Maverick in the Making: How CTU’s Choice Became the New Mayor
A Teaching Philosophy That Hasn’t Changed
Once upon a time, there was a hip young social studies teacher with dreadlocks. He taught at an elementary school that served a public housing project, and his lessons came from a radical, developing nations perspective. While teaching a unit on South Africa, he talked about the apartheid system’s “political decisions that criminalize Blackness” and “lack of investment, particularly around housing.” His students could relate.
A Different Breed of Education
Having taught in a neighborhood school and a selective enrollment school, he realized the need for full investment in public education. “Having taught in a neighborhood school and a selective enrollment school, it really highlighted the stratification that exists where there are students who are capable and bright and could have more fulfillment if those schools were invested in,” he said.
<h2FromString Organizer to City Hall
As an organizer, the hip young teacher helped lead a teachers’ strike. He protested the closing of 50 schools on the South and West sides. Then he led a hunger strike to save a neighborhood high school. After 34 days, the school district compromised, agreeing to leave the high school open as an arts academy.
A Revolution from Within
Angered by the school closings, the union decided to build a political movement. Instead of fighting City Hall, it would take over City Hall. The hip young teacher ran for office, first winning a seat on the county board and later becoming mayor, with the union’s help.
Maintaining Radicals’s Grip
Mayor CTU, still true to his roots, continues to exert his radical influence on Chicago’s politics. He worked with the union to end the career of CEO Pedro Martinez, replaced the board of education members, and plans to allocate $300 million in a high-interest loan for teacher raises. The Chicago Teachers Union calls this development an “incredible breakthrough."
A Tangle of Alliance and Responsibility
Now that the CTU holds immense power within the Chicago educational system, concerns are emerging about whether the radical ideology will undermine the stability and effectiveness of the public school system. The power to appoint new board members was meant to be granted to the public, but in reality, it appears the mayor wields complete authority.
Mission Accomplished…Sort Of?
The teacher-turned-activist mayor has already secured a set of wins in his role, despite protests from conservative factions in Chicago. Mayor CTU embodies the passion and vision to reshape educational policy with unwavering dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What made Mayor CTU run for office?
A: Anger over the school closures on the South and West sides and frustration with the systemic inequality plaguing public education.
Q: Has Mayor CTU altered his views with time in office?
A: Notably, yes. In essence, being a union-ally political leader rather than a genuinely radical representative would have influenced his thoughts; however, he remained unchanged.
Q: Might the takeover of Chicago educational politics diminish the trust with voters wary of power aggregation?
A: Most assuredly!
