our schools.
The Chicago Teachers Union stands in solidarity with striking Loretto Hospital staff
The Chicago Teachers Union stands in solidarity with the more than 200 Loretto Hospital workers currently on strike for safer working conditions, better patient outcomes and fair wages. These brave union siblings were frontline workers during the pandemic, keeping our communities safe and saving lives.
Apply for the CTU Policy Fellowship by Sept. 18
Are you interested in how school policy is made and imposed on schools? Want to examine how that process can work differently? Would you like to engage in a professional development experience that goes beyond what is typically offered and get more involved in CTU? Then the CTU Policy Fellowship is for you.
CTU Speaks! Podcast
Our podcast, CTU Speaks! is hosted by Andrea Parker and Jim Staros. We’ll chat about our union, enforcing our contract, and our fight for the schools our students and educators deserve.
