Tomorrow, the Chicago Teachers Union invites every educator and community member to join us in making good trouble for a more just public school system. This mobilization is designed to highlight urgent demands around classroom resources, student safety, and fair contracts.
Across the city, members are preparing to gather in a show of solidarity that connects today’s fight to a long legacy of labor and civil rights struggle in Chicago. Your presence and voice matter as we pressure policymakers to deliver concrete, student-centered changes.
| Issue | Current Situation | Union Demand | Impact if Unaddressed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Size | Some classes exceed 35 students | Cap at 28 students in grades K–3 | Reduced individual attention and safety risks |
| Staffing Supports | Shortages of nurses, counselors, and paras | Fund full-time nurses and counselors in every school | Increased student well-being and learning time |
| School Funding | Budget cuts shifted costs to families and staff | Restore and equitably distribute state funding | Program cuts and teacher turnover |
| Safety & Protocols | Mixed compliance with COVID and violence-prevention plans | Transparent, data-driven safety metrics | Higher risk of illness and trauma |
| Contract Timeline | Expiring agreement with stalled bargaining | Finalize fair wages and workload by August | Potential strike action and uncertainty |
Mobilizing Teachers for Good Trouble
Organizers are coordinating rally points, childcare, and transportation to ensure broad participation across neighborhoods. The goal is to create visible pressure on the school board and mayor through disciplined, nonviolent direct action.
Teams of trained marshals will guide picket lines and teach-ins, while social media channels amplify key messages in real time. Legal observers and solidarity volunteers are needed to document interactions and protect the right to peaceful assembly.
Chicago Teachers Union History and Legacy
The union’s roots trace back to decades of grassroots campaigns, including the landmark 2012 strike that put students’ needs at the center of bargaining. That victory set a national example for linking fair contracts to community investment.
Since then, CTU has built a culture of member-led advocacy, where rank-and-file educators shape priorities and call for bold public investment. This history informs the strategic approach of making good trouble to defend public education.
Strategic Actions and Timeline
Planning committees have outlined a clear sequence of steps leading up to the mobilization, from member surveys to targeted outreach to allies. Understanding this timeline helps participants coordinate childcare, time off, and travel.
| Phase | Key Activities | Target Date | Stakeholders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member Outreach | Door-knock surveys, text banks, town halls | Next 7 days | Union reps, volunteers |
| Negotiations Brief | Open bargaining sessions, public scorecards | Within 10 days | Bargaining team, school leaders |
| Community Coalition | Partner endorsements, student actions, faith groups | Ongoing | Parents, civic orgs |
| Day of Action | Rally, march, classroom visits by officials | TomorrowAll participants | |
| Follow-up | Debriefs, next-steps vote, outreach expansion | Week after action | Members, steering committee |
Community Support and Broader Impact
Parents, students, and local businesses are signaling strong backing for the union’s call to make good trouble. When schools thrive, neighborhoods see lower crime, higher voter engagement, and stronger local economies.
This moment also highlights how public sector labor rights intersect with racial justice, housing, and health equity. Educators are asking for policies that treat schools as community hubs rather than test-score factories.
Call to Action for Educators and Allies
Channel the spirit of making good trouble into measurable wins for students and staff by committing to concrete steps today.
- Review the contract priorities and discuss them with coworkers
- Sign up for marshaling, legal observer, or volunteer roles
- Contact your alderman and state representatives with CTU’s policy asks
- Amplify messages on social media using the official campaign hashtags
- Arrive prepared with signs, water, and a plan for childcare and transport
FAQ
Reader questions
What time and location is the mobilization tomorrow?
Gathering begins at 9:00 a.m. at [Union Hall address], with a march departing at 10:00 a.m. to a central rally site; exact details will be confirmed via email and the union app.
Will schools be closed during the action?
Yes, schools are expected to be closed to ensure staff can participate safely without risking their jobs or students’ learning environments.
How can I support remotely if I cannot attend in person?
Share updates, donate to the mutual aid fund, and contact city officials using the template messages provided on the union website and social channels.
What protections are in place for participating educators?
CTU provides legal observers, clear grievance procedures, and guidance on workplace rights to shield members from retaliation during and after the action.