OCAT V E. D M A We talk about the importance of Answers to your questions E Making teacher evaluation worth .

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self-care, but it’s more important about our ongoing campaign A our time by focusing on feedback, R

H . FAQ S to make it a reality PAGE 7 for a fair contract PAGE 10 support and improvement PAGE 12 S A M CHICAGOUNIONTEACHER September 2016 ⁄ Volume 80 ⁄ Number 1

Also in this issue...

Being bounced between schools and shelters interrupts learning for thousands of the city’s homeless students. Why is the CHA demolishing Outsourced! public housing units? PAGE 6

Up to $400 million is sitting in the mayor’s TIF slush fund—and not going to Chicago’s public schools PAGE 11

Someone tell Gov. Rauner that “leadership” is not insulting those doing more to get by with less PAGE 13

CHICAGO UNION TEACHER / 222 MERCHANDISE MART PLAZA / SUITE NO. 400 / CHICAGO, IL 60654-1016 CPS claims to have insuffi cient funds for providing students much-needed classroom services, while it continues to dole out millions to for-profi t corporations. A new CTU report explain how CPS is turning taxpayer dollars into private profi ts. PAGES 8 AND 9

In 2011, African-Americans were 28 percent of the overall tenured teacher population, but 43 percent of laid-off tenured teachers. District schools lost $179M this year! Take Back Our Schools Tuesdays & Thursdays – Until our elected officials take action!

Oops, CALL YOUR ALDERMAN and demand a larger TIF surplus! The city is only returning $32M in TIF this year - less than half the amount as last year, despite

huge cuts. http://bit.ly/lookupward

CALL YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS and tell them to support equitable and CPS did increased funding for public education. IL is last in the nation for what the state it again contributes to education. http://openstates.org

with race in our segregated and Lawsuits document under-resourced school system. Because the CPS workforce is You Can Have It highly segregated, the distribution ongoing district of layoffs across schools has a dis- All With Meemic! parate impact. CTU experts have found that the likelihood that the • Savings up to 35% discrimination and 2011 layoffs occurred by chance and not due to discrimination is • Educator-customized auto and home one in 154 octillion. segregation The racial disparities in the loss insurance coverages of teaching and staff positions— caused by the decade of school turn- • Feel good about doing business with arounds from 2004 to 2014—are a company that gives back to education! BY PAVLYN JANKOV pending federal class-action law- illegal and unjustifiable. Further- ($500,000 will be given back in 2016 alone!)* suits against CPS challenge its lay- more, CPS cannot use misrepre- n the face of documented, fact- off and school turnaround policies sentations and lies about its alleged based findings that Chicago as racially discriminatory (case no. budget woes to justify layoffs that Find a local agent at IPublic Schools and the teach- 12 C 10338) against African-Amer- continue to erode our experienced Meemic.com/Agent or ican teachers and staff. In 2011, Af- ing/paraprofessional and school- teaching corps and remove a di- Call Today at 855-240-5575. related personnel populations are rican-Americans were 28 percent of verse and representative African- segregated by race and that the the overall tenured teacher popula- American teaching and paraprofes- district is racially discriminatory tion, but 43 percent of laid-off ten- sional staff from our schools. The “ The six-month premium for our two cars ured teachers. CPS’ turnarounds against the African-American CTU continues to push for an end was much lower than what we had been have also exhibited a pattern and community, schools and staff, CPS to school turnarounds and an end paying to another carrier. It added up practice of targeting predominantly to CPS’ racially discriminatory lay- to big savings every year.” has done it again. On August 5, African-American schools, impact- offs, and is seeking a consent decree 2016, CPS announced the layoff – Melinda Jackson ing disproportionally high numbers or monitor through the courts or Teacher & Meemic Member of over 1,000 staff. Within a week, of African-American CTU mem- the U.S. Department of Justice to CPS announced it was hiring to fill bers dating back to 2006. police and eradicate CPS’ ongoing 1,000 vacancies. Instead of plac- The CTU’s analyses and expert discriminatory policies. ing displaced teachers into open reports for the lawsuit were issued The CTU and the plaintiffs positions, CPS sent teachers out to the Chicago Board of Education are represented by Union counsel to pasture. Furthermore, analysis this summer and found that the Robin Potter & Associates, and of the displacements showed that Board’s policies were racially dis- the individual plaintiffs are also tenured, African-American teach- criminatory. The reports attribute represented by Attorney Professor ers were disproportionately im- these disparities to discrimination, Randall Schmidt of the University pacted, continuing a long-stand- segregation and CPS policies that of Chicago Law School. * Financial support to schools provided by The Meemic Foundation. ing disturbing and illegal pattern. tie school accountability to metrics The Chicago Teachers Union’s that are inextricably associated Pavlyn Jankov is a CTU researcher.

2  September 2016 ∕ Chicago Union Teacher CHICAGO UNION TEACHER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ⁄ Stephanie A. Gadlin

ASSOCIATE EDITOR ⁄ Ronnie Reese

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ⁄ Lauren Dean, Stacy Davis Gates, Pavlyn Jankov, Jennifer Johnson, John Kugler, Ph.D., Beatrice Lumpkin, Kathe Myers, Francine Greenberg Reizen, Walter Taylor, NBCT

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ⁄ Peter V. Bella, Howard Heath, LaDwonda Hill, John Kugler, Ph.D., Jackson Potter, Martin Ritter, Walter Taylor, NBCT

ADVERTISING MANAGER ⁄ April Stigger DESIGN AND PRODUCTION ⁄ Eric Ruder Entering

OFFICERS Karen GJ Lewis, NBCT ∕ PRESIDENT Jesse Sharkey ∕ VICE PRESIDENT a critical Maria Moreno ∕ FINANCIAL SECRETARY the Michael Brunson ∕ RECORDING SECRETARY president’s The Chicago Union Teacher is published eight times a year in phase message September, October, November, December/January, February, March, April, May/June. The Chicago Union Teacher is the official publication of the Chicago Teachers Union, which Sisters and Brothers, off with a cover story on our recent report, is the exclusive bargaining agent “Outsourced: How CPS Sells its Own Gov- for teachers, counselors, librarians, As we head back to school this year, ernance to the Highest Bidder,” examining clinicians and paraprofessional our union is continuing its effort to protect how millions of dollars have been wasted on and school-related personnel in the classrooms from budget cuts and moving low-quality privatized services, which has Chicago Public Schools. the fight for a fair contract into a critical heightened concerns that our teachers and stage. We have spent the last year trying to students would be returning to school build- Chicago Teachers Union • Local 1 • bargain in good faith with the Board of Edu- ings that are unclean, unhealthy and unsafe American Federation of Teachers, cation while being stonewalled, threatened due to potential lead and asbestos contami- AFL-CIO. and subjected to mass layoffs by the mayor’s nation. Also featured this month is a primer handpicked CPS CEO. At our September 7 on our contract campaign, a teacher evalua- The Chicago Union Teacher is House of Delegates meeting, the Union’s tion update and member reflections on their affiliated with the International governing body set September 21–23 as work during the summer, dispelling the cruel Labor Communications Association dates for our next strike authorization vote. notion of educators having “summers off.” The mayor and the AFT Communications We intend to call the question this fall—both You see, it is a myth like this that people Network. at the bargaining table and in Chicago’s like the mayor and Forrest Claypool want and Claypool neighborhoods—and if we stay united, we the public to believe. They claim that we Chicago Teachers Union affiliations can win funding for a fair contract and pro- need to “share the sacrifice,” but ignore the include the Chicago Federation say “share the tect our students. fact that we live in Chicago and pay taxes, of Labor (CFL), the Illinois State As educators, we must keep working yet have seen our pay frozen and cut with Federation of Labor-Congress of s a c r i fi c e , ” b u t toward the schools our children deserve, furlough days. We have had $1 billion di- Industrial Organizations (ISFL-CIO), which means lessening the impact of mass verted from our pension fund, contractu- the American Federation of Labor- every other city layoffs, school-based budgeting, failed pri- ally guaranteed raises cancelled and expe- Congress of Industrial Organizations vatization, the loss of clinicians and arts, rienced conditions in our schools worsened (AFL-CIO), the Illinois Federation worker—from and millions of dollars cut from special edu- through layoffs and privatization deals. of Teachers (IFT) and the American cation. The CTU, along with parents, stu- The mayor and Claypool say “share the Federation of Teachers (AFT). dents and our community partners, were ex- sacrifice,” but every other city worker— police to fi re to tremely active in lobbying for more revenue from police to fire to municipal and labor- last spring—both in our state’s capitol and in ers—has a contract with fair compensation. municipal and 222 MERCHANDISE MART PLAZA the streets on April 1—and as a result, there Every building project from the DePaul SUITE NO. 400 is more money from Springfield in the CPS Arena to the Riverwalk has been funded. laborers—has a CHICAGO, IL 60654-1016 budget. We also have identified millions of So our position is clear—there cannot be TELEPHONE: dollars in TIF funds that would alleviate any more cuts to our classrooms, educators fair contract, and 312-329-9100 our district’s self-created financial crisis if are the true protectors of students, and we the city can be persuaded to declare a TIF can create the schools our children deserve every building GENERAL E-MAIL: [email protected] surplus, a campaign that the public sup- by uniting in our communities and fighting ports and to which a majority of aldermen for a fair contract, and equity and accounta- project has been ADVERTISING E-MAIL: on the Chicago City Council have signed on bility in education. We will not work another [email protected] in agreement. year without a contract, but what we will do funded. WWW.CTUNET.COM You will read about these issues and more is work extremely hard for our students and in our new-look Chicago Union Teacher their families, because that, quite simply, is magazine. As a labor publication featur- what we do. ing news and opinions that matter most to Have a great year, and I am looking for- our members, we are making an effort to ward to meeting and talking with as many streamline costs and strengthen content of you as I can. and delivery to keep you informed about the state of public education in Chicago and In solidarity, elsewhere. The new 16-page CUT will focus on the business of the Union, member news and updates on local, state and federal edu- cation issues. This back-to-school issue kicks Karen GJ Lewis, NBCT

Chicago Union Teacher ∕ September 2016  3 LETTER TO THE EDITOR A hearty thank you to my friends at the Quest Center

Dear CTU officers and leadership, Now that the dust has settled, I wanted to take a few minutes to express my gratitude and thank you for supporting the Nurturing Teacher Leadership (NTL) program at the CTU Quest Center. I am in my second year of work to become a National Board Certified Teacher, but like 500 of my teacher colleagues, was laid off on August 5. I had a home at an amazing school where administration appreciated and supported the arts, which is rare within Chicago Public Schools. However, the budget shortfall forced them to cut the music program. Since programs are teachers, that was me. The call from my beloved principal that August morning was devastating, made doubly so because I was still on vacation visiting my family in Texas. However, because I am part of a cohort with NTL, I did not collapse in a puddle. Instead, I picked up the phone and called Quest Center Director Lynn Cherkasky-Davis. I called her even before I called my mother! I did this because I knew she would be sympathetic, but would give Beatrice Lumpkin addresses me the direction needed to land on the 2016 AFT Convention my feet. I love Lynn. She challenges all of us to become the best teacher/ leader/professional we can be. She holds everyone to very high standards which, to me, feels like love. I work harder because I want to make her proud of me. She leads a crew of amazing mentors and facilitators who Retiree reflection: give of themselves to send better teachers out into Chicago’s schools. I am very grateful for the time they take to make sure my portfolio is up to the very high standards necessary AFT Convention 2016 to achieve and to make me the best teacher I can be. Over spring break this last year, There have been big changes in the give up and we won. Now they are trying Bernie Sanders campaign, which had just National Board Certification Project 40 years since I last attended an to take away our safety net, increase the convinced the Democratic Party Program Director Gloria Henllan-Jones sat with age for a Social Security pension and take Committee to include the language that me and dissected my writing to make American Federation of Teachers away our right to organize. But we won’t appeared in our amendment: “…those at sure it was as clear and concise as convention, especially on the issues let them, because young people, newly top income levels to pay Social Security possible. By the end of our session, of racism and peace. streaming into the political process, are tax on all income above $250,000.” not only was my writing better but changing the debate and will help us re- Taxing income above $250,000 would she’d invited me to her Passover BY BEATRICE LUMPKIN build labor and save our public schools.” bring in enough revenue to expand ben- seder! My mentor from the music Do I have advice for the classroom? efits by an average of $65 a month; in- cohort, Laura Walsh, has challenged No. You are doing a better job than I could crease cost-of-living-adjustments; and found the 2016 AFT Convention far me and given me the tools necessary have done with the inhuman demands on lift more seniors out of poverty by increas- more progressive than conventions to talk about my practice in a way that a teacher’s time. But let’s be sure to enrich ing the minimum benefits paid to low-in- in years past. This year, I was invited makes interviewing for a new job so I curriculum, teach labor history and in- come seniors. Some questioned, “Why not to address the convention at its “Inter- much easier. In fact, just 11 days after clude the history of black and brown peo- scrap the cap altogether? The rich should generational” session, which was my son losing my job, I have a new position ple as founders of civilization. pay Social Security tax on their entire in- John’s fault because he had bragged that at a very good school. I owe so much come, just like minimum wage workers of that to my friends at the Quest his mom was 98 years-old and still union Chicago Delegates Strengthen AFT have to do.” Center. Lynn was in contact with me active. They gave me just three minutes, Resolution on Social Security That’s where we made a small compro- daily, sending me job leads, checking so this is what I said: Our Chicago Teachers Union retiree mise to get a big point across. Chicago del- in on me to make sure I was okay and “1. Peace. End the violence, end the delegates went to the AFT Convention egates originally put in their amendment reminding me that I was not alone. wars! Our children need peace to learn 2016 in Minneapolis well prepared. From saying, “funding these improvements I write all of this for two reasons. and survive. our work with the Illinois Alliance for Re- by eliminating the cap on earnings and First, I believe that we need to “2. Unity. Stay united, form coalitions. tired Americans, we knew that the Social requiring everyone to pay Social Secu- tell people how we feel and show At age 19 I took a year off from Hunter Security Administration was not going rity tax on all income,” but it did not have gratitude. Second, in a climate where College to work as a Congress of Industri- broke as Republicans claim. In fact, So- enough support. We withdrew it before it educational funding is being slashed, al Organizations (CIO) organizer among cial Security has a $2.8 trillion surplus. could be voted down, and we immediately I wanted to remind you of the value laundry workers. The CIO organized But something is indeed wrong. So- put in the compromise amendment that of the Quest Center and the amazing three million people in 1937 alone. How cial Security benefits are now too low and passed overwhelmingly: “RESOLVED NTL program. They truly do nurture did we do it? Unity. Labor united with should be raised. If the rich paid their fair that the American Federation of Teachers teacher leadership, and I am so proud the civil rights and women’s rights move- share of Social Security taxes, better ben- supports improved Social Security ben- to be part of it. ments. Plus, labor rights were protected efits could be paid. At present, the rich efits, and to make sure improved benefits by law. That’s what we need today—black- pay no Social Security tax on any income continue for generations to come, we sup- Sincerely, brown-white unity, gender equality and above $118,500. port funding these improvements by re- Jessica Baker the right to organize. So Chicago retiree delegates went to quiring those at top income levels to pay Linne Elementary School “3. Struggle. Don’t be afraid to stand the convention prepared to amend New Social Security tax on all income above NTL ’18 up for what’s right. In 1933, while still in York’s United Federation of Teachers’ $250,000.” high school, I fought for the safety net for resolution, “Promote Retirement Secu- unemployment insurance. My allies and rity Through Full Funding, Investment Beatrice Lumpkin, 98, is a 20-year veteran of I were red-baited, just as Franklin D. Manager Transparency and Accountabil- Chicago Public Schools and the City Colleges of Roosevelt was red-baited, but we didn’t ity.” We took advantage of a victory by the Chicago. She retired from CPS in 1990.

4  September 2016 ∕ Chicago Union Teacher Photo: John Kugler Teachers need workplace safety too: Organizing around OSHA enforcement

BY JOHN KUGLER, PH.D. •Shaista Saiyed, Allied Health teacher at Sullivan High he Chicago Teachers Un- School, focuses her syllabus on ion American Federa- helping students become certi- Ttion of Teachers, Illinois fied health care professionals. “I Federation of Teachers and want to make sure my students International Chemical Work- are aware of the hazards in the ers joined forces for the second workplace, helping them to year to train CTU members to better transition into the work- become an authorized Occupa- place,” Saiyed said. tional Safety and Health Ad- •Brian Davis from Robe- ministration (OSHA) general son High School is the first industry trainer. The program chemistry teacher to gain this provided two weeks of training credential in Chicago Public for our members on their rights Schools. “My students not only to a safe and healthy workplace need to learn chemistry, but From top: CTU Black Caucus at and the recognition, avoidance, they need to learn about work- the 2016 Bud Billiken Parade; abatement and prevention of place safety and hazards,” Davis Staff Coordinator Jackson safety and health hazards in said. “What’s not good is, if they Potter leading June 22 sit-in at the workplace. The end result only learn what is in a book and Chicago’s City Hall; celebrating is that teachers will be trained they do not know how to protect the LGBTQI community at and authorized to issue an themselves when they get a job.” Chicago Pride Parade; CTU OSHA 10-hour general indus- •Daniel Leszczewicz, cu- contingent at June 19 Puerto try card, which certifies that linary arts instructor at Rob- Rican People’s Parade; Oriole students have a basic under- erto Clemente Community Park teacher Erika Wozniak standing of what OSHA is and Academy, deals with many po- accepting Everyday Hero what rights they have under that tentially dangerous situations, award at American Federation law. The program builds mem- tools and conditions in his class of Teachers Convention 2016 ber involvement and activism and wants to make his students in July. Photos: Howard Heath, by organizing union members aware that great food comes Martin Ritter around safety issues they can from “understanding the impor- build into their daily curriculum tance of workplace safety.” and enforce in their schools. This summer’s OSHA train- Some of the participants in ing would not be possible with- this year’s training included: out the support and coordi- •Wesley Mickens is part nation of Amy Bahruth, AFT of the Navistar Auto Diesel Assistant Director in the De- Technology program at Chicago partment of Health, Safety and Vocational Career Academy, Well-Being, and Keith Mundy, which is the only school in the Field Training Coordinator Midwest where inner-city high from the International Chemi- school students are trained on cal Workers Union Council the latest transportation tech- Center for Worker Health and nology by working in classes on Safety Education. The nine-day semi-trailer trucks (donated by training was hosted by the IFT Navistar). “Employers want stu- at the Robert M. Healey Center dents to know OSHA and some Offices in Westmont, Illinois. require them to have cards for OSHA is an agency of employment, this is how they the U.S. Department of Labor will get good paying jobs,” Mick- which Congress established to ens said. “assure safe and healthful work- •Adell Gaines teaches cos- ing conditions for working men metology at Dunbar Vocational and women by setting and en- Academy is adding OSHA to forcing standards and by pro- her list of credentials that her viding training, outreach, edu- students will be required to pass cation and assistance.” in her class. “My students re- ceive their Illinois Cosmetology John Kugler, Ph.D., is a CTU teacher License through my class and field representative. If you or fellow now they will have an OSHA staff members are interested in par- Safety card as well to help them ticipating in this program next year become professionals in our or want more information about economy,” Gaines said. She is OSHA safety training for your the only Cosmetology teacher in school, contact John at j­ohnkugler@ CPS to gain this credential. ctulocal1.com.

Chicago Union Teacher ∕ September 2016  5 The plan for relocation

How the Chicago Housing Authority fails Chicago’s homeless students

BY LAUREN DEAN private development of mixed income housing. The Housing Choice Voucher program (HCV), rom 2014-2015, Chicago Public Schools previously known as Section 8, provides quali- identified 20,205 temporarily housed stu- fying residents a voucher that can be given to Fdents on its rosters and the Chicago Coa- a private landlord to guarantee rent payment. lition for the Homeless reports that more than Under this system, the tenant pays 30 percent 80 percent of homeless Chicagoans have school- of their income towards rent and the rest of the aged children. Within CPS, there are schools in cost is covered by the voucher, which the land- which over 50 percent of students are homeless, lord exchanges for cash from the CHA. Since and CPS policy requires that schools provide 2008, the city has seen the HVC waitlist nearly homeless students with the same services as any double. other student. CPS identifies “students in a tem- While CHA has the authority and the fund- porary living situation” (STLS) as students who ing to distribute more vouchers, it continues to lack a regular nighttime residence; students in prioritize investment in private, mixed income “doubled up” homes where multiple families real estate development that usually includes are sharing a single living space; students who only a minimum number of affordable units. stay in hotels, campgrounds, shelters, or cars; Housing Choice Vouchers or students who are living in a space that is not and Missed Opportunities designed as a regular sleeping accommodation. Recent studies have shown that housing af- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban fordability is a bigger problem for Chicagoans Development (HUD) funds a specific number of than it is for Americans on a whole. In a city housing vouchers to be distributed by the CHA tors to decide how much public money is passed where half the population cannot afford month- every year. The CHA, however, only distributes along to private landlords by setting HCV rent- ly rent, the Chicago Housing Authority—the around three quarters of the number of vouch- al rates. The CHA’s largest HCV landlord is a public entity responsible for managing public ers that are financed. When these funds go un- private firm called Pangea Properties. Pangea housing in the city—has been moving away from spent, they become part of the CHA’s reserves bought entire blocks of foreclosed homes during service provision and is increasingly using fed- and boosts the agency’s credit rating and ability Among those the housing crisis in 2009, and now owns 1,200 eral allocations to help private companies grow to invest in the private market. housing units occupied by HCV tenants. Pan- The CHA also runs a waitlist of families that their wealth. Rather than using taxpayer dollars gea collects $1.1 million dollars a month from are waiting for housing through the HCV pro- to place families in stable homes, the CHA is de- profiting from its voucher tenants and 77 percent of that cost gram. Families must enter a lottery to be placed molishing public housing units, investing in pri- comes from CHA reimbursements. In 2015, on the waitlist. If their lottery number is pulled, vate development and outsourcing the most ba- CHA’s payouts to Pangea reported $90.5 million in revenue. the family is placed on the waitlist, where, on sic mandates. This is a well-documented move, Among those profiting from the CHA’s payouts average, they spend 4.3 years. Despite the HCV and one that has serious repercussions for Chi- Pangea is Illinois to Pangea is Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, waitlist growing faster than the number of vouch- cagoans who are waiting for affordable housing. who is a Pangea stockholder. While Rauner’s ers issued annually, the CHA fails to distribute all Governor Bruce The Plan for Transformation of the vouchers that HUD finances. Overall, the holdings in the company are small, his stake in Pangea ensures that he is able to pocket some of Since 2000, Chicago has torn down most of CHA is only placing about half of the families that Rauner, who is the public funding intended to help disadvan- its large public housing facilities. The Chicago need homes into the HCV program each year. taged Chicagoans find homes. Housing Authority promised that each of its dis- Public Dollars for Private Wealth a Pangea placed tenants would be guaranteed a new home. Hitting Home…and School Most families, however, are still waiting for the Many of Chicago’s agencies, including CPS stockholder. For homeless CPS students, being bounced CHA to keep its promise. Deregulation and ser- and CHA, look to outsourcing to turn their pub- between schools and shelters interrupts learn- vice cutbacks within the CHA were spurred by lic service mandates into private profits. Two ing. For schools, moving displaced students the introduction of the Plan for Transformation private firms, CVR Associates and Nan McKay, around the city is expensive. Homeless stu- in 2000. The Plan was intended to overhaul based out of Florida and California, respective- public housing in Chicago, including the demo- ly, are contracted with the CHA to manage the dents are entitled to choose whether they will lition of the city’s high rise projects. When the voucher program and will be paid $27.4 million stay in their school of origin or move to a new Plan went into effect, the CHA pledged a one- for this service in 2016. This is despite the fact neighborhood school, so CPS must fund hard- for-one replacement of demolished public hous- that four out of every 10 voucher tenants live in ship transportation for students who decide to ing units to ensure affordable housing across the units with building code violations. The firms stay. In 2016, CPS spent nearly $500,000 on city. Sixteen years later, the CHA is still coming are supposed to manage the voucher program transportation services for homeless students. up short on this promise. waiting list, inspect apartments and assist with For the 2016-2017 school year, the district has Since demolitions began in 2000, only 47 housing placement, but the large number of budgeted over $800,000 for the same program, percent of demolished units have been replaced. building violations reported by HCV tenants re- showing that CPS anticipates a substantial in- Instead, the CHA refocused its attention on veals how much CVR and Nan McKay are being crease in the number of students in temporary housing voucher programs and incentivizing paid to ignore their duties. living situations. It is also the job of these private contrac- For most students, transportation assistance

6  September 2016 ∕ Chicago Union Teacher It’s going to be okay As we reflect on past years and prepare for a new one, it is important to include community building and strengthening in our thoughts.

As educators, we spend the first few weeks of school building our classroom communities and teaching students how to trust and communicate effectively. But how often do we do that with each other?

BY KATHE MYERS

eaching can be an isolating experience if we don’t create a supportive environ- Tment. We all have stories about chal- lenges in our schools. Combine this with ever-increasing attacks on our profession, and it can be downright exhausting. New teachers have great ideas and great needs. Endangered—I mean experienced—veterans have great wisdom. Let’s focus on ways to lift each other up. I chose the theme of rebuilding commu- nity to direct my summer learning goals. In addition to taking a graduate class, I spent a week with the Poetry Foundation, several days with the American Federation of Teach- ers and some time at the Chicago Teachers Union Quest Center. given the freedom to express their feelings. What better way to build community than by The Poetry Foundation giving ourselves permission, time and space I participated in The Poetry Foundation’s to express our affect? second year of the Chicago version of the Fa- We will soon—if we aren’t already—feel vorite Poem Project. I knew very little about bogged down with requests, requirements, it before it started, but it was an amazing and responsibilities. That is why it is so im- week. The main takeaways for me were the portant to resolve to nurture each other as importance of giving students the autonomy simply and as often as possible. One of the to choose what’s right for them and trusting best things to do is listen to what others have them to use your guidance to do that. Giving to say. We need to be heard as much as we up control raises confidence. need to hear. How does this translate to teachers and We talk about the importance of “self- community building? We are the experts. We care,” but we need to take it further. We are in know what works, why it works, and how it a profession that demands any and all things works. Let’s focus on sharing the amazing we have to give: time, attention and money, things we learn with each other. You can toot just to name a few. Yet, at the same time we your own horn about your great ideas, or you can neglect our own needs for communica- Housing Vouchers Funded by HUD vs. Housing Vouchers Distributed by the CHA can open the car door and invite others along tion, empathy and support. We need to re- for the ride. prioritize this. Perhaps we can start tending Number of Number of Percent of Number of to self-care together. vouchers vouchers financed families still AFT Convention 2016 financed by issued to vouchers waiting for Let’s rethink how we do our work. Be Year HUD tenants by CHA issued housing Next, I was off to Minneapolis for the someone people come to for support. Prac- 100th anniversary celebration of the AFT. It tice mindfulness. Learn to listen to opinions 2010 49,736 37,006 74 percent 37,364 was my first AFT convention, and needless and insights. Strike a balance between work 2011 51,215 37,783 73 percent 36,634 to say, it was quite the learning experience. and play, family and friends, together and 2012 51,415 38,096 74 percent 34,176 I learned how we built alliances with other alone. Look for things outside of, but related, union, honored long-standing and hard- to teaching. Invite a colleague to join you. Ac- 2013 52,049 38,323 73 percent 15,230* working union members, and witnessed the cept an invitation from a colleague and join 2014 52,419 40,520 77 percent 15,230* passage of some important resolutions. them. Celebrate success—every day. As I established new ties with my Chicago If we can build a strong support network, 2015 51,703 45,973 89 percent 44,815 colleagues, I learned the importance of work- we will be happier in our schools, which is 2016 (Q1) 52,131 46,375 89 percent 43,054 ing together to accomplish common goals. better for the students we teach. Parents will The week was a balance of work, getting to see that and feel more welcome. That will *The number on families on the waitlist declined sharply in 2013 because the waitlist did not accept any new applications that year. Similarly, the list was not opened in 2014. know how people from different places get make it easier to reach out anytime we want things done, and participating in social ac- to work with them. tivities to strengthen bonds. In a nutshell, we I am reminded of a quote from “The Abso- were building our union community, both lo- lutely True Story of a Part Time Indian” when cally and on a national scale. the character Sherman Alexie realizes the comes in the form of a pre-paid Ventra also funneling public dollars into the pock- importance of community in his life. He says: card that allows families to travel to school ets of private firms and preventing govern- Restorative Justice I realized that, sure, I was a Spokane In- on Chicago Transit Authority trains and ment agencies from providing essential Finally, I spent three days learning about dian. I belonged to that tribe. But I also be- buses. As the CTA made the switch from services. As Chicago has seen less invest- restorative justice through the CTU Quest longed to the tribe of American immigrants. paper fare cards to the new Ventra system, ment from CHA, we’ve also seen a rise in Center. Shout out to Walter Taylor for doing And to the tribe of basketball players. And to social service providers who provide CTA the number of kids who don’t have a secure an amazing job with the program. For me, the tribe of bookworms. And the tribe of car- fares to their clients have been spending the most important takeaway was the infor- toonists...It was a huge realization. And that’s place to go after school. Despite this, the more and receiving less. A report from the mation on affect. There are essentially nine when I knew I was going to be okay. Chicago Housing Authority continues to Chicago Jobs Council found that social ser- identified types of affect on the continuum, If we can start focusing on our common- vice providers are spending $280,000 an- prioritize profits over people. ranging from positive to neutral to negative. alities, our communities will be solid. And nually just on Ventra-related administra- Seven of these are identified as negative. that is when we will know that we are going tion fees. This is the equivalent of almost Lauren Dean, a master’s degree candidate at Before you call me Negative Nancy, let me to be okay. 125,000 CTA rides. the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of explain. The best way to encourage positive Illinois and Chicago are cutting public Urban Planning and Policy, is the CTU’s 2016- thinking is by providing a forum where stu- Kathe Myers is a teacher at Peck Elementary and programs to make ends meet, but they’re 2017 research intern. dents know the language, feel safe and are a member of the CTU Big Bargaining Team.

Chicago Union Teacher ∕ September 2016  7 How Chicago Public Schools sells its own governance to the highest bidder The CTU has issued a report documenting the misuse and abuse of district funds spent on “privatized services.”

BY THE CTU RESEARCH DEPARTMENT house by staff hired from local communities. After numerous scandals with various contrac- tors, CPS now spends $102,351,381 on food ser- n August 22, the Chicago Teachers Un- vice with Aramark—the same company that lost ion released this report detailing the its contract with Michigan prisons for serving Ohundreds of millions of dollars spent by maggot-laden food. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) on privatized ser- •Nursing contracts: CPS previously sup- out the new revenue proposals put forth by the vices—services which have resulted in multiple plemented school nurse staffing with a vari- Chicago Teachers Union, CPS can stop wast- conflicts of interests and an extremely poor level ety of temporary agency nurses. RCM Tech- ing money on expensive contracts that produce of service in Chicago’s public schools. The report, nologies Incorporated now has an exclusive shoddy services. titled “Outsourced: How CPS Sells its Own Gov- $30,000,000 contract for three years. CPS stu- At the state level, Governor Bruce Rauner’s ernance to the Highest Bidder,” comes as teach- dents are subjected to a revolving door of insuf- campaigns to reduce protections for working ers and students are returning to school buildings ficiently trained nurses, many of whom cannot people and privatize state services negatively that are unsafe due to potential lead contamina- perform assigned health care duties because impact accountability and transparency as well. tion, unclean, unhealthy and understaffed.” they are unfamiliar with procedures. The privatization schemes in CPS should serve “Our report is just the beginning,” said Presi- •IT department: In FY15 alone, CPS as a cautionary tale. dent Karen Lewis. “Digging deeper would un- spent $14,349,849 in cost overruns for seven This paper uncovers the tip of the iceberg. A doubtedly reveal even more overspending and IT contracts that were originally budgeted forensic audit of all of the large CPS contracts mismanagement.” at $22,750,151, a 63 percent increase. This is would no doubt uncover in greater detail CPS’ the problem with IT contracts. They are sole- widespread fraud and mismanagement. Executive Summary sourced with proprietary licenses and CPS is “Our report is just Chicago Public Schools (CPS) laid off more locked into them, no matter the cost overruns. the beginning. Introduction than 1,000 staff members and drastically cut •Charter schools: In fiscal year 2015, at When CPS signed custodial service contracts special education funding as part of its “bal- least $161,775,498 was spent by charter schools worth more than $300 million to Aramark and anced budget” for fiscal year 2017. The budget on office and administration, management fees, Digging deeper SodexoMagic in 2014, school communities ex- includes nearly $2 billion in private contracts rent, interest payments on loans, and “other.” pected at the very least, clean schools. They were for a wide variety of services, with minimal This amounts to approximately 27 percent of would undoubtedly not even close. Within days, principals, teachers, oversight or accountability. CPS claims to have public funds (local, state and federal) that are parents and students reported how filthy their insufficient funds for providing students much- not being spent on students in classrooms. reveal even more schools had become, and those reports continue needed classroom services, but continues to •AUSL turnaround schools: With no today. Aramark recently posted a quarterly prof- dole out millions to for-profit corporations. discernable academic benefit, CPS has given overspending and it of $93.3 million, whereas a typical Aramark The 1995 Illinois School Reform Act marked the Academy of Urban School Leadership, custodian makes just $10/hour. Privatization is the beginning of both mayoral control and out- an organization with strong ties to the Chi- mismanagement.” not about saving money or providing better ser- rageous outsourcing in Chicago’s public schools. cago Board of Education and its financiers, vices. It is a scheme to take money out of workers’ Use of private vendors is justified by claims of $49,277,577 in direct contracts since 2004, plus Karen Lewist pockets and put it into the coffers of corporations “cost savings” and “higher quality services.” How- at least $37,378,875 in AUSL Program Support National Board Certifi ed Teacher and banks. The Aramark/SodexoMagic example ever, the new CTU report, “Outsourced: How since 2014 for a total of at least $86,656,452. President, CTU is the norm, not the exception. CPS Sells its Own Governance to the Lowest Bid- •Management and planning: CPS often Outsourcing is not a new phenomenon in CPS, der” proves that the opposite is true. For example: claims to make Central Office cuts, but then con- but it is increasing dramatically each year. While •Custodial contracts: These were among tracts out much of that work. The powerful influ- the school district has been a bastion of crony hir- the first services to be outsourced in 1995. CPS ence of strategic planning consulting firms (in- ing and vendor contracts since at least the 1930s, has gone through a slew of contracts with vari- strumental in the massive school closures of 2013) CPS launched a full-scale attack on union jobs in ous corporations over the last 20 years but the has also contributed to increased outsourcing. 1995 with the passage of mayoral control and the most egregious have been the recent three- CPS has proven itself to be fiscally irrespon- hiring of the city business manager to replace the year contracts with Aramark ($260,300,000) sible and reckless with limited tax dollars. school district superintendent. CPS takes advice and SodexoMagic ($80,000,000). Instead of As the Office of the Inspector General has from the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club, cleaner schools, less principal oversight and reported year after year, the Contract and Pro- the Civic Federation and the MBAs of Boston Con- management, and reduced costs, the reality has curement Office has limited oversight and does sulting and McKinsey and Company instead of been deplorable and unsanitary conditions that not thoroughly evaluate proposals or contract educational experts. Top Central Office manage- have forced teachers, clerks and principals to do renewals before approving them. The unelected ment comes from the private sector and most have much of the cleaning themselves. school board rubber stamps the multi-million MBAs instead of education degrees or experience. •Food service contracts: Before the 1995 dollar contracts put before them every month. Not surprisingly, the recommendations from all of Reform Act, school lunches were prepared in- Chicago students deserve better. Even with- these business experts: keep outsourcing.

8  September 2016 ∕ Chicago Union Teacher Proposing solutions to reverse the trend of outsourcing

CPS is not saving money by outsourcing, as the CTU’s report shows. Here are fi ve ways to rein in the runaway train of outsourcing.

1 In-Sourcing: Many services can be brought back under the district’s control. Countless school districts and government agencies have returned to in-sourcing CPS has for better control and higher quality outsourced services. For example, the San Diego Unified School District saved $1 mil- lion a year on bus services, by bring- ing them in-house in 2010. The San $30m Diego Community College District in nursing saved at least $900,000 a year by in- sourcing its IT management. Eleven contracts Michigan school districts returned to hiring their own custodial staff, after formerly outsourcing this service.

2 More Oversight and Contract Manage- ment: the Office of Procurement and Contracts needs to actively manage, evaluate and audit every contract with CPS. For example, they could imple- ment a system similar to New York’s, where a con- tract manager is charged with performing quality assurance, inspection and testing functions for each contract. Every contract signed by CPS needs to Had the district benefited from all of these out- This was the beginning of the practice of outsourc- contain explicit language on contract management sourced contracts over the last twenty years, it would ing school funding. Instead of full public funding for and performance metrics. CPS needs to highlight make sense to continue the practice. Unfortunately, public schools, private businesses became part of the the fine-print stipulations, such as guaranteed en- however, the contracts have been mismanaged and mix, and they demanded exorbitant payments in re- rollment, paying the difference in cost, assuming all most are not monitored or evaluated for effective- turn. For the 2016-17 school year, 10 percent (double liability. ness. The assumption is that the government pro- the percentage in 2002) of the CPS budget will go to vision of services is inefficient and that the private debt service: $563 million. 3 Public Input: Currently, there is no mecha- The state’s 1995 School Reform Amendatory Act sector (for-profit or non-profit) can do a better job nism for the public to have input on outsourcing or ven- reversed the gains of more than a decade of public ac- because competition forces it to. This paper demon- dor decisions. The public rarely is aware that the CPS tivism by reducing the power of Local School Coun- strates that simply farming out public education ser- Board of Education will vote to approve costly con- cils established in 1988. 1995 was the beginning of vices to private entities benefits the companies but tracts until 48 hours before the meeting, when Board mayoral control of CPS and a major shift. The 1995 not the students they are meant to serve. agendas are available. After contract approval, there law greatly limited the right of unions to bargain over is no mechanism for the public to have their concerns History of Outsourcing in CPS working conditions, including staff reductions. For about service quality addressed. For example, in spite teachers, this led to less control over class sizes. For For most of the 20th century, outsourcing and of alarms raised about the potential for life-threat- custodians, engineers, clerks and cafeteria staff, this vendor contracts at CPS were typically limited to ser- ening consequences of nursing services outsourcing, led to massive layoffs and outsourcing of the man- vices such as construction and educational materials. CPS moved forward with their $30,000,000 contract agement of many departments. In 1979, CPS was facing budget issues and needed fi- with RCM. CPS should hold public hearings for large To demonstrate how committed the city was to a nancial assistance. According to George Schmidt from contracts (over $10,000,000), and institute a formal business model for running the school district, for- “Substance News,” CPS wanted to borrow money from process for submitting complaints and concerns. the state, which had a budget surplus that year, but mer mayor Richard M. Daley hired the city budget then-governor Jim Thompson refused. Schmidt re- director Paul Vallas to run the schools and changed 4 ported collusion with the ratings industry to lower CPS’ the title of the position from superintendent to Chief Proof of Cost Savings: CPS should pro- credit rating enough to make it ineligible to borrow. Executive Officer. “Thus began a corporate regime at vide to the public and the Board of Education a Broke and with no sign of relief, CPS stopped pay- CPS which has been copied in cities across the coun- detailed accounting of precisely how and where ing employees in December 1979, leading to a strike try,” write author Pauline Lipman in her 2011 book cost savings will be actualized, with a side-by-side in February 1980. Teachers would go on to strike four “The New Political Economy of Urban Education: comparison of in-sourcing or other options. CPS more times during the decade of the 1980s. Also dur- Neoliberalism, Race, and the Right to the City.” needs to identify any and all new costs related to ing this period, the citywide push began for the School By the beginning of the 21st century, corporations new contracts, such as management or oversight. Reform Act of 1988, which created democratic local were waking up to the huge profit potential in public Also, wholesale replacement of employees should control of the schools via elected Local School Councils. education through contracting, technology and school be seen as a negative practice, as it contributes to In 1980, the Illinois government created the Sch management services. In 2001, the federal government instability in schools and causes harms to the com- ool Finance Authority (SFA) to oversee CPS’ budget passed No Child Left Behind which allowed districts to munity by increasing unemployment. Finally, CPS and issue bonds, with a cap of 13 percent instead of close underperforming schools and private companies must specify which components of the work it will 6 percent. Because the interest rate caps more than to manage struggling ones. In 2003, the Commercial be responsible for and at what cost. No contract doubled for these 30-year bonds, they generated Club of Chicago issued “Left Behind,” a report calling should proceed without careful consideration of large profits for the banks and held CPS hostage to for the closing of poor-performing schools and the in- these questions. ever-growing annual debt service obligations. troduction of market ideology and competition. Former CPS CEO Arne Duncan launched Renaissance 2010 It was at this time that CPS began the practice 5 Support Financing Options through of using operating funds to pay debt. From 1980 to shortly thereafter to implement the ideas in the Com- mercial Club’s report. The next decade and a half saw Municipal Banks: Drawing on the work of the Re- 2009, the Board took an average of $120 million a the closure of over 120 schools and the ultimate mar- fund America Project and the Roosevelt Institute, year from the classroom and used it for debt repay- ket-based reform, the “portfolio district”—a massive Chicago should invest in municipal banks to pay ment. Of the $7.8 billion debt that CPS incurred in expansion of charter, contract, military and privately for capital infrastructure projects so that debt and principal and interest on SFA borrowing, $3.6 billion run alternative schools. interest gets recycled into the city rather than out- would come from money that should have been used sourced to private banks for profit. for smaller classes, adequate numbers of clinicians To continue reading the report, please visit the CTU website and support staff, and other resources for the school. at http://www.ctunet.com/outsourced. —CTU Research Department

Chicago Union Teacher ∕ September 2016  9 The ongoing fight for a fair contract During the first week of the school year, the CTU distributed CTU thousands of flyers with answers to the most frequently asked questions about contract FAQ negotiations. Here, Chicago Union Teacher is reprinting the contents of that leaflet to answer your questions and help you answer others’ quesitons.

IS CPS CEO FORREST CLAYPOOL long way to go. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his CORRECT THAT THE 7% PENSION PICK- appointed Board have shown time and time Q. again that they will not compromise or back the beginning of the year, collect a paycheck and UP THAT CPS PAYS IN TEACHER AND PSRP down unless we exercise our power. Preparing activate our insurance to avoid the possibility SALARY IS UNREASONABLE OR EXCESSIVE for a strike is our ultimate power, and unless we of losing coverage during a strike. This way we COMPARED TO OTHER ILLINOIS SCHOOL prepare, we will likely never get a fair contract set our own deadline instead of waiting for the DISTRICTS? from the Board. Board to treat us fairly. The good news is that the issues we need to The April 1 strike No—absolutely not. Teachers in Chicago resolve are not insurmountable; the $300 mil- WHY GO ON STRIKE? WHAT DID THE and across the state do not receive social lion that separates our position from the Board’s helped to restore Q. ONE-DAY STRIKE ON APRIL 1 GET US? A.security, and our pensions are the only form position can be solved if the mayor declared a of retirement income we possess. In the 1980s, major TIF (tax increment financing) surplus The mayor and his handpicked CPS CEO many school districts could not afford raises and, and taxed corporations using the municipal the state pension have cut an unconscionable amount from in lieu of them, agreed to pay a portion of em- power he possesses. A.special education programming, librari- ployee pension costs. More than half of all school levy to the tune ans and nurses; imposed 1,000 staff layoffs; districts in the state pay more of their employee WHEN ON STRIKE, WHAT HAPPENS TO and are wreaking continued havoc from stu- pension costs than Chicago Public Schools. (Fif- of $250 million dent-based budgeting. We must continue to ty-seven percent of districts pay more according Q. MY HEALTH INSURANCE? protect our students and their classrooms. to data from the Teachers’ Retirement System, but It is unlikely that our health benefits will and increased the Regarding April 1, our battle cries from that that does not include districts that have converted be suspended by CPS. If we were to strike day were heard in Springfield. In the immedi- the pick-up into salary, which would actually in- A.early in the month, health insurance is school funding ate aftermath, we helped to restore the state crease the percentage.) Claypool appears to want generally guaranteed for the duration of the pension levy to the tune of $250 million and a mass exodus of teachers like the exodus he has month. In the event that the Board did suspend formula by increased the school funding formula by more caused of quality principals. It’s hard to imagine our benefits, however, it would qualify as a Con- than $100 million—with the potential to add any other reason why he is cutting teacher pay in solidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act more than $100 $200 million by early next year. The pension a city with a higher cost of living and fewer teach- (COBRA) event. COBRA allows employees to levy had been suspended since mayoral control er rights than any of our neighboring districts. pay their own insurance at a cost of 102% of the million—with the of CPS was imposed by the state legislature in For example, teachers elsewhere in Illinois can coverage. The employee has 60 days to respond 1995, so this was a real victory. Without this negotiate lower class sizes and push back through whether or not they will accept COBRA, and an potential to add funding, the value of a strike would have been their bargaining rights against privatization deals additional 45 days to pay for the coverage. to limit cuts, layoffs and program reductions. like Aramark and Sodexho. Additionally, educa- If the new labor contract, effective July 1, Now, there is a real pathway to a fair contract tors must live in the city to work in the city. Our 2015, is settled and the strike ends (which it $200 million by without starving the schools or harming edu- property taxes are going up, too, so cutting our likely would) prior to the deadline to pay the cators. pay simultaneously is a huge disincentive to work COBRA bill, then your medical bills will be cov- early next year. Our collective action on April 1 also helped in CPS. ered by the insurance company once our health temporarily break the impasse in Springfield plan is reinstated. and provide a much better opportunity to settle IS THERE A CHANCE WE COULD SETTLE a contract that will be good for teachers and stu- AND NOT REQUIRE A STRIKE? WHY NOT STRIKE IMMEDIATELY dents. Additionally, prior to the one-day strike, Q. Claypool was actively talking about 5,000 lay- We hope so. Bargaining has been ongoing Q. INSTEAD OF REPORTING TO SCHOOL offs, additional furlough days and unilateral throughout the summer, but the Board of IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER? action to cut our salaries by 7% (the pension A.Ed has barely moved from its offer on Jan- pick-up). None of those things happened, and Our House of Delegates was clear on this our ability to strike will continue to be an im- uary 29, 2016. As you can see from the compar- question—our members will use the op- portant tool in the fight for educational justice. ison between its position and ours, we have a A.portunity to organize in the workplace at

10  September 2016 ∕ Chicago Union Teacher Q. WHAT IS AT STAKE IN OUR FIGHT FOR A FAIR CONTRACT? CONTRACT ISSUE CTU POSITION CPS POSITION

DURATION Three years (expiring end of June 2018). Four years.

SALARY Protects our step and lane structure and pension Year 1 (2015-2016) Year 2 (2016-2017) Three furlough days LOSS 3.5% pension pick up LOSS pick up for all three years with 2% raises in years Cut in lanes/steps: 1.8% 2.75% cola GAIN two and three. Net loss: 3.24% salary 0.8% health care LOSS Net loss: 1.55% salary Year 3 (2017-2018) Year 4 (2018-2019) 3.5% pension pick up LOSS 3% cola GAIN 3.0% cola GAIN Net gain: 3.0% 0.8% health care LOSS Net loss: 1.3% salary Total Net Loss*: 6.09% – 3.0% = 3.09% HEALTH CARE No health-care cuts. Restrictions on the Board’s Substantially increases our health-care ability to change our health care providers. premiums, co-pays, emergency room visit co- pays and deductibles while reducing the plan sent the diversity, geograph- nearly $500 million in tax receipts options we have to choose from. ic dispersion and specific sitting in TIF accounts. The cut in CASE Requires additional hiring within our bargaining Continues current practice of staff reductions positions within the union teacher salary amounts to just $200 MANAGEMENT unit to perform case-management duties. and cuts to SPED funding. (clinicians, PSRPs, itinerant million. By emptying TIF surpluses AND SPED Workload limits for Special Education Educators teachers, etc.) to help look at across the city, not only can CPS avoid and PSRPs. any Board proposals to en- cutting teachers, but the draconian sure member interests are cuts imposed this summer also can be CLASS SIZE Enforceable class-size limits. Protects our No limits on class size. reflected at every step of the reversed. Additionally, the city could classrooms from mass layoffs. bargaining process. The Big re-impose the corporate head tax and Bargaining Team has been a make it less of a nuisance for employ- STUDENT- Eliminates student-based budgeting and its Refuses to change the policy. critical group of leaders who ers with 50 or more employees to pay BASED discriminatory impact on staffing veteran teachers. it. By our estimate, such a move would BUDGETING hold various perspectives, concerns and levels of ex- hit wealthier employers and generate LAYOFFS Requires that the district maintain staffing Further reduces the rights of laid-off members to pertise in our union, and has nearly $100 million annually. That AND RECALL averages and put laid-off members into existing return to the system. been invaluable in providing amount could restore all librarians vacancies; requires CPS to allow teachers to the detail and insight nec- to schools and double the number of follow students when new schools open near an essary to negotiate the best counselors, social workers and school existing school’s attendance boundary. terms and conditions for our nurses. It could also help protect spe- next contract. cial education programs that have LIBRARIANS, Calls for protecting our students through Continues to diminish the number of librarians Once the Board makes been adversely affected by reductions COUNSELORS, guaranteed, adequate staffing for librarians, throughout the district while refusing to increase an offer worth consideration, in staff and funding. In a city experi- SOCIAL WORKERS, encing record levels of violence, there is NURSES, SCHOOL counselors, social workers and school the ratio for the other positions. there will be a recommenda- PSYCHOLOGISTS psychologists at every school. tion from CTU officers and the no better or more necessary investment Big Bargaining Team to the in children’s lives. RETIREMENT No minimum number of retirements to qualify for Requires 1,500 teacher and 900 PSRP retirements House of Delegates (HOD) for INCENTIVE lump-sum payout for early retirement. to trigger the incentive. an “accept” or “reject” vote. If WHAT SHOULD THE CTU a tentative offer is accepted by SCHOOL A moratorium on school closings. Severely limits Closes schools that cannot make graduation Q. BE DOING TO INFORM THE the HOD, it then goes to the en- CLOSINGS charter expansion and enrollment. Demands requirements (a vague standard). Promises to PUBLIC ABOUT OUR CONTRACT AND CHARTER tire membership for approval. EXPANSION CPS cooperate with the CTU to lobby to reject new charters but allows the Illinois State CAMPAIGN? eliminate the Illinois State Charter Commission. Charter Commission, dominated by charter DID TEACHER AND CTU members are the best advocates, to overrule that decision. Q. PSRP COMPENSATION messengers. We live in every SUSTAINABLE Guarantees of funding for 20-50 sustainable CPS agrees in principle, but the devil is in the CAUSE CPS’ FINANCIAL A.community and engage with COMMUNITY community schools with significant supports, details. CRISIS? millions of Chicagoans when you SCHOOLS AND factor in our students and their fami- RESTORATIVE staffing and wrap-around services. PRACTICES No. The two biggest lies, our own neighbors and relatives, cost drivers in the CPS and the CTU’s labor, community and *We are not counting steps and lanes as salary increases because over 90% of school districts in Illinois recognize them as part of the experience/level of A.budget are debt service education-justice partners. The an- education ladder in teaching. CPS is trying to alter that permanently and count them as cost of living raises in order to reduce our compensation. and charter expansion. In- ti-CTU (i.e., anti-teacher) editorials stead of going after teachers of the Chicago Tribune are read by who already have experi- far fewer people. Further, the Chi- enced pay freezes, mass lay- cago media market is prohibitively WHY IS THE UNION strike. Rauner appoints the Illinois also be able to declare it as another offs and budget cuts, the mayor and expensive so we have to use our re- Q. CONSIDERING TAKING Labor Relations Board, and the official authorization vote to offset his CPS CEO should go after the big sources wisely and create our own, ANOTHER STRIKE VOTE? mayor already tried to make strik- any potential legal challenges. banks that ripped off the city and unique networks. ing illegal for us in 2012 and again the schools with toxic interest-rate Your union will provide you with CTU members already voted last year. WHO IS THE BIG swaps worth over $1 billion. They much material to start the school to authorize a strike and are This is why the CTU is consid- BARGAINING TEAM, AND should also call for a charter mora- year—starting with this FAQ—so A.still extremely united on that ering organizing a new vote. One Q. torium and empty the $500 million you can speak with confidence question. We are clear: Members option is to circulate voting ma- WHY SHOULD WE TRUST ITS TIF fund, both of which siphon off about our contract fight. To learn have spoken, that authorization is terials in schools with every CTU JUDGMENT? a considerable amount of district re- more, please attend one of the three Contract Action Team trainings on still in place and people are ready member signing onto a petition. It The officers of the CTU asked sources that would be better used in September 13, 15 and 17, and make to use it if needed. But we also know would help us get organized in our 50 members of our elected Ex- our classrooms. sure your delegate attends the criti- that Emanuel and Governor Bruce buildings and send a powerful mes- A.ecutive Board, school leaders, Equitable short-term and long- cally important House of Delegates Rauner will do everything they sage to the city that we’re ready to delegates and members who repre- term solutions exist. The Cook Coun- can to try to take away our right to fight for a fair contract. We would ty Clerk’s office recently reported the meeting on September 7.n

For the long-term sustainability surplus tax increment financing the ordinance up for a hearing The TIF surplus will be key of our public schools, the CTU (TIF) funds from the mayor’s tax- in that committee. If you haven’t must stand up to City Hall increment financing slush fund. already contacted your alderman to insist on measures such In July, Aldermen George and your school’s alderman, go to winning a fair contract. as renegotiating the toxic Cardenas and our CTU sister to http://www. ctunet.com/tif and swap deals with the banks Sue Sadlowski-Garza sponsored use our legislative tool to send and reinstating the corporate City Ordinance #O2016-5666, them each a message to support The city council should declare a head tax, and to Springfield to which would declare a citywide the ordinance. insist that our city’s schools be TIF surplus to ensure that the If we can’t force the mayor to citywide TIF surplus so that those funds funded equally to other systems educational experience of our release TIF dollars for our schools, while fully accounting for the students doesn’t suffer any the Board of Ed will cry broke can be released to address the glaring concentration of poverty and more and that our professional and continue to cut funding from the other attendant problems of dignity is retained. The ordinance our schools, and we would see inequalities stalking Chicago’s schools. racism affecting our students. currently has more than 30 even more layoffs or reductions in But the most immediate co-sponsors, but is in Ald. our existing (already diminished) form of economic relief that our Burke’s Finance Committee—so salaries and increases in health schools can attain is through the Chicagoans need to pressure our care costs in the near future. release of up to $400 million in aldermen to urge Burke to bring —CTU Communications

Chicago Union Teacher ∕ September 2016  11 We need to OCAT unite against V E. D M punitive A E . evaluation N

E

Teacher evaluations are a better T R

measure of the level of student O

A

poverty in a given school than R

H the ability of a given teacher to . teach. S

Teachers want to attend meaningful and laboration with brothers and sisters across the stimulating professional development state, the CTU tries to lobby to change legislation to reset and rebuff the corporate reformer rules (PD) sessions. We want to be excited to about evaluation, especially now that the 2015 S try new things in our classrooms, even if federal Every Student Succeeds Act provides an A M they don’t work out or work right away. opening for a complete rethinking of our state’s Performance Evaluation Reform Act, passed BY JENNIFER JOHNSON by the Illinois General Assembly in 2010, which could ultimately lead to the demise of REACH. s educators, we want feedback. We want In the meantime, through sharing research and providing classes and trainings, the Union tries to to grow and get better. We want to learn REACH is misused. The CTU has advised mem- arm members and school leaders with the means A from and work with our peers. We want bers to use their Professional Problems Commit- of advocating for their professional expertise. to show off the things our students do when tees (PPC) and Professional Personnel Leadership But really, in the CPS environment, we should they love learning. We put in the extra care that Committees to press their administrators for fair- teach, not REACH. it takes to help kids grow up to be even greater ness in the process and the kind of professional If we accept the premise that teacher evalua- people than they are today. development that is actually helpful to educators tion could be worth some time if the purpose and Rather than Chicago Public Schools driving in their particular context. Surveys, study groups focus was really on feedback, collaboration and as many resources to classrooms and provid- and observation score sharing makes battling improvement, there are common sense changes ing time for collaboration and PD, our district REACH collective and empowering, and bring that should be made. The most important chang- focuses squarely on “accountability.” Amid per- the mantra “Share. Advocate. Mentor.” to life. es that should be made to REACH in Chicago, petual CPS chaos and teachers being told they Labor Notes’ new book, “Secrets of a Suc- and to punitive teacher evaluation systems which haven’t sacrificed enough, we are evaluated ex- cessful Organizer,” reminds us that in order to have been enacted in states across the country, tensively every year. While educators want feed- successfully fight and win better conditions in are easily identified by educators and have been back to improve our work, evaluation—in a dis- our schools, a good union organizer doesn’t just summarized well in the Network for Public Edu- trict where trust between administrators and pick any issue to tackle—they pick an issue that cation’s (NPE) April 2016 report titled “Teachers educators is inconsistent and in many places is widely felt and that will help bring workers to- Talk Back: Educators on the Impact of Teacher scant—inherently becomes a process of justify- gether to organize and be unified. Evaluation is Evaluation.” The NPE surveyed nearly 3,000 ing performance ratings, and not one about the often that issue in our schools. educators nationwide, including educators in joy of teaching and improving our skills. Jim Cavallero, the CTU delegate from Chicago Chicago, and came up with six sensible recom- The REACH evaluation system reduces the ex- Academy High School and an elected CTU Area mendations that redirect evaluation toward perimental and relational nature of teaching and Vice President, did just that with his colleagues collaboration and improvement, and away from But really, learning to an overly complex series of processes both of the last two school years. He and his col- punitive and quantitative processes which erode and compliance exercises. According to a recent leagues discussed how REACH was being abused trust and take up too much precious time: in the CPS University of Chicago Consortium of School Re- and misused by their former principal and they An immediate halt to the use of test scores search report (January 2016), REACH results for • worked together to press their administration to as any part of teacher evaluation; environment, educators in schools with high student poverty be treated fairly. Their school’s PPC developed That teacher collaboration not be tied to receive, on average, lower scores than those in • an 18-question Google Forms survey which it evaluation, but instead be a teacher-led coop- schools with less poverty, with Black and Latino we should emailed to all REACH-evaluated members at the erative process that focuses on their students’ educators receiving lower scores than their peers. school through their personal email addresses and their own professional learning; This is unacceptable and just the kind of thing teach, not outside of work time. The compiled member re- That the observation process focus on im- that our students’ parents need to know is a result • sponses to statements ranged from items related proving instruction and result in reflection and of CPS’ skewed priorities. Rather than sending REACH. to their trust in the system and their administra- dialogue between teacher and observer; the re- additional resources to schools that need them, tion (“I believe that REACH, when implemented sult should be a narrative, not a number; retaining and supporting a diverse teaching force, correctly, is a useful tool to facilitate my growth That evaluation requires less paperwork and and doing everything possible to have high mo- • as a teacher” and “I believe my principal treats documentation so that more time can be spent on rale in the most challenging schools, evaluation women differently than men”) to process-ori- reflection and improvement of instruction; instead is used as a weapon that leads to distrust, ented to determine if everyone was experiencing An immediate review of the impact that layoffs and school environments built on fear. • REACH procedures equally (“My observation evaluations have had on teachers of color and The Chicago Teachers Union tries to help was for a unit discussed during the pre-confer- veteran teachers; members mitigate REACH even as we fight the ence” and “My evaluator took the time to consider That teachers not be “scored” on profes- evaluation system through committees and bar- • my perspective during the post-conference”). sional development activities, nor that profes- gaining with the Chicago Board of Education. Our Because the PPC used Google Forms, the sional development be dictated by evaluation contract demands to change REACH through summary of member responses to each question scores rather than teacher needs. Article 39 include expanding the appeals process, was automatically generated and included graphs One part of the way we fight the punitive adjusting cut scores, closing process loopholes, and charts. The PPC discussed the results, shared REACH evaluation process and advocate for what eliminating VAM (Value-Added model) scores for them with the staff and most importantly, shared we actually want and need as educators is to use elementary school teachers and ending the capri- them with its former principal to show him that CTU structures to organize in our schools when cious second lower Developing rule. Through col- it had taken the time to prepare thoughtful data,

12  September 2016 ∕ Chicago Union Teacher OCAT V E. WANTED: An D M Illinois without A E Bruce Rauner .

N If the governor were serious about quality this year. Add up the cumulative impact and E public education, he would take the lead decimation of classrooms and school budgets,

how can the mayor refuse declare a tax incre-

in finding the revenue to attract and retain T ment financing surplus to aid Chicago’s public

top-notch educators and school programs schools? How dare he say that he will not seek

R to fortify learning, not undermine it. more revenue from those who can afford to pay? O It is absurd to lay off a veteran teacher with

more than 20 years of experience and expect

BY STACY DAVIS GATES

them to attend a job fair and apply for a posi-

A tion a) in a new subject area, and b) at a fraction Teacher evaluation is critically

R of their current salary. It is equally absurd for

important, but in a massive bureaucracy a school district to open the year—again—with

H with a hostile union, where 50 percent massive staffing turnover. . of principals are managerially incompetent and So how do we use the urgency of this mo- S half of teachers are virtually illiterate, a complete ment to advance policy that will help us provide multi-dimensional evaluation system with huge the schools our students deserve? subjectivity in it will be attacked, manipulated We continue building our movement. and marginalized—the status quo will prevail.” ‘‘ We continue calling truth to power. —Gov. Bruce Rauner, December 2011 We continue to organize. We continue to rally and protest. rom labeling our learning communities We continue to shift the political landscape. as “crumbling prisons,” to insulting hard- And we build a war chest to challenge people S Fworking and highly skilled educators by like the governor and the robots he bankrolls in A M calling us “virtually illiterate,” our billionaire state-wide campaigns. It is painful to consider governor is a walking insult machine. another four years of Rauner’s personal crusades What Illinois needs, however, is a respecta- and “turnaround” agendas. That is why we have ble leader—not a rabid crusader working to un- to do everything we can to create an Illinois dermine working families and public schools. without him. A leader will find a way to direct progressive Let us imagine an Illinois General Assem- revenue to a state that desperately needs to fund bly filled with educators, activists and unionists and wanted to proactively discuss concerns for Medicaid, non-profit organizations, medical like our own sister, 10th Ward Alderman Susan the administration to thoughtfully address. services such as breast cancer screenings, and Sadlowski Garza. Our political halls of power Cavallero believed that the use of the sur- provide invaluable assistance to individuals liv- need organizers who will fight for teachers, vey was an important organizational tool that ing with disabilities. school clerks, teacher assistants, social workers, brought staff together on an issue that many CTU members hold a A leader works cooperatively with other counselors, school psychologists and therapists. people felt was important, and said: “read-in” at Gov. Bruce elected leaders to pass a budget that invests in We need labor and social justice-oriented lead- Rauner’s Thompson families and communities. ers who will ensure the security and protection It [the REACH survey] helped teachers see Center office in protest A leader funds all schools adequately and of working-class people and families. they weren’t in isolation. There were lots of his “virtually illiterate” equitably. Help the CTU Political Action Committee of common areas where our principal saw comments in an email Instead of governing the state of Illinois, meet the challenge with a monthly contribution or didn’t see something. It gave us data to exchange with education Rauner has chosen to crusade against hard- to our PAC or a one-time donation of $50. show to a data-driven principal. He was reformers associated working, taxpaying citizens and label the Chi- Leadership is not hurling insults at people devastated both times he saw responses. with his Chicago Public cago Teachers Union, which is composed of who work hard for less, with even fewer re- Especially because he thought he was do- Education Fund, including selfless and dedicated public school educators, sources and funding for our schools. ing so much better [in] year two. It was an U.S. Commerce Secretary as an enemy of education. But after our union Help us elect leaders who will organize organizing tool. It gave members a chance Penny Pritzker and suffered 1,000 layoffs this summer, it is clear with—not against—us. to have conversations about something that billionaire hedge fund who the real enemies of education are—the gov- was important to them and a concern. manager and Chicago ernor and his friend, Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Stacy Davis Gates is the CTU Legislative and Political Through the survey, the PPC found that mayoral adviser Our schools are suffering from the impact of Director. Contribute to the CTU Political Action Com- there were perceived patterns in the results for Ken Griffin. concentrated cuts from multiple years—not just mittee by visiting http://www.ctunet.com/donate. veteran female teachers. Knowing that, it asked colleagues in the school to share their REACH observation scores collectively and verified that there was a disturbing pattern that they could demonstrate with evidence, which provided a ba- sis for confronting the former principal. The PPC was able to get an Academy for Urban School Leadership official to actually come to the school and attend its post-observation conferences with the principal to ensure more fairness. Because CPS chaos continues, Cavallero’s principal is no longer at his school, but he and his colleagues are not sure with whom they will be working with this year. They have experi- ence, however, in coming together on issues that matter to them as professional educators trying to do right by their students and one another. Ridding CPS of punitive teacher evaluation is a long-term battle worth fighting because we know what our students, educators and schools actually need. If we use the research and all the avenues at our disposal to fight each battle, we’ll stick together and find ourselves winning in the end.

Jennifer Johnson is the CTU Teacher Evaluation Facilitator.

Chicago Union Teacher ∕ September 2016  13 House of Delegates Meeting Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Delegates not present: AL1 AUSTIN-NORTH LAWNDALE O’HARE ELEMENTARY Tsatsos, Mary G. ∕ OH2 O’HARE AT THE BREAKERS ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY PE1 PERSHING ELEMENTARY un-retire Anderson, Grace A.; Hatfield, Jamie; All Present ∕ Rivas, Marisol; Sciarine, Kathleen ∕ AL2 AUSTIN-NORTH All Present ∕ PE2 PERSHING ELEMENTARY Ferrin, Nicole AT EDGEWATER BEACH LAWNDALE ELEMENTARY Bishop, Anne; Egwuekwe M.; Rosenbaum, Jessica S.; Walls-Kirk, Kimberly A; .; PL1 Maxey, Kelechi S.; Servais, Maggie ∕ BP1 BURNHAM PILSEN-LITTLE VILLAGE ELEMENTARY; Cosme, PARK ELEMENTARY All Present ∕ BP2 BURNHAM Maria T.; Fragoso, Miguel; McCabe, Christopher; Monahan, PARK ELEMENTARY Poplawski, Nicole A. ∕ EG1 Dorothy M. ∕ PL2 PILSEN-LITTLE VILLAGE ELEMENTARY ENGLEWOOD-GRESHAM ELEMENTARY All Present ∕ Zygowicz, Debra S. ∕ RR1 RAVENSWOOD-RIDGE EG2 ENGLEWOOD-GRESHAM ELEMENTARY Brown, ELEMENTARY Pejcinovic, Lisa C. ∕ RR2 RAVENSWOOD- Marsandra Y.; Davis, Victoria Marie; Hurley, Christine M. RIDGE ELEMENTARY Davis, Stephanie A.; Wiltse, Nora ∕ FR1 FULLERTON ELEMENTARY Barrientos, Tracy M.; S. ∕ RI1 ROCK ISLAND ELEMENTARY Holmes, Davina; Chavez, Lisa B.; Polotsky, Kristen; Rice, Scott; Rivera, Anna Lekkas, Harry G.; Morris, Trevia S.; O’Connor, Regina M.; M. ∕ FR2 FULLERTON ELEMENTARY Kearns, Donald E. Powell, Leslie U. ∕ RI2 ROCK ISLAND ELEMENTARY With countless resident programs, groups and friends, ∕ FL1 FULTON ELEMENTARY Hirsch, Michael D. ∕ FL2 Harston-Lampkins, Angela S.; Poindexter, Monique R. ∕ SK1 the hardest part of joining our community is deciding FULTON ELEMENTARY FSS FAR Lawson, Donielle C. ∕ SKYWAY ELEMENTARY Carter, Launder F.; Edgin, Megan what you want to do when you get here. SOUTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL Brownlow, Dorothy M.; L.; Naumann, Jeffrey W.; Quinn, Jovonna; Thomas, Chanel C. Doyle, Michael T.; Rountree, Eric F.; Sokoya, Jamiu ∕ GH1 ∕ SK2 SKYWAY ELEMENTARY Brown-Murray, Adrienne Your apartment is waiting. No guarantee GARFIELD-HUMBOLDT ELEMENTARY Brignoni, Michele J.; Harrell, Lucinda P.; Jones, Lawanda D.; Kimble, Jennifer you’ll spend much time there. D.; Greco-Serwa, Sandra M.; Paez, Gabriel ∕ GH2 GARFIELD- N.; Phillips, Jala L.; Simpkins, Lynette G. ∕ SSH SOUTH HUMBOLDT ELEMENTARY Bonatz, Julia M.; Haynes, Marci SIDE H.S. Cameron, Alisia L.; Jones, Darlene V. ∕ SW1 S.; Smith, Elayne P.; Trowers, Laquinya; Wisnar, Mercedes SOUTHWEST SIDE H.S. All Present ∕ SW2 SOUTHWEST CALL 773-257-7336 TO SCHEDULE ∕ LC1 LAKE CALUMET ELEMENTARY Horton, Rebekah SIDE H.S. Crockett, Turan C.; Harris, Shelly; Novak, Paula A PRIVATE TOUR TODAY! J.; Spearman, Nicole N.; Whitehead, Sheryl F. ∕ LC2 LAKE M.; Pietruszka, Lauren N. ∕ WS1 WEST SIDE H.S. Harris, CALUMET ELEMENTARY Goodar, Vanessa P.; Hernandez, Stephanie J.; Robinovitz, Isaac W.; Seale, Jodi J.; Stout, Alyson Nancy; Lee, Tyrone T. ∕ ME1 MIDWAY ELEMENTARY H. ∕ WS2 WEST SIDE H.S. Dudley, John B.; Holic, Sara L.; Finn, Nancy A.; Hester, Kamau L.; O’Malley, Margaret Keddy, Thomas M. ∕ CITY-WIDE CAREER SERVICE Spiff, M.; Torres, Alicia E. ∕ ME2 MIDWAY ELEMENTARY Inodu; Johnson, Kimberly Y.; Higgins, Gloria E.; Hill, Delphine; Catalan, Yuvanny; Cragg, Kevin; Creech, Matthew; Jameson- Callahan, Sharon D.; Davis, Sharon D. ∕ CITY-WIDE Ahmad, Hardy, Jacqueline; Magallanes, Lucero; Nolan, Kiah ∕ NW1 Huma A.; Boyle, Therese M.; O’Connell, Jennifer L.; Tuite, NORTH-NORTHWEST SIDE H.S. Coupaud, Helena ∕ NW2 Jacquelyn L.; Nevels, Leigh M INDEPENDENT LIVING NORTH-NORTHWEST SIDE H.S. O’Shea, Mary Rose ∕ OH1 5333 N. SHERIDAN ROAD | CHICAGO, IL 60640 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

May 9 Emma G. Mcclellan, Harte June 16 Alex Vickas, Trumbull July 21 Anita F. Bieber, Nobel In memoriam May 9 Willie A. Naylor, Region 5 June 16 Alice E. Wright, Sullivan High July 22 Ida M P. Corsey, Web Dubois May 11 Voncile H. King, Wheatly June 17 Thomas M. Finnegan, Central Service Ctr July 23 Ursula Maethner, Lake View High May 11 Sophia V. Lawson, Fuller June 17 Donald Pleas, Region 5 July 23 William Senko, Hughes 2015 May 11 Willie James White, Jordan School June 18 Alecia Harkins, Graham Training C July 24 Doris Hassell-Thomas, Buckingham Sp Ed November 30 Jeanne B. Griffin, Komensky May 12 Paul T. Vabakos, Lane Tech H S June 19 Sam Bronswick, Lane Tech July 24 George W. Williams, Jones Metro 2016 May 13 Elinor J. Ashley, Orr High June 19 Marcus Zell Dodd, Hubbard H S July 25 Irma Jean Long, Kilmer February 24 Ursula Comein, Lozano Bilingual May 13 Douglas B. Smith, Corliss June 19 Gwendolyn Ross Drew, C-W Educ General July 26 Geraldine Y. Jones, Substitute Teacher June 4 James N. Pickens, Montefiore May 15 Noel C. Berkson, Petrulis June 19 Morris M. Palmer, Kennedy H S July 27 Jamesetta Perkins, Fairfield Academy January 11 Donald T. Dufner, Foreman H S May 15 John Sommer, South Shore High June 20 Nona H. Smith, Stevenson July 28 Gloria Brown, C-W Spec Svcs Sup January 20 Lois T. Williams, Central Office May 19 Elizabeth O’Connor, Pullman June 21 Frances Schoonmaker, Henderson July 29 Anne L. Mullaney, Penn April 10 Elmer S. Clark, Dunbar Voc High May 19 Gloria C. Wiseman, Bureau Of Sup Serv June 23 Lloyd P. Hoover, Taft H S July 30 Susan Landsman, Lemoyne April 11 Mary H. Scott, Parkside May 21 Lois S. Moore, Stockton Cpc June 24 Joseph Smiley, Tilden July 30 Patricia B. Schlueter, Yates April 13 Muriel J. Clarkston, Central May 22 Colette L. Mcbarron, Nobel June 25 Joan Knight-Hill, Buckingham July 31 Paula M. Kelly, Lane Tech April 14 Marcia A. Gustafson, Substitute Teacher May 23 Leonard V. Mickas, Kelly High June 25 Melvin D. Lloyd, Prosser Hugh July 31 Lawrence M. Mcpherson, Kenwood Acad April 16 Tecola Lee, Grant May 24 Velma E. Rouse, Avalon Park June 27 Kenneth C. Clark, Central Office August 1 Philip E. Vierling, Foreman April 17 Ethel Lee Jaffe, Jungman May 24 Therese L. Simon, Morgan Park June 29 James E. Planer, Central Office August 2 Gloria D. Bloom, Stone April 17 Joyce M. Lofton, Carver May 24 Annie P. Swanson, R. Bunche June 29 Angela M. Scalia, Holden August 2 Melvyn Raymond May, Substitute Teacher April 19 Gayle H. Brown, Young Magnet H S May 25 Dorothy I. Adams, Senn Metro Acad June 30 Joseph J. Stepanek, Morgan Park High August 3 Randall Lewis, Kelly High School April 19 Brenda J. Gold, Jenner May 25 Cecil B. Bennett, Family Guidance Ct July 1 Margaret L. Junker, Banneker August 3 Phyllis Magida, Funston April 19 Richard J. Hanus, Taft Hish School May 27 Bridget M. Cruz, Graham July 1 Celestine Wyatt, King August 4 Elaine B. Neal, Doolittle West April 19 D-Ella Venus Pyrzynski, Dubois May 27 Margaret Theresa Meyer, Lee July 2 Joseph B. Lupe, Kelly High August 6 Alice M. Maresh, Franklin April 20 Marsha Anne Phillips, Farragut Career May 27 Vivian J. Wirkus, Moos July 3 Helen J. Reed, Barnard August 6 William J. Mulcahy, Tonti April 23 Luther C. Grayer, Foreman H S May 28 Ronald Giranio, Young Magnet H S July 3 Lillian F. Zukowski, Portage Park August 6 Shirley Ann Valla, Luella April 24 Sidney Meredith Mcdonald, Mann May 29 Jacqueline Marlow, Montefiore July 4 Lillian Deas, Mitchell August 7 Thomas J. Vitale, Curie April 25 Celestia M. Conley, Goodlow Magnet May 29 Elba Vega, Clemente Comm Aca July 4 Mary Lou Thomas, Hyde Park August 9 Brenda B. Daigre, Suder April 28 John Thomas Matthews, Edwards May 30 Russell E. Tripp, Thorp July 5 Wilma R. Bundley, Avalon Park August 9 Spiros G. Gabriel, Urban Youth Program April 29 Margaret Garrett, Bass Elementary May 31 Jimmie W. Romayne, Substitute Teacher July 5 Daisy T. Dailey, Sheridan August 9 Patricia Ann Palmer, Morrill April 29 Eleanor Haberkorn, Reinberg June 1 Jan Morgan-Wulf, Oss Cluster One July 6 Bernice Ferguson, Haines August 9 Charlotte Lee Rich, Lara Academy April 29 Helen A. Latham, Williams June 2 Roger M. Koenig, District 6 July 7 Berthold Demsch, Central Office August 9 Linda Smith Sanford, O’Toole April 30 Florence L. Bryant, Clemente June 2 Addie P. Pope, Burke July 7 Eleanor L. Hines, Owens August 10 Clarence Shanklin, Harlan April 30 Raymond Z. Gize, Lane Tech H S June 3 Rosemary Harth, Francis Parkman July 8 Ramona M. Carroll, O’Toole August 10 Litsa D. Tsarpalas, Senn April 30 Cyna S. Hirsch, Amundsen H S June 3 Nancy Elaine Wolff, Bradwell July 8 Annie J. Tolbert, Mollison August 10 Aline O. Young, Kenwood Acad H S April 30 Vertis Jean Seals, Julian H S June 4 Diane J. Faubl, Herbert July 8 Danae Voutiritsas, Lane Tech H S August 12 Wilbert Miller, Fiske May 1 Frances L. Price, Substitute Teacher June 4 Debra Westbrooks, Skinner,Doolittle,Deit July 9 Anne Bickett, Spalding August 14 Cheryll Ann Brooks, Curie Metro H S May 2 Juana Miriam Espad De Velazquez, Drummond June 5 Margaret D. Carter, Gillespie July 9 Kathleen K. Johnson, Bradwell August 14 Ernestine Foules, Reavis May 3 Ethel C. Legg, Foster Park June 5 Barbara A. Cousins, Curie Metro HS July 11 Ronald F. Crosby, Tilden H S August 14 Marguerite C. Regan, Mather High May 3 Mimi R. Perez, Gary June 6 Lady Diane Mckinley, Woodlawn July 11 Arthur S. Kahn, Prosser High August 15 Beatrice S. Matz, Morris May 4 Vincent Eligio Mendoza, Young Magnet June 6 Prudence Jo Peterson, Ward July 11 William T. Yates, Clark August 16 Annie L. Holt, Bouchet Academy May 5 Judith Cantrall, Graham June 7 Jewell C. Sherrill, Truth Cpc July 13 Edward Marko, Lane Tech August 18 Diana Dionesotes, Orr May 6 Sibyl Amaryllis Smith, Bogan Tech H S June 8 Mary E. Smith, Reavis July 14 Brenda Cunningham, Attucks August 20 Elinor Gilloon, Hawthorne May 7 Linda Louise Barshop, Bridge June 9 Frances D. Fortier, Byford July 15 Bhupendra K. Aghi, Substitute Teacher August 23 Bessie M. Blockmon, Willaims May 7 Millice Leibfritz, Decatur June 10 John Alukos, Disney Magnet July 15 Barbara A. Banks-Hayes, Reavis August 23 Ruth K. Treiman, Brennemann May 8 Ruth M. Clifford, Senn Metro Acad June 10 Louis Lipton, Budlong July 15 Mary L. Henderson, Addams August 24 Michael O. Ashley, Banneker May 8 Gertrude H. Paytes, Central Office June 13 Andrea S. Kerr, Central Service Center July 18 Robert P. Grimes, Hilliard August 24 Nilza I. Pimentel, Mitchell May 8 Roy Tolbert, Dusable Hs June 15 Zena G. Plous, Solomon July 18 Sylvia E. Nobles, Evers August 25 Hamilton J. Mcmaster, Lincoln Park High May 9 Philip M. Carlin, Pirie June 15 John H. Wallace, Harper High July 19 Elston Elston, Senn August 28 Bernadette Bleizeffer, Herzl May 9 Wendell Charles Ellison, Substitute June 16 Ruth Gamlin, Cregier July 20 Edwin L. Myers, Palmer August 28 Lise R. Ermon, Yale May 9 Jessie C. Haralson, Sherwood June 16 Christine Savoy, Survivor July 20 Beverly J. Paschal, Fort Dearborn August 30 James J. Stamm, Taft

Lists of deceased members of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) are provided to the Chicago Union Teacher by the office of the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund (CTPF) and are printed as received. If you notice an error or omission, please first contact the CTPF at 312.641.4464 or via email at [email protected] to report the information. Please contact the CTU Financial Dept. as well by phoning 312.329.9100. Both the CTPF and CTU disburse death benefits to a member’s designated beneficiaries.

14  September 2016 ∕ Chicago Union Teacher Restoration summer Inside the CTU’s first- ever teacher-student restorative practices er to design circle activities to use in our reactions to news of the tragic classrooms and other settings. We killings of Alton Sterling and Phi- read and talked about principles of lando Castile, and we had a chance summer program restorative justice and shared ideas to conduct a detailed review and pro- we shared an international feast with about how we might be able to bring vide feedback on the new proposed delicacies from Mexico, Africa, Costa them into our school communities. Chicago Public Schools curriculum Rica and the Southern region of the We learned about roadblocks to be- on the Jon Burge torture scandal. U.S. We also had a student-designed BY FRANCINE GREENBERG REIZEN restorative justice. We had three ing restorative (such as alienating Members of the group brain- restorative justice logo temporarily AND WALTER TAYLOR, NBCT students representing Uplift Com- language), how not to engage and stormed ideas for field trips and tattooed on our arms with henna and munity, Team Englewood and Ju- how to overcome. guest speakers and were able to shared our experiences with the CTU ne of the main principles of lian high schools, two young adults We learned how to have restora- make some of them happen, includ- and Chicago Teachers Union Foun- restorative practices is that and a group of six teachers (Gervaise tive conversations, a technique that ing a trip to the Art Institute of Chi- dation staff. Othey are done “with”—rather Clay, article author Francine Green- is an effective alternative to punitive cago to see the “Invisible Man” photo This month, we are all heading than “to”—someone who has harmed berg Reizen, Sahar Shafqat, David responses to wrongdoing. Restora- exhibit highlighting work by Ralph back to school thinking about how to a relationship and/or a community. Stone, Tammie Vinson and Wallace tive conversations stem from indig- Ellison and Gordon Parks; a visit bring pieces of our summer experi- In restorative practices, everyone Wilbourn). The first day of our seven- enous culture (Native American and to the Reed Smith LLP law firm to ences with us, and looking forward has a voice, and a solution to a prob- week program began with a talking African) and gather together the learn more about the Jon Burge tor- to more opportunities to build and lem is crafted in a way that honors circle. After members of the group person(s) harmed and the person(s) ture scandal and restorative practice share. Come talk to us at the Teach- feelings, values and needs. Relation- introduced themselves to one anoth- responsible for the harm and a medi- in the penal and educational sys- ers for Social Justice Curriculum ship building is at the core of what er, we wrote words on small pieces of ator (who could be a student, teacher tems; a guest speaker, Mike Elliott, Fair on November 19, and please look restorative practices are all about. It paper that reflected the values we felt or some other neutral party). The who came to speak with us about the for workshops on restorative prac- is through the building of relation- were necessary to maintain the circle mediator asks strategic questions to Civilian Police Accountability Coun- tices held at the CTU office. You can ships, sustaining those relationships, as a place where everyone would feel understand the following: what hap- cil initiative; and spoken word poet search for those workshops on www. and if and when necessary, repairing safe, valued and able to participate. pened, why it happened, the impact Naudia Williams, who inspired us ctunet.com or contact Walter Taylor those relationships that one embod- Each day for seven weeks, we be- of what happened and how to repair and shared some of her knowledge of directly at waltertaylor@ctulocal1. ies true restoration. gan by checking in with each other the harm caused. restorative justice and what it means com or 312-329-6273. This summer, one of this arti- in our circle. Each person brought a This technique—and talking cir- to her as an artist. cle’s authors and Chicago Teachers “talking piece” and explained why it cles in general—could help with the By the time our summer project Francine Greenberg Reizen is a teacher Union Quest Center Professional was meaningful to him or her, and overreliance on punitive tactics such was ending, we knew that we had at Marshall High School and Walter Development Facilitator Walter how it would be appropriate and as detentions, suspensions, expul- much to celebrate and also much Taylor, NBCT, is a professional develop- Taylor, NBCT, convened a cohort of special to use in our circle. As the sions and arrests. We also created a more to do. Students made display ment facilitator at the Chicago Teachers teachers and students to learn about summer went on, we worked togeth- safe and supportive space to share boards about their experiences and Union Foundation.

Chicago Union Teacher ∕∕ September 2016  15 CTU Quest Center Fall 2016 Professional Learning cale ndar Integrating Social-Justice Learning Projects into the Elementary Curriculum: A Yearlong Action Lab 49 ISBE PD Hours and/or 3 Lane Placement Credit Hours This nine-month, 49-hour Action Lab for teachers of elementary students focuses on developing student- driven, community-based social justice projects to address local issues in the community. Course Dates: 11 onsite sessions (9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 11/15/2016, 1/10, 1/24, 2/14, 3/14, 4/25, 5/9, 6/23/2017) and 3 virtual sessions (11/18/2016, 4/4, and 5/23/2017) TEACHERS UNION QUEST CENTER Practice-Based Methods for Strengthening Family and Community Partnerships 10.5 ISBE PD Hours This three-session course provides practice-based methods and strategies to increase student learning by developing strong partnerships with their families and the school’s community. Participants learn about six types of family and community involvement (parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at CTU home, decision-making, and collaborating) and how to utilize this framework in their practice. Course Dates: 9/26, 10/3, and 10/10/2016

Quest Effective Classroom Management: How to Attain lt 10.5 ISBE PD Hours This three-session course assists K-12 teachers in learning new ways to effectively manage their class- rooms through student engagement, motivation, collaboration, and differentiation. Teachers enhance their ability to manage time, promote positive behaviors, motivate students, plan classroom procedures, Center and maintain self-reflective practice. Course Dates: 10/5, 10/12, and 10/26/2016 New year, new look, Growth Mindset: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly 3.5 ISBE PD Hours In this session, participants analyze the latest hot topic in educational philosophy, the “Growth Mindset.” new home Since Carol Dweck first examined the brain and its correspondence to talent, her theory of the growth mindset has been praised and criticized. Participants will discuss how this theory can have far-reaching implications both in and beyond the classroom. Session Date: 10/6/2016 WRITTEN BY LYNN CHERKASKY-DAVIS AND MICHAEL P. MORIARTY, CTU QUEST CENTER

n case you haven’t heard, there is a new kid on the block. The CTU has reenergized the CTU CPS Framework for Teaching Learning Series IFoundation (CTUF) whose purpose is to sup- 3.5 ISBE PD Hours per session port public education, teacher professional devel- opment, restorative practices in schools, and soci- This four-session learning series provides an introduction/review of the CPS Framework for Teaching in etal values. It’s a natural fit for the Quest Center, preparation for the beginning of the 2016-2017 teacher evaluation cycle. Participants will learn strategies the Union’s premier professional learning arm, to and techniques for improving their practice and working towards meeting the “Distinguished” level cri- merge with the CTU Foundation. Celebrating its teria in each CPS FfT Domain. Participants may register for all four sessions or individual sessions. This 25th anniversary of providing exemplary profes- learning series is open to currently practicing CPS teachers. sional development for members, the Quest Center Session Dates: Domain 1 (10/11), Domain 2 (10/18), Domain 3 (10/25), Domain 4 (11/11/2016) will continue its programming, such as National Board Certification; teacher evaluation support; re- storative practices; and practice-based instruction, curriculum, and assessment professional learning opportunities. The Quest Center will soon be ex- Differentiated lnstruction panding its repertoire to include social justice, ad- 0.5 ISBE PD Hours vocacy, and policy development. Please visit us at the Quest Center’s new online home: www.ctuf.org/ In this three-session course, teachers learn strategies for differentiating instruction that focus on how questcenter for more information, to take our pro- content learning experiences and assessment can be designed to address the unique needs, learning fessional learning needs survey, and to register for styles, interests, multiple intelligences, and skills of all students. Teachers learn how to provide student- our upcoming learning opportunities. You can also choice activities, tier assignments, utilize learning contracts and learning menus, and engage students of continue to find us at www.ctunet.com/questcenter all ages in learning centers. or 312-329-9100. Course Dates: 10/24, 11/7, and 11/14/2016

GO TO THE QUEST CENTER WEBSITE FOR PRICING OPTIONS, TIMES, AND TO REGISTER. ctuf.org/questcenter

16  September 2016 ∕ Chicago Union Teacher