Chicago teacher and award-winning blogger Marilyn Rhames paints an awesome illustrations of “Mr. CPS” dying. Yesterday, I woke up to the news that 292 people were shot and 51 people murdered in Chicago in the first month of the New Year. Then later in the day, I learned that the tentative offer Chicago Public Schools (CPS) made to the Chicago…
Tag: CTU
Too Good to Be True: CTU Should Have Taken the Offer
There’s an old saying that goes, “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Today, the Chicago Teachers Union’s “Big Bargaining Team” applied that logic in their unanimous vote to reject what Union President Karen Lewis had termed “a serious offer” from Chicago Public Schools.
AstroTurf or Hypocrisy? CTU Please Let Us Know
The term “AstroTurf” comes to mind. You know, that’s what they call it when the financial resources behind a certain set of political activities are intentionally hidden in order to make it seem like the messages, ideas and activities originate from and are supported by the grassroots. And it certainly came to mind when I read the Sun-Times article…
Why Aren’t Education Reform Leaders in Chicago Stepping Up?
Here’s a fact: education reform (school choice, teacher accountability, high expectations and school autonomy) is the not the cause of the impending teacher strike in Chicago. Here’s another fact: it is becoming increasingly difficult for the public to perceive that the first fact is true. That’s because there is a sad juxtaposition playing out in Chicago today. On one hand,…
Dear Chicago Teacher’s Union: Put Children First
I am a proud Chicago Public Schools parent. Like many Chicago parents, I mostly like what I see happening in my child’s school. My daughter is a good student and has the support of caring teachers and a principal who is trying new things. But like many Chicago parents, I’m frustrated by the political and financial problems that now threaten…
Did Something Strange Occur With the Chicago Teacher’s Union Practice Vote?
There are two things that I have been around a lot in my professional career: schools and elections. I guess it’s that slightly odd mix of experiences that has me asking questions as the Chicago Teachers Union prepares to hold a strike authorization vote this week. Now, don’t get me wrong. I believe in the right of workers to organize.…