This article has been updated to add more information on staffing to support English learners. Late yesterday, the Chicago Teachers Union’s House of Delegates approved a tentative agreement in a tight vote. The CTU deal includes good pay and holds the line on health insurance premiums, but what’s in it for the kids? What will the new provisions on class…
Tag: CTU
You Can’t Always Get What You Want, But I Hope the CTU Contract Gets What Our Kids Need
I support the teachers’ main reasons for striking. We need more social workers and special education teachers. Let’s focus on equity and compromise to get an agreement.
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…
We Can Support Our Teachers and Still Call B.S. On This Chicago Strike
You know what? It’s a real shame that people can’t seem to separate politics from public service. Because if one more person comes on one of my social media pages trying to argue down my stance on this latest Chicago Teachers Union strike, I might be compelled to pop off. Here’s what’s going on. The CTU is on strike over contractual demands…
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…
Here’s How I Know Black Lives Don’t Really Matter to the Chicago Teachers Union
I do not support a strike by the Chicago Teachers Union. No matter what the union has done, Black students have never been supported. A CTU strike will create additional barriers for them. I’m tired of people using my community as a sacrificial lamb.
For Parents Like Me, A CTU Strike Isn’t a Game
South side parent Willie Preston expresses his concerns for his children and kids across Chicago if a CTU strike threat comes through.