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.
union leadership institute
Union leadership institute
Administrator academy initial teachers evaluation training - ISBE#AA2001
JANUARY 10, 2024 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | JANUARY 20-21, 2024 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSION
​
​
Participants must complete and submit pre-work, complete both days of training and successfully complete an assessment in order to qualify as an evaluator.
IFT is offering this course as part of our Union Leadership Institute program to support unions as they implement a locally bargained appeals process. Participants who successfully complete this two-day course are designated in ELIS as qualified evaluators of teachers.
​
You can find a more complete course description, course requirements and deadlines here.
​
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
This training aligns to the Illinois School Code competencies defined by Administrative Code Part 50, Section 50.420 (a-b). It is strongly recommended that participants be familiar with – even better – experienced with - the Danielson Framework for Teacher Evaluation before registering and attempting this course.
-
Participants must complete pre-work. These materials will be provided 14 days prior to the training date and must be completed and returned no less than 3 days prior to the training date. Allow approximately 3 hours to complete this pre-work.
-
Participants must complete both days of in-class work.
-
Participants must complete a three-hour, in class Post-Assessment exam that is comprised of objective and essay questions. Final grades for this assessment will be transmitted within seven business days of the completion of the training.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
-
Registration forms must be received completed and submitted by January 4, 2024
-
Participants will receive the required Pre-work activity via their G-mail account by January 17, 2024.
-
Cancelations with requests for refund must be received by January 10, 2024. IFT is unable to issue a refund or allow a substitution for cancelations if Pre-work has been submitted.
-
Participants will receive registration confirmation along with their Pre-work 14 days prior to their training date via their Google G-mail account.
​
​
REGISTRATION FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 4, 2024
NO EXCEPTIONS!
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Space is limited to 25 participants
​
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.