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.
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 .
November 14, 2025 at 3:30 PM
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
November 14, 2025 at 1:03 AM
IFT Responds to Senate Spending Deal and Government Reopening
This Trans Awareness Week, we honor the right of every person to live authentically, safely, and with dignity.
November 13, 2025 at 7:26 PM
This Trans Awareness Week, we honor the right of every person to live authentically, safely, and with dignity.
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.
November 13, 2025 at 12:45 AM
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.
Two unions on campus at University of Illinois Springfield are demanding mediation in their negotiations with university administration.
November 12, 2025 at 4:31 PM
***SOLIDARITY ALERT***
Two unions on campus at University of Illinois Springfield are demanding mediation in their negotiations with university administration.
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.
Your dedication to protecting our democracy inspires us all.
November 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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.
Your dedication to protecting our democracy inspires us all.
Read the full statement: https://www.ift-aft.org/post/stacy-davis-gates-labor-and-community-organizing-must-fill-the-void-left-by-democrats-lack-of-lead
November 10, 2025 at 9:56 PM
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
@ctulocal1.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 9:56 PM
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
@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.
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.
November 10, 2025 at 4:35 PM
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.
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.
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
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
November 7, 2025 at 8:03 PM
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
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
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.
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.
November 6, 2025 at 10:46 PM
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.
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 6, 2025 at 2:30 PM
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
Bring their perspective into your classroom with resources from @sharemylesson.bsky.social.
🔗 https://sharemylesson.com/collections/indigenous
November 5, 2025 at 4:02 PM
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
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
🔗 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
November 5, 2025 at 2:12 AM
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
🔗 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
No family should go hungry in the United States. That's why we're stepping up and helping feed our communities. Scan the QR code or click the link below to learn more about how you can help #EndHunger in your area.
🔗 https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/food-drives
🔗 https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/food-drives
November 4, 2025 at 3:46 PM
No family should go hungry in the United States. That's why we're stepping up and helping feed our communities. Scan the QR code or click the link below to learn more about how you can help #EndHunger in your area.
🔗 https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/food-drives
🔗 https://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/food-drives
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.
November 4, 2025 at 3:46 PM
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.
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.
November 3, 2025 at 9:17 PM
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.
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.
October 31, 2025 at 3:31 PM
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.
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.
October 31, 2025 at 1:03 PM
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.
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
October 30, 2025 at 9:30 PM
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
October 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
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.
✅ Tax the ultra-wealthy.
✅ Invest in our schools and affordable higher education.
✅ Protect our communities and our future.
October 29, 2025 at 7:19 PM
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.
✅ 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.
Illinois owes its students over $3 billion for K-12 funding and over $1 billion for higher education.
October 29, 2025 at 5:20 PM
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.
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.
✅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.
October 29, 2025 at 5:10 PM
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.
✅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
Today, we demand what our students and communities deserve but is long overdue: fair funding for every school and university across Illinois. #FundOurFuture
October 29, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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
Today, we demand what our students and communities deserve but is long overdue: fair funding for every school and university across Illinois. #FundOurFuture