Illinois Federation of Teachers
A Union of Professionals
UNION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
IFT's professional development opportunities are designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced local leaders and activists in all IFT constituency groups. Our programs provide participants with hands-on learning and a chance to network with other IFT members from throughout the state. We have adapted our training to meet the changing needs of union leadership as we grapple with racial injustice and other inequities.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
GREAT LAKES UNION LEADERSHIP (ULI)
RECLAIM. REIMAGINE. REBUILD.
JUNE 26-30, 2023
LAKE LAWN RESORT, DELAVAN WISCONSIN
IFT/AFT's ULI program has been designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced local leaders and activists in all IFT & AFT constituency groups. ULI provides participants with hands-on learning of union skills, professional development opportunities, and a chance to network with other IFT members from throughout the state.
The following four courses will be offered:
-
Effective Grievance Administration and Organizing
-
Introduction to Negotiations and Contract Campaigns
-
Organizing with Parents and Communities
-
Union Leadership Skills to Help Build a Strong Union
REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 29
AFT SUMMER EDUCATOR ACADEMY
IN-PERSON
JULY 9-15, 2023 MARITIME CONFERENCE CENTER, LINTHICUM, MARYLAND
AFT’s 2023 Summer Educator Academy will be offered as a train-the-trainer hybrid conference. Academy participants are expected to train members in their local unions after completing all course requirements. In addition to a virtual pre-session, sessions will be on July 9 (arrival day) until July 15 (concludes at 12:30 p.m.).
Courses must have at least 15 participants to be held. AFT requires participants to attend all scheduled virtual sessions, in-person session, and follow-up virtual sessions.
The following classes will run for 5½ days in person, in addition to the required pre- and post-virtual sessions:
-
English Language Learners 101
-
Foundations of Effective Teaching: Cultivating a Student-Centered Classroom (newly revised)
-
Managing Behavior in School Communities
-
Strategies for Student Success: Building Empowering Relationships (three modules)
-
Thinking Math K-2
DOWNLOAD INFORMATION AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
REGISTRATION CLOSES JUNE 1
AFT SUMMER EDUCATOR ACADEMY
VIRTUAL
COURSE REQUIRE LOCAL LEADER APPROVAL BEFORE REGISTRATION
We are also offering three train-the-trainer virtual courses and one participant-only virtual course this summer. All train-the-trainer participants must attend all sessions and complete all assignments to be considered ready to train the course in their locals.
Virtual Course Offerings
-
Instructional Strategies That Work for All Disciplines
-
Shaping Academic Minds Through Identity-Affirming Practices
-
Reclaiming Assessment: Using a Balanced Classroom Assessment System to Strengthen Student Learning***
***Please note that this is a train-the-trainer opportunity. If you are not interested in training this course, please take the IFT Reclaiming Assessment.
DOWNLOAD INFORMATION AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
AFT TEACH CONFERNCE
AFT'S FLAGSHIP LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
JULY 21-23, 2023
WASHINGTON D.C.
AFT’s flagship professional learning conference is back in-person this year from July 21-23 in Washington, DC. You can join educators and union leaders from around the country in a supportive, energizing environment where we’ll find new ways to support one another and help our students thrive academically and developmentally.
You can choose from more than 70 sessions—on instructional strategies, safety and well-being, and more. Workshop space is limited, so register early to secure your top choices.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT UNTIL JUNE 1
reclaiming assessments
workshop
JULY 11-13, 2023
WESTMONT AND FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, IL
Come learn with your colleagues about the power of assessment and monitoring student growth to inform instruction. Throughout this course, we will talk about using a balanced assessment system in your classroom to support instructional decisions for optimal student success. Additionally, we will look at how assessment is important in helping students to take charge of their own learning. Finally, we will address the importance and power of culturally responsive pedagogy, curriculum and assessment to ensure students are engaged in authentic learning.
LIMITED REGISTRATION
PD clock hours will be provided
supporting students with grief and loss
WEBINAR
JUNE 22 OR JULY 18, 2023
Due to high demand, IFT's Union Professional Issues Department is again offering the AFT webinar “Supporting Students with Grief and Loss.” Participants in this webinar will learn the strategies of a Grief-Sensitive Educator and receive a complimentary kit* of resources and information to help them support their students. Designed especially for PreK-12 and higher education teachers, this training will be led by Jim Arey, IFT Local 1211 Vice President of Local Outreach and AFT National Trainer.
*while supplies last
LIMITED REGISTRATION
PD clock hours will be provided
OTHER COURSES
AFT LEAD PROGRAM
Leadership Education and Development
The IFT, in partnership with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and Cornell University, offers the LEAD program to help local union and council teams establish strong relationships with their members and the community. Throughout the year-long program, LEAD teams hold several collaborative meetings to assess their challenges, determine how to strategically overcome them, and develop an effective action plan.
PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
IFT members are experts in their fields and uniquely qualified to train their colleagues. After completing an IFT Train-the-Trainer course, members are armed with the skills and materials they need to conduct professional development programs in their locals.
Programs include:
-
Initial Teachers Evaluation Training
-
Evaluation Empowerment
-
Building Responsive and Trauma-Informed Schools, and more.
WORKSITE LEADER (WSL) TRAINING
The WSL program is designed to help union activists be effective worksite leaders in their building or workplace. WSLs play a critical role in growing and strengthening their locals and the IFT.
To become a WSL graduate participants must complete five courses, including:
-
Union 101
-
Communications and Information
-
Worksite Advocacy
-
Mobilization and Engagement
-
Political, Legislative, and Community Engagement
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING, LEARNING & ASSESSMENT
The importance and power of culturally responsive practices, curriculum, and assessment to ensure students are engaged in authentic learning has never been more relevant. Join this workshop to learn more about implementing the use of curricula and assessments that are both restorative and academically rigorous. Culturally relevant curricula is a key component of trauma-informed pedagogy—but requires specific components, continual self-analysis, and mindset shifts for educators. Educators are encouraged to bring a unit- or lesson-plan to this workshop.
CUSTOM TRAINING
Additional trainings and assistance are available based on local need and demand. Examples of custom programs include: campaign and candidate training, social media, current legislative issues, and the teacher evaluation process.
questions? Contact Benita Twillie at btwillie@ift-aft.org or 630/468-4080.
Being a union member is the most effective way to advocate for yourself, your profession, and those you serve.
Now more than ever, it's important that your elected officials hear from you. Office visits and phone calls are the most effective way to have your voice heard.
Empower yourself. Check your voter registration status, register, find IFT-endorsed candidates, and other useful voter tools and resources.
Explore our centralized hub of current issue campaigns and find grassroots volunteer opportunities to take action on your own time.
