Illinois Federation of Teachers
@iftaft.bsky.social
The IFT represents 103,000 teachers and PSRPs, faculty and staff at community colleges and universities, public employees, and retirees throughout Illinois.
Reposted by Illinois Federation of Teachers
We’re suing. This administration says it's concerned about student achievement and attendance, so why terminate a program that boosts both?
www.edweek.org/policy-polit...
www.edweek.org/policy-polit...
‘Terminated on a Whim’: The AFT Sues Trump’s Ed. Dept. Over Funding Cuts
The AFT and a Chicago-area nonprofit argue the cuts happened without following required procedures.
www.edweek.org
January 4, 2026 at 9:46 PM
We’re suing. This administration says it's concerned about student achievement and attendance, so why terminate a program that boosts both?
www.edweek.org/policy-polit...
www.edweek.org/policy-polit...
IFT and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates in Response to ISBE Recommendation of Standard Funding for Illinois Schools
🔗 https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-and-ctu-president-stacy-davis-gates-in-response-to-isbe-recommendation-of-standard-funding-for-i-1
🔗 https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-and-ctu-president-stacy-davis-gates-in-response-to-isbe-recommendation-of-standard-funding-for-i-1
January 15, 2026 at 3:54 PM
IFT and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates in Response to ISBE Recommendation of Standard Funding for Illinois Schools
🔗 https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-and-ctu-president-stacy-davis-gates-in-response-to-isbe-recommendation-of-standard-funding-for-i-1
🔗 https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-and-ctu-president-stacy-davis-gates-in-response-to-isbe-recommendation-of-standard-funding-for-i-1
Reposted by Illinois Federation of Teachers
@iftaft.bsky.social CTE educators helped a student in Peoria discover her passion in the construction trades through hands-on learning, industry certifications, and a paid internship.
🔧 www.peoriapublicschools.org/article/2545...
#PublicSchoolProud
🔧 www.peoriapublicschools.org/article/2545...
#PublicSchoolProud
January 9, 2026 at 9:42 PM
@iftaft.bsky.social CTE educators helped a student in Peoria discover her passion in the construction trades through hands-on learning, industry certifications, and a paid internship.
🔧 www.peoriapublicschools.org/article/2545...
#PublicSchoolProud
🔧 www.peoriapublicschools.org/article/2545...
#PublicSchoolProud
Educators, unions, and now even now legislators are plainly saying, "We have to tax the ultra-rich" in order to deliver on the promises made to our students and families. It's not a radical idea: it's responsible governing.
January 14, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Educators, unions, and now even now legislators are plainly saying, "We have to tax the ultra-rich" in order to deliver on the promises made to our students and families. It's not a radical idea: it's responsible governing.
Don't procrastinate! There is still plenty of time for high school seniors to apply for IFT scholarships.
✅ Carl J. Megel Special Education Scholarship
📆 Apply by Feb. 28
✅ Robert G. Porter Scholarship
📆 Apply by Mar. 6
ℹ️ Eligibility & application: https://www.ift-aft.org/scholarships
✅ Carl J. Megel Special Education Scholarship
📆 Apply by Feb. 28
✅ Robert G. Porter Scholarship
📆 Apply by Mar. 6
ℹ️ Eligibility & application: https://www.ift-aft.org/scholarships
January 14, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Don't procrastinate! There is still plenty of time for high school seniors to apply for IFT scholarships.
✅ Carl J. Megel Special Education Scholarship
📆 Apply by Feb. 28
✅ Robert G. Porter Scholarship
📆 Apply by Mar. 6
ℹ️ Eligibility & application: https://www.ift-aft.org/scholarships
✅ Carl J. Megel Special Education Scholarship
📆 Apply by Feb. 28
✅ Robert G. Porter Scholarship
📆 Apply by Mar. 6
ℹ️ Eligibility & application: https://www.ift-aft.org/scholarships
This is what we're talking about! 😍
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch is pushing for a new tax on millionaires as the General Assembly gets ready to return to work in Springfield next week.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch is pushing for a new tax on millionaires as the General Assembly gets ready to return to work in Springfield next week.
January 14, 2026 at 1:22 PM
This is what we're talking about! 😍
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch is pushing for a new tax on millionaires as the General Assembly gets ready to return to work in Springfield next week.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch is pushing for a new tax on millionaires as the General Assembly gets ready to return to work in Springfield next week.
Reposted by Illinois Federation of Teachers
Education was central to Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a just, more inclusive democracy. Ahead of MLK Day, check out @sharemylesson.bsky.social's free lessons and activities exploring King's life, legacy and lasting impact on the Civil Rights Movement ⤵️
sharemylesson.com/collections/...
sharemylesson.com/collections/...
Martin Luther King Jr.: Understanding a Life and Legacy
Explore free, engaging Martin Luther King Jr activities, lesson plans and resources to share with your prek-12 students from Share My Lesson.
sharemylesson.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Education was central to Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a just, more inclusive democracy. Ahead of MLK Day, check out @sharemylesson.bsky.social's free lessons and activities exploring King's life, legacy and lasting impact on the Civil Rights Movement ⤵️
sharemylesson.com/collections/...
sharemylesson.com/collections/...
Reposted by Illinois Federation of Teachers
In Peoria, IL, career and technical education opened the door to a real future in the trades. Through hands-on learning, certifications, and a paid internship, a student found her path before graduation. #PublicSchoolProud @iftaft.bsky.social www.peoriapublicschools.org/article/2545...
Client Challenge
www.peoriapublicschools.org
January 10, 2026 at 4:06 PM
In Peoria, IL, career and technical education opened the door to a real future in the trades. Through hands-on learning, certifications, and a paid internship, a student found her path before graduation. #PublicSchoolProud @iftaft.bsky.social www.peoriapublicschools.org/article/2545...
Trump's latest attack on Illinois is leaving 100,000 families (including 150,000 children) without the critical support they need. This isn't a one-off - it has become a pattern.
https://www.ift-aft.org/post/federal-funding-freezes-are-harming-il-workers-families-public-institutions
https://www.ift-aft.org/post/federal-funding-freezes-are-harming-il-workers-families-public-institutions
January 9, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Trump's latest attack on Illinois is leaving 100,000 families (including 150,000 children) without the critical support they need. This isn't a one-off - it has become a pattern.
https://www.ift-aft.org/post/federal-funding-freezes-are-harming-il-workers-families-public-institutions
https://www.ift-aft.org/post/federal-funding-freezes-are-harming-il-workers-families-public-institutions
MISSING PERSON - PLEASE SHARE
Linda Kathleen Brown, 53, was last seen on January 3rd leaving her car. She was headed to Wicker Park for an appointment but never arrived.
If you have any information, please call 773-444-8243.
Linda Kathleen Brown, 53, was last seen on January 3rd leaving her car. She was headed to Wicker Park for an appointment but never arrived.
If you have any information, please call 773-444-8243.
January 9, 2026 at 1:02 AM
MISSING PERSON - PLEASE SHARE
Linda Kathleen Brown, 53, was last seen on January 3rd leaving her car. She was headed to Wicker Park for an appointment but never arrived.
If you have any information, please call 773-444-8243.
Linda Kathleen Brown, 53, was last seen on January 3rd leaving her car. She was headed to Wicker Park for an appointment but never arrived.
If you have any information, please call 773-444-8243.
Yesterday, federal immigration agents took the life of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota. This horrifying reality is a devastating reminder of what happens when enforcement is allowed to escalate without oversight, accountability, or restraint.
January 8, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Yesterday, federal immigration agents took the life of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota. This horrifying reality is a devastating reminder of what happens when enforcement is allowed to escalate without oversight, accountability, or restraint.
IFT & CTU President Stacy Davis Gates on Trump’s Decision to Freeze Over $10 Billion in Childcare and Family Assistance Funds
https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-ctu-president-davis-gates-on-trump-s-decision-to-freeze-over-10-billion-in-childcare-family
https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-ctu-president-davis-gates-on-trump-s-decision-to-freeze-over-10-billion-in-childcare-family
January 8, 2026 at 4:23 AM
IFT & CTU President Stacy Davis Gates on Trump’s Decision to Freeze Over $10 Billion in Childcare and Family Assistance Funds
https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-ctu-president-davis-gates-on-trump-s-decision-to-freeze-over-10-billion-in-childcare-family
https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-ctu-president-davis-gates-on-trump-s-decision-to-freeze-over-10-billion-in-childcare-family
📣 ISU student support workers file to unionize
Despite their critical contributions to student success, these professionals are underpaid, overworked, and feel disrespected by the university administration.
Despite their critical contributions to student success, these professionals are underpaid, overworked, and feel disrespected by the university administration.
January 7, 2026 at 8:02 PM
📣 ISU student support workers file to unionize
Despite their critical contributions to student success, these professionals are underpaid, overworked, and feel disrespected by the university administration.
Despite their critical contributions to student success, these professionals are underpaid, overworked, and feel disrespected by the university administration.
🚨 Last chance to register for our Administrator Academy Initial Teacher Evaluation Training course!
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 PM
🚨 Last chance to register for our Administrator Academy Initial Teacher Evaluation Training course!
📆 Mark your calendars: Join IFT members across the state this Friday, Jan. 9 in standing up for full funding.
We're taking action every month to tell lawmakers and Gov. Pritzker that we CAN have thriving schools and communities if we raise revenue by taxing the ultra-wealthy.
We're taking action every month to tell lawmakers and Gov. Pritzker that we CAN have thriving schools and communities if we raise revenue by taxing the ultra-wealthy.
January 6, 2026 at 10:01 PM
📆 Mark your calendars: Join IFT members across the state this Friday, Jan. 9 in standing up for full funding.
We're taking action every month to tell lawmakers and Gov. Pritzker that we CAN have thriving schools and communities if we raise revenue by taxing the ultra-wealthy.
We're taking action every month to tell lawmakers and Gov. Pritzker that we CAN have thriving schools and communities if we raise revenue by taxing the ultra-wealthy.
📣 Start the new year off right with IFT's new professional development opportunities! 👀
Boost your union and professional expertise through hands-on, interactive training designed for both new and seasoned leaders.
Boost your union and professional expertise through hands-on, interactive training designed for both new and seasoned leaders.
January 6, 2026 at 2:51 PM
📣 Start the new year off right with IFT's new professional development opportunities! 👀
Boost your union and professional expertise through hands-on, interactive training designed for both new and seasoned leaders.
Boost your union and professional expertise through hands-on, interactive training designed for both new and seasoned leaders.
Reposted by Illinois Federation of Teachers
In Peoria, IL, music teacher Tyler Bishop turned a classroom joke into a holiday song.
His students inspired “6-7 Christmas,” an original track he wrote, arranged, & produced — seeing their excitement has been the best part. @iftaft.bsky.social
🎶 www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5N9...
#PublicSchoolProud
His students inspired “6-7 Christmas,” an original track he wrote, arranged, & produced — seeing their excitement has been the best part. @iftaft.bsky.social
🎶 www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5N9...
#PublicSchoolProud
December 19, 2025 at 9:27 PM
In Peoria, IL, music teacher Tyler Bishop turned a classroom joke into a holiday song.
His students inspired “6-7 Christmas,” an original track he wrote, arranged, & produced — seeing their excitement has been the best part. @iftaft.bsky.social
🎶 www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5N9...
#PublicSchoolProud
His students inspired “6-7 Christmas,” an original track he wrote, arranged, & produced — seeing their excitement has been the best part. @iftaft.bsky.social
🎶 www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5N9...
#PublicSchoolProud
Putting people over profits means:
✅ Smaller classes and more resources in K12 schools
✅ Affordable higher education tuition
✅ Public worker pensions honored
✅ Safe, strong communities
It all starts with revenue from finally taxing the ultra wealthy and corporations.
✅ Smaller classes and more resources in K12 schools
✅ Affordable higher education tuition
✅ Public worker pensions honored
✅ Safe, strong communities
It all starts with revenue from finally taxing the ultra wealthy and corporations.
December 27, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Putting people over profits means:
✅ Smaller classes and more resources in K12 schools
✅ Affordable higher education tuition
✅ Public worker pensions honored
✅ Safe, strong communities
It all starts with revenue from finally taxing the ultra wealthy and corporations.
✅ Smaller classes and more resources in K12 schools
✅ Affordable higher education tuition
✅ Public worker pensions honored
✅ Safe, strong communities
It all starts with revenue from finally taxing the ultra wealthy and corporations.
Reminder: You can't pour from an empty cup. Spend some time to taking care of YOU on winter break so you can come back to your school or workplace feeling energized and refreshed.
What’s your favorite winter self-care ritual? Drop it in the comments!
What’s your favorite winter self-care ritual? Drop it in the comments!
December 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Reminder: You can't pour from an empty cup. Spend some time to taking care of YOU on winter break so you can come back to your school or workplace feeling energized and refreshed.
What’s your favorite winter self-care ritual? Drop it in the comments!
What’s your favorite winter self-care ritual? Drop it in the comments!
2025 proved our power. Across Illinois, IFT members stood shoulder to shoulder with our union siblings—pushing back against injustice and fighting for our schools, campuses, public services, and communities.
2026 will demand even more—and we’ll be ready. Because when we stand together, we win.
2026 will demand even more—and we’ll be ready. Because when we stand together, we win.
December 24, 2025 at 4:36 PM
2025 proved our power. Across Illinois, IFT members stood shoulder to shoulder with our union siblings—pushing back against injustice and fighting for our schools, campuses, public services, and communities.
2026 will demand even more—and we’ll be ready. Because when we stand together, we win.
2026 will demand even more—and we’ll be ready. Because when we stand together, we win.
When you shop union-made, you’re investing in fair wages, safe working conditions, and strong communities.
If you still have holiday shopping to do, look no further than these union-made companies.
✊🎁
If you still have holiday shopping to do, look no further than these union-made companies.
✊🎁
December 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
When you shop union-made, you’re investing in fair wages, safe working conditions, and strong communities.
If you still have holiday shopping to do, look no further than these union-made companies.
✊🎁
If you still have holiday shopping to do, look no further than these union-made companies.
✊🎁
IFT & CTU President Stacy Davis Gates Responds as Trump’s Department of Education Deals Another Attack to Our Kids and Communities
🔗https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-ctu-president-stacy-davis-gates-responds-as-trump-s-department-of-education-deals-another-atta
🔗https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-ctu-president-stacy-davis-gates-responds-as-trump-s-department-of-education-deals-another-atta
December 18, 2025 at 8:03 PM
IFT & CTU President Stacy Davis Gates Responds as Trump’s Department of Education Deals Another Attack to Our Kids and Communities
🔗https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-ctu-president-stacy-davis-gates-responds-as-trump-s-department-of-education-deals-another-atta
🔗https://www.ift-aft.org/post/ift-ctu-president-stacy-davis-gates-responds-as-trump-s-department-of-education-deals-another-atta
Reposted by Illinois Federation of Teachers
@nyspef.bsky.social leader and nurse practitioner Amy Pacholk shares why the proposal to deprofessionalize advanced degrees like nursing, education, social work and more is a disrespect to those who serve our communities and puts even greater financial burdens on these workers. Watch ⤵️
December 17, 2025 at 9:35 PM
@nyspef.bsky.social leader and nurse practitioner Amy Pacholk shares why the proposal to deprofessionalize advanced degrees like nursing, education, social work and more is a disrespect to those who serve our communities and puts even greater financial burdens on these workers. Watch ⤵️
Winter break is a great time to encourage high school students to apply for scholarships!
December 18, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Winter break is a great time to encourage high school students to apply for scholarships!
AFT wants to hear from you!
Workers are being crushed by the soaring costs of basic necessities—housing, healthcare, child care, college, even the cost of keeping up with credit cards or medical bills.
Workers are being crushed by the soaring costs of basic necessities—housing, healthcare, child care, college, even the cost of keeping up with credit cards or medical bills.
December 17, 2025 at 8:30 PM
AFT wants to hear from you!
Workers are being crushed by the soaring costs of basic necessities—housing, healthcare, child care, college, even the cost of keeping up with credit cards or medical bills.
Workers are being crushed by the soaring costs of basic necessities—housing, healthcare, child care, college, even the cost of keeping up with credit cards or medical bills.