Introduction to the Chicago Teachers Union Contract
Members of the Chicago Teachers Union approved their contract with Chicago Public Schools by an overwhelming margin. It now goes for a vote on April 24 to the Chicago Board of Education, which is expected to OK the four-year, $1.5 billion deal. The deal came together after a year of contentious negotiations and lots of drama at the Board of Education.
Background of the Negotiations
These were the first talks in 30 years in which the CTU had the legal authority to bargain over issues outside the classic bread-and-butter topics of salary and benefits, such as class size.
Key Provisions of the Contract
Here are quick highlights of what’s included in the contract, with a focus on provisions that affect the classroom:
- 4% cost-of-living raises in the first year, up to 5% in each of the next three; with other annual experience raises for teachers, total raises could be 7.5% or 8.5% a year
- Lower class-size limits for all grades, including dropping from 32 to 25 for kindergarten; when that cap is exceeded, extra educator support will be available from a $40 million pool; kindergarten classes with 23 more more students will automatically get an assistant teacher
- More staff: 300 counselors, 215 special case managers, 90 librarian positions, 68 tech coordinators, 24 fine arts teachers and 30 bilingual teacher assistants; CPS estimates staffing could increase by 800 to 900 over four years
- At least one assistant teacher for every pre-K classroom
- More money for sports to pay for uniforms, buses and supplies and to boost coach stipends
- 50 more “sustainable community schools,” up from 20, which brings community services into schools
- Three new dual-language and three new world-language programs per year
- CPS to hire “gender support coordinators” and set a requirement that preferred employee names and pronouns be used at all times
- Elementary teachers get 10 more minutes of planning time and three teacher-led professional development days
Impact on Education
The new contract aims to improve the overall quality of education in Chicago Public Schools by addressing issues such as class size, staffing, and support for students. The addition of more staff, including counselors, librarians, and teachers, will help to provide students with the resources they need to succeed.
Conclusion
The Chicago Teachers Union contract is a significant step forward for education in Chicago. The contract addresses many of the issues that have been affecting teachers and students, including class size, staffing, and support. With the approval of the contract, Chicago Public Schools can now focus on providing a high-quality education to all students.
FAQs
Q: What are the key provisions of the contract?
A: The contract includes 4% cost-of-living raises, lower class-size limits, more staff, and increased funding for sports and community services.
Q: How will the contract affect class size?
A: The contract reduces class-size limits for all grades, including dropping from 32 to 25 for kindergarten.
Q: What kind of support will be available for students?
A: The contract includes the addition of 300 counselors, 215 special case managers, and 90 librarian positions, among other support staff.
Q: How will the contract impact teacher professional development?
A: Elementary teachers will get 10 more minutes of planning time and three teacher-led professional development days.
Q: What is the timeline for the contract?
A: The contract is a four-year, $1.5 billion deal that is expected to be approved by the Chicago Board of Education on April 24.
