Today we honor the lives of transgender people lost to violence and hate. Our union fights for inclusive schools, safe workplaces, and policies that protect and affirm EVERY member of our community. Trans workers deserve to live without fear.

PSRPs are essential—and it’s time their pay reflects that. Our union has committed to advocating for a $22/hour minimum starting wage and universal wage bargaining for PSRPs across Illinois.

Today is PSRP Day, and we are proud to honor the incredible Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel who keep our schools running and our students thriving.

Statement from CTU and IFT President Stacy Davis Gates on Trump’s Decision to Dismantle the Federal Department of Education https://www.ift-aft.org/post/statement-from-ctu-and-ift-president-stacy-davis-gates-on-trump-s-decision-to-dismantle-the-federal

At our 2025 Convention, @ctulocal1.bsky.social member Christel Williams was recognized for being a trailblazer in our movement.

Did you know that Illinois funds only 24% of K-12 education from the state budget? That means local property taxes are doing the heavy lifting.  And Illinois schools are still billions short of what they need, with working families paying the price.

Illinois higher education has been running on 2002-level funding for decades. That’s not sustainable, and new revenue solutions are needed now. Regional universities fuel first-generation success and local economies—but they can't do that when they're starved for funding.

PSRP Day is Wednesday, but we’re kicking off the week with a shoutout to our newly-organized PSRP group in Pittsfield Illinois, the Pikeland Support Staff Association! These new members wanted a voice at their job and a path to better compensation.

What's a PSRP? Their roles may not always be in the spotlight, but their impact is everywhere. Schools cannot thrive without these dedicated professionals, whose work touches every part of the school day.

Congratulations to IFT and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates on being sworn in to the IL AFL-CIO Executive Board! Our solidarity makes us stronger, and together, we'll keep building toward a future where every worker thrives.

ICYMI: The federal government shutdown ended without a deal to ensure health insurance costs don’t skyrocket. We know there are many fights in the days ahead to combat attacks just like this and protect working people .

IFT Responds to Senate Spending Deal and Government Reopening

The discontinuation of the ACA tax credits means 8,811 people will die and 4.8m will be without health insurance. In 2026 alone, 340k jobs will be lost and hospitals will lose $32b. Republicans need to pass a standalone bill to extend the ACA tax credits. www.aft.org/press-releas...

This Trans Awareness Week, we honor the right of every person to live authentically, safely, and with dignity.

Stand in solidarity with Starbucks workers fighting for a fair contract, and pledge not to cross their picket lines. Sign the No Contract, No Coffee Pledge today ⬇️

Students from Illinois universities joined unionized faculty at the Illinois Board of Higher Education meeting today to speak out and deliver thousands of signed postcards from campuses statewide.

***SOLIDARITY ALERT*** Two unions on campus at University of Illinois Springfield are demanding mediation in their negotiations with university administration.

Today, we honor all veterans—those in our union family and across the country—who have served with courage and commitment. Your dedication to protecting our democracy inspires us all.

Illinois Federation of Teachers and Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s vote to capitulate to Republicans without protecting health care. @ctulocal1.bsky.social

IL gave Amazon $741 million in tax breaks. Meanwhile, university workers earn $16/hour and get offered 8¢ raises. In 2000, IL funded 75% of public university costs. Today? Just 35%. This is why students leave Illinois. It’s why programs are cut. It’s why communities suffer.

Our members see the impact of hunger every day. Students can't learn if they're hungry.  Now, the Trump administration is telling states to undo SNAP funding during a shutdown they caused. And state budgets are having to try to pick up the slack.

Congrats to our members in AFT Local 604's Valley View Council! Valley View staff were in bargaining since Jan. & finally reached an agreement with the district last month that shows real commitment to investing in students & ensuring staff are valued. #whenwefightwewin

This is what transformation looks like. This is what solidarity feels like. And this is just the beginning.  Fully funded schools. Accessible healthcare. A government that works for us. That’s not a dream, it’s our demand.

The last few weeks have been incredible. A bold start to this new chapter of IFT!  From powerful moments at our convention in Rosemont to speaking truth to power during Lobby Day in Springfield, our new leaders and members are stepping up and showing what solidarity looks like.

Trump's new Public Service Loan Forgiveness rule targets organizations and jurisdictions whose missions and policies do not align with Trump's political positions on immigration, race, gender, free speech, and public protest.

November is Native American Heritage Month - a time to recognize and celebrate the heritage of indigenous peoples. Bring their perspective into your classroom with resources from @sharemylesson.bsky.social. 🔗 https://sharemylesson.com/collections/indigenous

CTU and IFT President Stacy Davis Gates on Rep. Jesús Chuy Garcia’s Retirement from the U.S. Congress 🔗 https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ctu-and-ift-president-stacy-davis-gates-on-rep-jes%C3%BAs-chuy-garcia-s-retirement-from-the-u-s-congres

Over the weekend, judges ordered the Trump administration to continue partial SNAP funding using emergency reserves because the administration halted payments during the government shutdown. Millions of families now face reduced and delayed benefits.

Chicago schools in immigrant neighborhoods are seeing sharp attendance declines. Why? Increased ICE enforcement is making families afraid to send their kids to school. This is more than a policy issue — it’s a crisis for education.

From ICE raids to underfunding, educators in Illinois are fending off attacks every single day. Hear from our new Secretary-Treasurer Pankaj Sharma on what these attacks mean for our students and how we must fight back by ensuring we take care of our education system at home.

Public schools and higher education are haunted by budget cuts and ghosted by policymakers. 🎃 This Halloween, let’s talk about the real scare: underfunded public education. Illinois can make this nightmare go away, but only by demanding the ultra-rich pay their fair share.

Yesterday, our message was clear: Illinois must be a leader in ensuring that students from Lake County to West Frankfort and Chicago to Cahokia have what they deserve, that higher education is affordable, and that we're investing in our future. https://f.mtr.cool/mrngyjpdhs

Late last week, our members in American Federation of Teachers Local 817 in West Frankfort ratified a contract that will provide increased stability for the district grappling with how to balance its budget in the face of underfunding from Springfield. #whenwefightwewin

Today, IFT members are meeting with legislators face-to-face to push for real solutions. ✅ Tax the ultra-wealthy. ✅ Invest in our schools and affordable higher education. ✅ Protect our communities and our future.

IFT members show up for schools and universities our students deserve. We’re here with IFT’s newly elected officers and members to demand action. Illinois owes its students over $3 billion for K-12 funding and over $1 billion for higher education.

IFT members from across Illinois are making their voices heard. Signs made, demands clear: ✅Close tax loopholes on the most wealthy. ✅ Fund our schools and universities. We are demanding justice for Illinois students and the future of public education. We must #FundOurFuture.

Hundreds of IFT members are here in Springfield, energized and united. Today, we demand what our students and communities deserve but is long overdue: fair funding for every school and university across Illinois. #FundOurFuture

Convention weekend was truly inspiring and transformational! IFT members made clear that they are ready for the fights ahead.

Teachers are being asked to do more with less. Students are learning in overcrowded classrooms. Higher education workers are stretched thin. Meanwhile, the wealthiest Illinoisans are getting handouts.

While the top 5% in our state are getting massive handouts from Trump, teachers and school staff, higher education workers, and public employees are being asked to do more with less, working without the resources, respect, and dignity they deserve.

ACTION NEEDED: Help #FixTier2! 🚨 Thousands of educators and public workers are still locked into a broken Tier 2 pension system, earning less retirement security for the same work. SB 1937 would start to change that but lawmakers need to hear from us now. ⬇️

This 🎃Halloween🎃 make your candy count!  Choosing union-made treats means supporting workers who earn fair wages and work in safe conditions. It’s a sweet way to be #unionstrong. 🍬

📣 On Oct 29, we’re heading to Springfield to demand bold action. We’re telling lawmakers to raise revenue from the ultra-wealthy — because our schools, colleges, and communities depend on it. Join us: https://www.mobilize.us/ift/event/862305/

The American people are the ones who suffer when the government shuts down - as we are seeing firsthand with SNAP benefits possibly halted next week.

GREAT NEWS! After over 20 bargaining sessions and even being forced to take a strike vote, IFT members in West Frankfort Local 817 have reached a tentative agreement w/the school board. The contract saves the district money while addressing members' concerns. #whenwefightwewin

🚨SOLIDARITY ALERT🚨 Paraprofessionals at Joliet Township High School (Local 604) are standing up for fair pay and respect! Earlier this week, PSRP members rallied to demand a contract that reflects the vital work they do: educating, protecting, and caring for students every single day.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Darren and Cindy Bailey on the heartbreaking loss of their son Zachary, daughter-in-law Kelsey, and grandchildren Vada Rose and Samuel. Our thoughts are with the Bailey family as they navigate this unimaginable grief.

AFT Prez @rweingarten.bsky.social delivers a powerful #NoKings message: America is governed by laws, not one man. The promise of America belongs to ALL of us. Let’s stand together—across differences—to fight for fairness, freedom, dignity and a voice for working people. youtu.be/CEH_pxUIfeM

Happy Diwali to our members who bring knowledge, light, and goodness to their communities.

Here in Illinois, they've made great strides in building up public schools that are safe and welcoming, engaging and relevant. That's thanks to the amazing work of our @iftaft.bsky.social educators & their commitment to the values of freedom, opportunity and decency for everyone in their classrooms.