Tag: Chicago Teachers Union

When It Comes to the Chicago Strike, Here’s Why I’m Sticking with the Union

As the Chicago Teachers Union strike moves through Day 8, district and union leadership are haggling over the dollars needed to reach an agreement. This won’t be easy and it may take a while. Some parents are getting frustrated. While I get that this is hard and puts undue burdens on students, I’m not one of the frustrated parents. Personally…

Will You Still Care About Our Kids When the Teachers’ Strike Ends?

My friend and esteemed colleague, Chris Stewart, often asks, “How are the children?” Well, according to Jasmine Lane’s tweet thread asking rhetorical questions like, “How many futures have been derailed because instead of standing up for and protecting the education of our most vulnerable, we were busy coddling a grown-up’s feelings?” we can assume that they are not ok. In…

The Civic Response to the Chicago Teachers Strike Shows How to Break Free of Compulsory Schooling

As the Chicago teachers’ strike continues with no end in sight, 300,000 students spend another day outside of the public school classroom. Chicago’s mayor, Lori Lightfoot, says this is damaging to children. “We need to get our kids back in school,” the mayor said Thursday, CNN reports. “Every day we are out, that hurts our children.” But Are the Children…

Fighting for Justice Still Kills Black People; White Allies, Do Your Share

I woke up this morning to two stories dominating my news feed. First, the sudden death of the beloved Black congressman and justice fighter from Baltimore, Elijah Cummings. Second, enthusiastic support for the Chicago Teachers Union strike. I saw the face of their campaign, Stacy Davis Gates, fiercely handling the media and countering Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. To many of…

Mo’ Money…No Progress

No one wanted another strike–but many people wondered how and were doubtful that the district could meet the CTU’s financial demands.  So when Rahm, Forrest, and Co. were able to make it happen at the eleventh hour, many parents, community members, and even some students were able to breathe a sigh of relief.   But how long will it be before…