Together, we defended public education and democracy

As another school year closes, take a moment to reflect on what we've accomplished together and prepare for what lies ahead.

We’ve faced enormous challenges, from chaos and funding cuts from the administration in Washington DC to attacks on our unions and professions. Still, your activism, passion, and commitment to justice have helped us make meaningful progress this year. We’ve strengthened our collective voice, helped to pass critical legislation, and stood together to protect public education, state services, and democracy itself.

Our list of wins is impressive!

• We passed Senate Bill 28, which gives local Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA)

joint committees greater control over teacher evaluations by allowing flexibility in the use of student growth measures. This is a major step toward reducing the harmful focus on standardized testing.

• We led bold demonstrations in Springfield and across the state on March 20, May Day,

and June 14 (“No Kings Day”) in defense of democracy, public education, and workers’ rights.

• We continued the critical fight to fix Tier 2 pensions, helping to push legislation further

than ever before towards that goal.

• We hosted a major public education event in East St. Louis and are planning more

engagement this fall.

• We stood against federal attacks on public education, particularly those that threaten

funding for low-income students, special education, and the right to honest history in our curriculum.

These efforts were part of our broader mission to build schools and communities rooted in equity, not fear, and in democracy, not tyranny.

Now more than ever, your voice and engagement matters! While our tasks are formidable, so is our collective power. By staying informed, active, and united, we can continue to shape a better future for all Illinoisans.

Thank you for all you do in your classrooms, workplaces, and communities. I hope you’ll find some time to relax and recharge this summer. Please watch your inbox and www.ift-aft.org for critical updates and action alerts.

Together, we will keep fighting – and winning.