Educators of Chicago

Our union is a fellowship of educators across this city who care for students and equip them for their destinies. As we band together for the common good, we must remind ourselves constantly of the amazing things that each of our teachers, paraprofessionals and clinicians do every day in support of children and their families. Take a minute here to read about your fellow CTU members as we celebrate their extraordinary efforts on behalf of students, colleagues and community.

Union Democracy

The Chicago Teachers Union is the most democratic institution devoted to this city’s schools and those who make them work. Each month, hundreds of delegates representing every school and type of educator gather to pool our knowledge and collective will. In this section, find documents, updates and tools about our democratic processes and institutions.

We’ve Got You

If you’re new to teaching or just to CPS, the Chicago Teachers Union is here to help. Learn more about the CTU and get some survival tips to help you facilitate the education your students deserve.

Members at Charter Schools

Educators at Charter Schools became CTU members in spring of 2018. These teachers and staff are first-class members in a special division of our union—known as CTU-ACTS—with special and varied needs and rights. This section delves into the specifics.

News for Members

“Power At Every Level” Delegates Conference

On Thursday, March 23, some 200 delegates gathered for the CTU’s annual spring delegates training conference to talk about building power from the school buildings to the district and charter networks to the fifth floor of City Hall.

read more

Events

Mar
28
Tue
Caravan with a Cause Early Vote for Brandon Johnson @ Parking Lot of Dollar General
Mar 28 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Caravan with a Cause Early Vote for Brandon Johnson @ Parking Lot of Dollar General

Let’s rally up and get out to vote for Brandon Johnson for Mayor! Join us as we caravan to the polls and cast our ballots for Brandon Johnson in a loud and proud fashion! Don’t just vote, inspire everyone on the West Side to vote, too, with our spectacular caravan to the polls!

Mar
29
Wed
Parent-Teacher Conference Day
Mar 29 all-day

See the CPS Calendar page for more dates and information.

Apr
3
Mon
Spring Break (Paid)
Apr 3 – Apr 7 all-day

See the CPS Calendar page for more dates and information.

Apr
12
Wed
House of Delegates meeting (in person)
Apr 12 @ 4:45 pm – 7:15 pm

Pre-meeting Q&A session will begin at 4:15 p.m.

Apr
18
Tue
Black Caucus General Meeting @ Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and Online
Apr 18 @ 4:45 pm – 6:30 pm

General Meetings will be hybrid. Zoom links will be provided in the week leading to the meeting. Find the Zoom link and other relevant information on the AFT Black Caucus, Chicago Chapter website, specifically the website Events Page.

May
3
Wed
House of Delegates meeting (in person)
May 3 @ 4:45 pm – 7:15 pm

Pre-meeting Q&A session will begin at 4:15 p.m.

May
16
Tue
Black Caucus General Meeting @ Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and Online
May 16 @ 4:45 pm – 6:30 pm

General Meetings will be hybrid. Zoom links will be provided in the week leading to the meeting. Find the Zoom link and other relevant information on the AFT Black Caucus, Chicago Chapter website, specifically the website Events Page.

May
29
Mon
Memorial Day (Paid Holiday)
May 29 all-day

See the CPS Calendar page for more dates and information.

May
31
Wed
House of Delegates meeting (in person)
May 31 @ 4:45 pm – 7:15 pm

Pre-meeting Q&A session will begin at 4:15 p.m.

Jun
7
Wed
Last Day of 4th Quarter
Jun 7 all-day

See the CPS Calendar page for more dates and information.

Professional Development

Restorative. Relevant. Reflective. The Chicago Teachers Union Foundation QUEST CENTER for Professional Learning and Teacher Leadership is the premier professional development provider supporting Chicago’s public school educators through re-licensure, National Board Certification, and endorsements in which pre-service through veteran educators collaborate, network, and learn to improve their practice by addressing students’ cognitive development and social-emotional well-being through culturally responsive, trauma-sensitive learning environments.

National Board Certification

Nurturing Teacher Leadership, established in 1997, is the Chicago Teachers Union/Chicago Public Schools 2-year program of professional development and candidate support that prepares Chicago Public School teachers for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification, the highest credential a teacher can earn.

Nurturing Teacher Leadership has a success rate of more than 94%, twice the national average!

Learn more by attending our next Cohort Informational Meeting!

Sign Your Card

Illinois is now “right to work for less.” Beat the anti-union attack. Join CTU!

Sign Now