The IFT represents 103,000 teachers and PSRPs throughout Illinois, faculty and staff at community colleges and universities, public employees and retirees.
Every worker deserves to work in an environment where they can show up as their full, authentic self.
Every student deserves to learn in a space where they are seen, affirmed, and protected.
When we uplift one another, we strengthen us all.
Black Studies Illinois addresses the need for relevant, transformative, and Illinois-specific Black studies resources for educators & students across the state.
In addition to an introduction to the Black Studies Illinois materials, webinar participants will learn where to access educational tools online and have an opportunity to learn about the production process and various contributors that led to the final resources.
We are excited to announce that the entire catalog of Quest Center Professional Learning Courses is now open to IFT members! That means affordable courses that earn PD credit - all available online. Check out the courses offered and then register at https://t.co/Wv4fqVR8ki.
Our work does not end with the end of this legislative session. We will continue to organize our members to push for full funding for our school from Pre-K through PhD, and from Lake County to the Metro East.
View our budget recap: https://t.co/VZScblXi6u.
Pride began as a protest: a legacy reminds us that progress is never guaranteed. Rather, it’s built through solidarity, collective action, and through the unwavering belief that everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
This month and always, we stand united in that belief.
Pride month is a celebration of courage, identity, and love. It's also a call to action.
IFT is committed to supporting our LGBTQIA+ members, students, families and communities every day.
We know that strong schools and workplaces are built on respect, safety, and belonging. Everyone deserves to work in an environment where they can show up as their full, authentic self. Every student deserves to learn in a space where they are seen, affirmed, and protected.
The increase approved in this budget maintains the status quo, but it does not respond to the urgency of the moment or the scale of need. Incremental progress is not enough when generations of students are continuing to learn in under-resourced environments.
After nearly a decade under the Evidence-Based Funding model, the majority of school districts across the state remain underfunded. More than 60% of districts are still below 90% of adequacy, and dozens remain even further behind.
Underfunding has real, immediate consequences for students and educators: fewer counselors, larger class sizes, reduced bilingual and special education supports, and less reliable transportation. These are essential components of a quality education.
IFT and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates on End of Legislative Session Where Progressive Legislators Demonstrated Taxing the Ultra-Rich is Possible but Governor’s Budget as a Whole Leaves Schools Underfunded and the People of Illinois Figuring Out How to Make Ends Meet
If online works better, check out offerings from the CTUF Quest Center. In partnership with the IFT, all CTU Foundation Quest Center courses are available to IFT members! Many are offered via Zoom and earn PD credits. Learn more: https://t.co/Wv4fqVR8ki
Just because school's out doesn't mean the learning ends. IFT is offering several opportunities for professional development, but registration is only open for a limited time!
Have you thought about attending Great Lakes ULI? Now is the time! With a revamped curriculum, this four-day training provides hands-on learning, political education, and time to develop a plan to turn your strategy into reality. Register: https://t.co/6tKCSzp3rR
That's why we keep advocating for taxing the ultra-rich. We can afford to give our students the education they deserve if Illinois lawmakers have the political will to do it.
If public education isn't fully resourced, we will still see the majority of our schools inadequately funded across the state - meaning that cuts or property taxes make up the difference.
Our students deserve all the supports and resources needed to ensure their needs are not only met, but they have access to a bright future full of opportunity.