News and Notes
Delegate and
School Leaders
Training
Saturday, November 18, 9AM-5PM
This is the year we turn power into progress. Shape this year’s contract campaign, as we leverage our members’ knowledge and the power we have achieved together to transform our district. Share your ideas to win a new contract and learn the skills we need to enforce both the transformative language we have already won and that of the contract to come. This event is open to all CTU members. Register now at ctulocal1.org/training.
Contract Survey
The Union wants your input as we kick off our contract for next fall’s new agreement. Got to ctulocal1.org/survey to complete our Contract Survey and make sure your priorities are represented.
Nov. 15: Teach truth, not Skyline
On Nov. 15, members interested in showing CPS that we have the ingenuity, wherewithal, and need to teach outside the confines of the Skyline curriculum will teach teacher-created content instead. On that day, we’ll teach indigenous history, elevate homelessness awareness month, and engage newcomer students. Get resources for teaching truth and suggestions for sharing your teaching at ctulocal1.org/skipskyline.
Clarifications for Nov. 20, 2023
November 20, 2023 will be converted to a teacher-directed school improvement day for all non 52-week CTU staff members except teachers who flexed June 10. We know members have questions about this change, so we’ve prepared some guidance for you. Read more.
ASPIRA members reach tentative agreement
After a hard-fought campaign, ASPIRA members have reached an historic tentative agreement that includes groundbreaking supports for bilingual students, protections for students with special needs, additional social workers, and strong expanded counseling and mentoring services for students and families, and raises for educators and staff. The tentative agreement sets the standard for charter and district schools across the city. Congratulations to our siblings at ASPIRA!
CTU members at Instituto del Progreso rally for fair contract
After more than one year of the negotiations, Instituto del Progreso Latino remains committed to union busting proposals, including reducing the union’s ability to hold meetings on school grounds, limiting the union’s right to file grievances for discrimination and limiting the union’s ability to protest. All this is on top of an economic package that is far less than any charter or contract school CTU has settled with in our latest round of bargaining. Members are meeting to discuss next steps. Stay tuned.
National School Psychology Week
This week is National School Psychology Week, highlighting the crucial work that our members do in identifying and supporting student needs. This year NASP chose the theme “Let’s Grow Together,” recognizing that every aspect of growth as fundamental to effective learning environments. Learn more from NASP.
Important survey: ISBE study on REACH
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has commissioned researchers to study REACH and other teacher evaluation systems around the state. The American Institutes for Research (AIR) will conduct a statewide study of the systems created by the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA). This is the first state-wide study of teacher evaluation in 10 years and an opportunity for CTU members to tell the state what you think about REACH. You can expect to receive a survey from isbe-pera-study@air.org via the email address associated with your ELIS account as early as this week. CTU encourages all teachers to participate.
Nov. 15: Celebrate our PSRPs
Next Wednesday, Nov. 15, is PSRP Appreciation Day across the state, a day we set aside to celebrate our beloved PSRPs, who are the backbone of our school communities. So, next week, let’s show our PSRPs — the folks who make our schools run — some special love. Flowers, treats and other gifts and tokens of appreciation are just a small reminder of the respect and admiration we share for our PSRPs all year long.
Nov. 6 – 14: CPS Budget Community Roundtables
CPS says it is hosting public meetings inform the community gather feedback that will inform the district’s Five-year Strategic Plan. Meetings are being held Nov. 9 at Clemente High School, Nov. 11 at Tilden High School, Nov. 14 at Harlan High School and Nov. 16 virtually. Find more details and RSVP.
Nov. 29: NBCT Information
Recruitment is underway for the 2024-2026 Nurturing Teacher Leadership National Board Certification cohort. CTUF will host a virtual information meeting on No. 29, 5 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact LynnCherkasky-Davis@ctuf.org or register for the NTL information session here.
Save the date: Dec. 5 healthcare webinar
Questions about your healthcare benefits? Need help navigating the different plans? Plan to attend our healthcare webinar on Dec. 5, at 4:30 p.m., to get those questions answered. Register for the webinar today.
Resources to help you support and meet the needs of newcomers to our city and CPS
We know CTU members have been on the frontlines supporting our new neighbors being shipped here by right wing zealots. But you can’t do it alone — more is needed. We’ve assembled a page of resources to help you support your new students and their families. Visit CTUlocal1.org/sanctuary for more information and resources.
Members Corner
Children’s books by member Tawana Trammell
School social worker Tawana Trammell is the author of three children’s books focusing on social emotional topics. The titles are, No One To Play With, It’s Not My Fault, and Kindness Counts. Check them out on Amazon and see if they might be a great addition to your SEL program for primary grades.
This is member generated content and does not reflect official CTU policy nor does it represent union endorsement of any product or service mentioned by the author.
Celebrate your siblings
Do you know a CTU member who’s achieved a special milestone or accomplishment that you want to acknowledge? Have they made something cool you want to share with the union? Send your blurb (1 to 4 sentences) to communications@ctulocal1.org for consideration in an upcoming Members Corner.
Events
- Nov. 8 | Understanding Pension Benfits
- Nov. 11 | Teachers for Social Justice Curriculum Fair
- Nov. 15 | Say NO to Skyline’s canned curriculum
- Nov. 18 | Delegates and School Leaders Training
- Nov. 29 | NBCT Information Session
- Dec. 5 | CTU healthcare webinar
In the News
- Amid Chicago’s migrant influx, one school is trying to help newcomer students navigate trauma | Chalkbeat
- Chicago Public Schools touts ‘historic’ graduation rate, but funds used for pandemic recovery are dwindling | Tribune
- Illinois reading scores have bounced back, but math scores remain below pre-pandemic levels | Sun-Times
- Latest Chicago school board election map to be discussed in fall veto session | WBEZ
CTUF Quest Center
For more CTU news and updates, please visit our website at www.ctulocal1.org, and follow us on Facebook (including our members only Facebook group), Instagram and Twitter.
