Union Delegates

Union leaders in every school and workplace

A school’s delegate is the elected leader of the Union in the school. Larger schools will have a lead delegate and a number of associate delegates, based on the number of members in the school. CTU members who do not work at one school — including PSRP categories like school clerks — are represented by citywide delegates from the same functional group — a grouping of educators who work at similar jobs. Delegates serve three-year terms, although they are often initially elected to fill a vacancy in the middle of the term. In charter schools, “building representatives” serve essentially the same role as a delegate and also serve in the House of Delegates.

CTU staff created this summary of delegate responsibilities for the benefit of delegates and the members they serve. To be effective, a delegate cannot work alone. They must put their efforts toward bringing colleagues together, educating members about our rights, and coordinating Union members to speak as one. Delegates are elected by the peers they represent. When voting for a delegate, it is important to choose someone you trust who represents the spirit of cooperation among colleagues and is willing to hold administrators accountable for respecting the rights of every educator, not just their friends.

Your delegate is your first contact with the CTU. If you are called by an administrator into a meeting that may affect your job, you have the right to be accompanied by a Union representative. Often that representative will be your delegate. Delegates can also help you work with Union staff to pursue a grievance, although you aren’t required to go through a delegate to deal with Union staff.

Delegates also convene the Professional Problems Committee and usually lead PPC meetings with the principal. Every month, all the delegates throughout the city meet at the House of Delegates to confer with officers and staff and to make decisions about the direction of the Union. Most delegates hold a Union meeting in their school following the HOD to report back. In addition, delegates are responsible for managing school-wide votes, such as voting for your testing schedule, flexible prep schedule or other contract issues.

Delegate Directory

Anyone can download the public delegates list, which contains only the name, school and role information for each delegate. In order to facilitate cooperation among delegates, a directory that includes personal contact information is available in a password-protected area accessible only to other delegates within our MemberLink Portal. If a delegate wishes to withhold some of their contact information, they can fill out the form electronically inside the MemberLink Portal or else download the Delegates Directory Opt-Out Form and return it to the union for a correction to the directory.

House of Delegates Meeting Schedule 2022–2023

House of Delegates meetings begin at 4:30 p.m.

Regular Meeting Dates:

In-Person:   Virtual: