First Chicago area charter schools vote to form union

Teachers at three Chicago-area charter school campuses took the historic step of filing for union representation, making them the first charter school teachers in the Chicago area to become unionized.  A majority of teachers served notice to school officials on April 4 that they have formed a union, seeking immediate recognition of their collective bargaining unit and a commitment by school officials to promptly reach a first contract.

The teachers will be represented by the Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff (Chicago ACTS), an affiliate of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Teachers. 

"We organized because a teacher's voice in a school's decision-making process will help create the best work environment for teachers and the best learning environment for students," said Emily Mueller, a high school language arts teacher at CICS/Civitas Northtown Academy Charter School. "We love our work, and a union gives us the security of being able to voice concerns and ideas without placing our jobs at risk."   

In a letter to parents, the teachers said, "We want to build a strong and consistent community of professionals and reduce the high rate of teacher turnover. A successful educational experience for any child depends on great teachers and engaged parents."

The AFT's Chicago and state leaders expressed their support for the charter school teachers to form their union. "Their dedication will help their schools become trailblazers of innovation and collaboration within the community," said Chicago Teachers Union President Marilyn Stewart, who is an AFT vice president. 

Illinois Federation of Teachers President Ed Geppert Jr., who also is an AFT vice president, added that the statewide union's network of professional development training and support "would offer opportunities for CICS teachers to find new ways to reach out to students and the community, and continue to push for high academic achievement from all students."

Through its affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers, the CICS/Civitas unit of Chicago ACTS joins the nationwide Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff, a community of educators at more than 70 charter schools in 10 states, who belong to AFT-affiliated unions. The national network allows charter school educators to share best practices and professional resources, and speak out on public policy issues that affect charter school teachers' jobs.