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.
Today we give thanks for our members, whose hard work sustains our communities, and whose participation in their union allows our movement to grow as we advocate for our students, our workplaces, and our democracy.
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Today we give thanks for our members, whose hard work sustains our communities, and whose participation in their union allows our movement to grow as we advocate for our students, our workplaces, and our democracy.
Illinois can’t thrive without strong schools and communities. Next week, we’re calling on our members in locals around the state to show solidarity in demanding sustainable revenue.
November 26, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Illinois can’t thrive without strong schools and communities. Next week, we’re calling on our members in locals around the state to show solidarity in demanding sustainable revenue.
Colleges and universities are places of possibility, where big ideas get tested, diseases are cured, new technologies are invented, and students have an opportunity to learn and develop new skills. ⬇️
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Colleges and universities are places of possibility, where big ideas get tested, diseases are cured, new technologies are invented, and students have an opportunity to learn and develop new skills. ⬇️
Today’s state budget and tax policies demonstrate that lawmakers don’t value public education. We need a smarter, fairer approach to fully fund our schools.
November 25, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Today’s state budget and tax policies demonstrate that lawmakers don’t value public education. We need a smarter, fairer approach to fully fund our schools.
Join us in congratulating Harlem Federation of Teachers member Erikka Coletta, honored as Illinois Ag in the Classroom's 2026 Teacher of the Year!
https://www.farmweeknow.com/general/iaitc-names-2026-teacher-administrator-of-the-year/article_8004f725-04a3-41a5-8662-c9c89938029e.html
https://www.farmweeknow.com/general/iaitc-names-2026-teacher-administrator-of-the-year/article_8004f725-04a3-41a5-8662-c9c89938029e.html
November 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Join us in congratulating Harlem Federation of Teachers member Erikka Coletta, honored as Illinois Ag in the Classroom's 2026 Teacher of the Year!
https://www.farmweeknow.com/general/iaitc-names-2026-teacher-administrator-of-the-year/article_8004f725-04a3-41a5-8662-c9c89938029e.html
https://www.farmweeknow.com/general/iaitc-names-2026-teacher-administrator-of-the-year/article_8004f725-04a3-41a5-8662-c9c89938029e.html
The Joliet Township High School Paraprofessional Council (AFT Local 604) ratified their tentative agreement this week after five months of bargaining and filing intent to strike paperwork last month.
November 21, 2025 at 8:31 PM
The Joliet Township High School Paraprofessional Council (AFT Local 604) ratified their tentative agreement this week after five months of bargaining and filing intent to strike paperwork last month.
UPI to Governor: Stop Touting Enrollment and Start Funding Higher Education.
📰 Read the full statement from IFT Membership Secretary and University Professional of Illinois President John Miller: https://www.ift-aft.org/post/upi-to-governor-stop-touting-enrollment-and-start-funding-higher-education
📰 Read the full statement from IFT Membership Secretary and University Professional of Illinois President John Miller: https://www.ift-aft.org/post/upi-to-governor-stop-touting-enrollment-and-start-funding-higher-education
November 21, 2025 at 5:46 PM
UPI to Governor: Stop Touting Enrollment and Start Funding Higher Education.
📰 Read the full statement from IFT Membership Secretary and University Professional of Illinois President John Miller: https://www.ift-aft.org/post/upi-to-governor-stop-touting-enrollment-and-start-funding-higher-education
📰 Read the full statement from IFT Membership Secretary and University Professional of Illinois President John Miller: https://www.ift-aft.org/post/upi-to-governor-stop-touting-enrollment-and-start-funding-higher-education
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.
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.
November 20, 2025 at 9:01 PM
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.
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.
November 20, 2025 at 6:26 PM
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.
November 19, 2025 at 3:59 PM
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
https://www.ift-aft.org/post/statement-from-ctu-and-ift-president-stacy-davis-gates-on-trump-s-decision-to-dismantle-the-federal
November 19, 2025 at 2:38 AM
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
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.
November 19, 2025 at 12:05 AM
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.
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.
November 18, 2025 at 10:15 PM
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.
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.
Regional universities fuel first-generation success and local economies—but they can't do that when they're starved for funding.
November 18, 2025 at 4:06 PM
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.
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.
November 17, 2025 at 11:02 PM
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.
November 17, 2025 at 9:02 PM
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.
Our solidarity makes us stronger, and together, we'll keep building toward a future where every worker thrives.
November 17, 2025 at 7:46 PM
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.
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 .
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
Reposted by Illinois Federation of Teachers
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...
AFT’s Weingarten Responds to Shutdown-Ending House Vote
WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement responding to the House vote to end President Trump and Republicans’ federal government shutdown:“Like many Americans, we are d...
www.aft.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:31 AM
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.
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.
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 ⬇️
Sign the No Contract, No Coffee Pledge today ⬇️
Starbucks @sbworkersunited.org baristas have organized at 640+ stores across the country. Now, they’ve authorized a strike at corporate stores to stop their union-busting and get the fair contract they deserve.
Sign Starbucks baristas’ solidarity pledge: https://www.nocontractnocoffee.org/
Sign Starbucks baristas’ solidarity pledge: https://www.nocontractnocoffee.org/
No Contract, No Coffee | Starbucks Workers United
Starbucks baristas brewing change. Join the movement for fair contracts, better wages, and worker protections.
www.nocontractnocoffee.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:17 PM
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 ⬇️
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.
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.