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Artificial Intelligence: Contracts, Legislation, & Preparation 
Moderator: Mike Sitch, IFT Vice President, Local 1925
Presenter: Troy Swanson, IFT Vice President, Local 1600
     
AI is reshaping work across education, from tutoring and instructional design to finance, registration, facilities, and student services, creating a potentially once-in-a-generation labor shock. The session moves beyond hype to lay out concrete union strategies in terms of contracts & legislation and considers approaches to a changing workplace. The future is not predetermined! Learn how unions can shape the ways that this technology unfolds in our workplaces.

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LEADing the Way: Advancing Karen Lewis’ Legacy 
Moderator: Mike Sitch, IFT Vice President, Local 1925
Panelists:

Nichole Anderson, LEAD 2021-24 participant , 
        District 214 Education Association Council President, Local 1211
Jessica Garcia, LEAD 2021-24 participant, Local 1274
Mari Garvonado, Local 1274 Equity Committee Chair, Local 1274
Dan Montgomery, IFT President
Dr. Monique Redeaux-Smith, IFT Director of Union Professional Issues 
Dr. Elizabeth Todd-Breland, Associate Professor of History at UIC, Local 6456
        Co-Author of “I Didn’t Come Here to Lie,” the memoir of Karen G.J. Lewis
     
This workshop will highlight the legacy of one of the most dynamic and impactful labor leaders of this generation - Karen G.J. Lewis. Co-author of Karen’s memoir, Dr. Elizabeth Todd-Breland, will lead a panel discussion with outgoing IFT President Dan Montgomery and local leaders who are following Karen’s lead by centering social justice and antiracism in their local unions. The workshop will highlight important lessons that Karen taught to combat forces that seek to destroy democracy and the public good. *The first 25 delegates to this workshop will receive a signed copy of Karen Lewis’ new memoir, “I Didn’t Come Here to Lie.”

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Legal Updates
Moderator: Steve Elza, IFT Vice President, Local 1211
Presenters:

Nick Christian, IFT General Counsel & Director of Field and Organizing
Tyler Redd, Esq., IFT Legal Counsel and Research Director

This workshop will provide a comprehensive review of 2025’s key legal developments and a 
forward-looking analysis of what to expect in 2026.  We’ll look at new state and federal laws, including rules on artificial intelligence and mandatory employer meetings. We’ll also discuss how the Trump Administration’s policies may shape labor standards in 2026. In addition, we’ll review key Illinois court cases and labor board decisions that affect collective bargaining, grievances, and union rights.

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Not Alone: Leveraging the Strength of Your Community 
Moderator: Michelle Mitchell, IFT Vice President, Local 4324
Presenters:

Bina Martin, The Association of International Comedy Educators, Local 6612 
Piero Procaccini, The Association of International Comedy Educators, Local 6612 
     
This workshop will uncover important tools to better communicate and collaborate within our communities - particularly during conflict and in challenging conversations.

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Powerful Partnerships: Organizing with Students and Communities, Part I & II 
Moderator: Pankaj Sharma, IFT Vice President, Local 1274
Presenters:

Liz Steinhauser, AFT Parent Engagement Organizer

Dr. Monique Redeaux-Smith, IFT Director of Union Professional Issues 
     
This is a two-part workshop. In Part I, participants will reflect on the current threats, dangers, and opportunities facing us locally and nationally. We will identify Know Your Rights strategies that can help keep targeted populations safe. In Part II, we will grapple with how labor must organize in this current moment to build transformational partnerships and coalitions that will be necessary to keep us and our communities safe in the long-term.

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Rethinking Media: Expanding Our Reach Beyond Traditional Press
Moderator: Aaron Krall, IFT Vice President, Local 6456
Presenters:

Jen Hill, IFT Communications Director
Julie Sampson, IFT Legislative Director, SAPO
Monica Trevino, IFT Director of Communications
     
Traditional press doesn’t always tell our story or even show up. Newsrooms are shrinking, bias is real, and younger audiences aren’t reading newspapers. So how do we cut through the noise?

This workshop will show you how to take control of your narrative and connect directly with the people you need to reach. Discover how to leverage alternative media, social platforms, and simple tools to amplify your message, share member stories, and foster genuine engagement without relying on mainstream outlets.

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Stepping into Our PSRP Power  
Moderator: Christel Williams-Hayes, IFT Vice President, Local 1
Presenters:

Andrew Cantrell, IFT Field Service Director
Caroline Staerk, IFT Organizing Director
Benita Twillie, IFT Professional Learning Specialist
     
Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel (PSRPs) are the backbone of our workplaces, playing a vital role in day-to-day operations and student success. Yet, we know that PSRPs face institutional barriers and biases that exclude and undervalue them.

This workshop is designed to change that. We will flip the script and step into our power. 
Participants will learn how to connect with each other, assess shared needs and shared 
goals, and will leave empowered and ready to organize to lift their voices in their workplaces 
and in their unions.

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Union-Led Wins: Shaping Teacher Evaluation Through Policy and Practice 
Moderator: Beth Anderson, IFT Vice President, Local 604
Presenters:

Amy Alsop, IFT Union Professional Issues Director South
Kedrick Evans, East St. Louis Vice President, Local 1220
Andy Friedlieb, IFT Vice President, Local 504
Cynthia Riseman, IFT Legislative Director
Therese Skwarczynski, Joliet 86 Certified Council President, AFT Local 604 

Through statewide policy wins and union power on the Joint Committee—IFT locals and councils have been leading the way in transforming teacher evaluation in Illinois. This session highlights how unions from across the state have used their collective strength to reshape teacher evaluation policy and practice, empowering Joint Committees to streamline burdensome requirements, improve feedback to educators, and drive meaningful change. Hear their stories, share your own, and leave with tools, training links, and IFT guidance to take action in your district. Let’s build on our wins and shape what comes next.

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