BUILDING A STRONGER ILLINOIS FEDERATION OF TEACHERS (IFT)

TO MEET THE MOMENT

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will move to strengthen and revitalize rank-and-file and community leadership, by hosting listening sessions in every region to elevate local priorities; strengthening local leadership; developing local community liaison programs to sustain partnerships with grassroots organizations; and supporting member-led caucuses representing early-career LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and other under-represented employees; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT is encouraged to launch a Statewide Coalition for United Power to coordinate and align bargaining strategies, strengthen rank-and-file leadership, build strike readiness, defend public education, ensure access and quality education for all students, secure progressive revenue, organize unrepresented workers, ensure real gains for members, advance transparency, and pursue additional member priorities; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to partner with statewide coalitions, including with public transit, Medicaid, and public service advocates, to pass progressive revenue legislation to fully fund schools, higher education, and public services in a time of great peril and threats from the MAGA regime; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT is encouraged to organize “People’s Budget” forums to engage members and communities in reimagining public funding and train members to testify in Springfield and lead grassroots advocacy; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will help build strike-ready Locals by continuing to offer training for strike captains and organizers statewide; expanding access to an updated digital strike-readiness toolkit; and reviewing and assessing our capacity for collective action; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to defend public education and services, by establishing a statewide rapid-response media team to counter attacks and amplify our values; training members and students to share their stories in public and media settings; and using research and Freedom of Information Act requests to expose the financial and political motives behind privatization; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to organize unrepresented workers by launching targeted campaigns to support civil service employees; unionizing Regional Offices of Education, Intermediate Service Centers, and other unrepresented educational workers; and will continue to provide legal, strategic, and organizing support through all stages of unionization; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will work to ensure real gains for members, by releasing an annual “State of the Contract” report to highlight tangible wins; promoting “Bargaining for the Common Good” (BCG) campaigns that benefit both members and communities; and identifying strategic bargaining priorities to expand the terrain for contractual wins across employment sectors and across the State; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advance BCG demands such as fortifying sanctuary protections and educational protections for BIPOC students, affordable housing for all students in temporary living situations, green and healthy school facilities and food offerings, expanded paid parental leave, restrictions on privatization, living wages for all school employees, joint union and management advocacy for progressive revenue legislation, protection of academic freedom, protections for LGBTQIA+ students and staff; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will commit to advancing transparency and accountability, by enforcing conflict of interest policies, executive compensation criteria, and transparent hiring practices; maintaining whistleblower protections with clear investigative procedures and public outcomes; establishing leadership transition protocols to ensure continuity and information transfer; and regularly soliciting feedback from members and stakeholders to inform decision-making; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to pursue additional member priorities by working to make the current Democratic Trifecta supermajority at the state level fully fund public pensions and public education, including Evidence-Based Funding for all; passing Tier 2 pension reform with dedicated revenue sources; supporting the higher education equity funding bill and efforts to fully fund community colleges; winning equitable job protections and compensation for paraprofessionals that respects their contributions and value in our school communities; opposing federal funding cuts and resisting privatization of school staffing; reducing standardized testing and reforming evaluation systems; protecting employee benefits and worker rights; supporting pro-public education candidates, with a focus on midterm elections and preparation for the 2028 presidential race; and uniting the IFT Executive Board around statewide priorities regardless of regional affiliation.

DEFENDING PUBLIC EDUCATION

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will lobby for increased state and federal funding to ensure that all public schools, colleges, and universities have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will oppose efforts to privatize public education, including the expansion of charter schools and voucher programs that divert funds from public schools, colleges, and universities; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for education professionals, recognizing their critical role in the success of public education; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will work to eliminate disparities in education by supporting policies that address the needs of underserved and marginalized communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will collaborate with all stakeholders, including parents, students, community organizations, and policymakers, to build broad support for public education and address common challenges; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to inform the public about the importance of public education and the threats it faces, encouraging community involvement and advocacy; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to monitor legislative developments and mobilize members to respond to policies that impact public education; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to advocate for comprehensive special education programs and student services to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, receive the support they need to succeed; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to fight for the rights and inclusion of multilingual learning, fully funded bilingual education, and the opportunity for dual-language programs across the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to develop and implement strategies to attract and retain high-quality educators, support staff, and paraprofessionals, recognizing their essential role in providing a high-quality education; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to champion public education as a fundamental right and work tirelessly to protect and strengthen it for future generations.

INVESTING IN THE PUBLIC GOOD:

THE NEED FOR SUSTAINABLE REVENUE

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) strongly supports and will work to advance revenue solutions that help our state thrive, including amending the Illinois Constitution to allow for a progressive tax, corporate loophole closures, and other revenue options that shift more of the burden to those who can afford it; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will call on state elected officials to reject austerity and instead choose a different path: raising progressive revenue at the state level to invest in our students, schools, families, communities, public services, and state institutions; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will educate our Locals, leaders, activists, and members on the benefits of a progressive tax and other sustainable revenue options; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage our Locals through the engagement of their membership to mobilize in support of a progressive tax and other sustainable revenue options through a voter education program.

Equitable Public University Funding Formula

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will organize, lobby, and campaign to support increased state funding for higher education; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will support the passage of a funding formula that provides increased resources to institutions distributed based on the institution’s need as identified by the Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding.

AI INTEGRATION IN OUR SCHOOLS AND WORKPLACES

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) recognizes both the potential benefits of adopting AI technologies in our schools and workplaces when done in collaboration with workers and families, as well as the potential harm these technologies may cause if implemented without conscientious consultation, planning, and oversight; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT affirms the essential role of workers in deciding if and how to incorporate AI systems into their work and workplaces to identify where AI systems are necessary, safe, and well-tested. The IFT opposes adoption, without consultation, of unnecessary, unsafe, or untested AI systems and affirms the rights of workers to refuse such adoption of AI systems in their work and workplaces and will defend workers from retaliation for such refusal; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT affirms that critical decisions affecting education—including but not limited to grading, curriculum, discipline, staffing, finance, student support services, and hiring practices—must remain in the hands of human professionals. The IFT opposes the outsourcing of essential administrative, curricular, instructional, student services, or counseling/caseload decision-making to AI systems and will speak out forcefully against any attempts to do so; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will actively engage with the state legislature to vet, support, propose, and amend state laws to promote worker-friendly and student-friendly approaches to using AI in our schools and workplaces, while providing regulation and oversight to improve intellectual property protections and rights, employee data ownership rights, data privacy protections, prevent bias, and enforce accountable implementations of these technologies; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will fight to protect jobs as AI transforms our workplaces. The IFT will advocate for robust retraining, professional development, and upskilling opportunities for members whose work may be affected by AI adoption. The IFT will demand that schools, colleges, state agencies and offices, and the State of Illinois provide the necessary resources to ensure our members are supported and empowered through these transitions; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will support broader societal efforts to ensure AI technologies align with human needs, equity, social justice, and climate justice, including addressing AI bias, preventing misinformation and the exacerbation of inequality, and working in coalition with labor, civil rights, environmental, and public interest organizations to ensure ethical standards, professional and environmental standards, and accountability in AI development and deployment; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will create an AI and Automation Working Group that is reflective of all IFT constituents to examine the impact of AI adoption and automation in our workplaces, provide guidance and recommendations on how to best support union members as AI changes our workplaces, and promote best practices for discussing and bargaining over AI and automation issues in our workplaces.

RURAL MATTERS

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will align with partners to support rural communities in equitable access to education, critical life-saving and general healthcare, affordable utilities, and reliable public service, along with tailored solutions for rural living; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT is encouraged to create a Rural Matters Constituency Council to assure members living and/or working in rural communities are well incorporated into our unionwide priorities for constructing a broad coalition that builds power and agency across the state; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will support and encourage members to engage rural and small towns in campaigns for local and state revenue that benefits public education and services; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage participation in American Federation of Teachers training for creating an environment where people not only feel safe but also understand and confront the undercurrents that have been used to divide and polarize rural and urban America along race, class, cultural, and faith lines.

Resolution 7 was withdrawn by the authors.

NEURODIVERSITY INITIATIVE

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will encourage an ad hoc committee composed of representatives from the Special Education, Higher Education, and PreK–12 Constituency Councils (and other relevant stakeholders) to identify, define, and create specific legislative and preK-12, college and university policy changes, such as instructional training for teaching neurodivergent students, recommendations to strengthen Illinois state law and institutional policy to better align with the intent of the IDEA and the ADA, encouraging colleges and universities to actively reach out to students who may be in need of support, changes to IEPs to require self-advocacy skills for high school students and similar reforms, and programming that assists the school to post-school transitions; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that the ad hoc committee shall continue to report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois Federation of Teachers, which will advocate for strong state-level legislative and institutional policy language addressing the needs of neurodivergent students across all educational settings.

SUPPORTING RETIREE ENGAGEMENT AND

THE ABILITY TO RETIRE WITH DIGNITY

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) shall assist the Retiree Constituency Council and Locals with retiree councils in identifying members in their final year of active service who are about to retire, for the purpose of encouraging them to maintain their membership as retiree members; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT shall assist the Retiree Constituency Council and Locals with retiree councils with creating more efficient and effective means of communicating with retiree members; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT shall assist the Retiree Constituency Council and Locals with retiree councils with engaging retiree members in activism to protect public education, public educators, public employees, affordable healthcare, and to oppose harmful spending cuts at the state and federal level; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will develop a way in which retiree members can make contributions to the IFT scholarship funds or Committee on Political Education (COPE) funds and include IFT in their estate planning, as allowed by law.

Teacher Preparation Program Revisions

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will advocate for the proposal and approval of legislation that would change the teacher licensure process to allow students to have the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) content testing as a co-requisite for student-teaching rather than a pre-requisite; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage ISBE to provide options beyond the current testing framework for candidates to demonstrate content knowledge.

HONORING KRISTEN ADAMS

RESOLVED, the Delegates of the Illinois Federation of Teachers 2025 Convention honor and celebrate Kristen Adams for dedicating over half of her exemplary teaching career to fight on behalf of Illinois teachers for more effective and meaningful performance evaluation policies and practices.

FORTIFYING OUR UNION AGAINST

THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION AND ANTICIPATED ATTACKS

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will redouble its efforts to safeguard our union and our school communities in response to these mounting attacks and ensure we are prepared for a more aggressive and destructive Trump administration; and be it further

RESOLVED, IFT delegates and members will increase the frequency and urgency of signing non-members to union cards, holding monthly meetings, and ensuring everyone knows that our greatest power is our Solidarity; and be it further

RESOLVED, IFT leadership is strongly encouraged to fortify and strengthen our internal systems – financial, personnel, compliance, and others – in response to challenges to the National Labor Relations Board, Department of Education, and other federal entities and safeguards, and to ensure preparedness for common anti-labor efforts such as those seen in Florida and Wisconsin; and be it further

RESOLVED, IFT delegates and members will be informed of their rights and responsibilities as Union members and/or elected representatives of their locals, as stated in the IFT’s Constitution and Bylaws, including external and internal processes and supports available to our elected bodies in the event that our union or members’ solidarity or values are compromised; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT is encouraged to adopt and pursue a legislative agenda that will reify and improve protections for our most vulnerable students, their families, and our members and their families by fully funding and implementing compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Bilingual staffing and supports, Sanctuary protections, LGBTQIA+ protections, housing for our unhoused students, memorializing our commitment to teaching authentic and multidimensional coverage of American and world history, Black History and Ethnic Studies, and funding to fully renovate and modernize school infrastructure to ensure our buildings are healthy and thriving and to address the climate crisis; and be it further

RESOLVED, any such legislative agenda shall include making the wealthiest individuals and corporations pay their fair share; and be it further

RESOLVED, IFT locals will attempt to be active partners with their local Boards of Education to implement training, policies, and practices to protect the integrity of our curricula and teaching practices and also protect the lives and well-being of marginalized students and those members of our school communities targeted by the current administration’s rhetoric and policies; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT, a union comprised of 80% women, will continue to defend and promote access to women’s reproductive healthcare, and fight for women’s rights to make autonomous decisions about their own bodies; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to promote and support rallies, marches, legal rights education, and other actions to provide further protections for students and their families against harmful policies that aim to divide or incarcerate students and/or their families.

SAFEGUARDING ACADEMIC FREEDOM

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will reaffirm its commitment to academic freedom in Birth-20 education and will promote intellectual and First Amendment freedoms for students and Birth-20 educators and employees, including graduate teaching and research assistants, as a cornerstone of our democracy; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate to protect the current legislative mandates about required topics to be taught in PreK-12 which reflect the rich diversity and experiences of our state’s people and history; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will work with the Illinois Principals Association (IPA), the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS), and the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) to identify specific actions that can be taken to support educators in their efforts to make professional judgments regarding curriculum and instruction in their classrooms; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and American Association of University Professors (AAUP), to oppose any mandates and policies that infringe upon diversity, equity, inclusion, and academic freedom; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage Locals to endorse candidates for school boards and community college boards of trustees who align with union values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and academic freedom; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for the Governor to appoint and the Illinois Senate to confirm candidates for university boards of trustees who align with our union’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and academic freedom; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will support Locals in incorporating academic freedom protections into collective bargaining agreements and, following our pre-established policies and procedures, provide support to members facing retaliation for exercising their professional and academic judgment; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage collaboration with students, parents, community members, and allied organizations to promote safe, inclusive learning environments where all learners are respected and empowered to express their identities and perspectives; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for policies that allow educators to teach evidence-based and developmentally appropriate content without interference.

DEFENDING EQUITY, INTEGRITY, AND FACULTY VOICE

IN DUAL CREDIT PROGRAMS

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) supports dual credit programs that are equitable, academically rigorous, and respectful of faculty roles, institutional integrity, and student readiness; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advance efforts to collect and analyze data regarding the impact of dual credit on student outcomes, academic rigor, grade inflation pressures, and faculty employment in dual credit courses taught in high schools, institutional course offerings; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for legislation that establishes enforceable accountability mechanisms when the existing Dual Credit Quality Act is violated; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for funding that supports higher education institutions and high schools to lessen the impact of dual credit on budgets; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will support policies which require dual credit instructors to hold at least the minimum qualifications required by the collaborating higher education institution to teach the course; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will provide resources to locals, and support collective bargaining strategies that help locals develop contract language and policies that protect the best interests of members, students, and both higher education and K-12 institutions; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will oppose any statewide efforts that bypass faculty governance or compromise academic standards; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will develop sample contract and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) language that protects high school, college, or university faculty from being displaced through dual credit course offerings; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for dual credit as a transition into fully collegiate higher education, ensuring that it supplements—but does not replace—the full instructional, social, and developmental experience of a higher education institution; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will support policies ensuring that dual credit programs prioritize academic exploration, skill development, and equitable access to higher education opportunities rather than solely serving as an acceleration mechanism to expedite degree completion; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will oppose the centralization of credentialing authority through statewide committees and will affirm that faculty qualifications should remain the responsibility of higher education institutions; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to monitor the implementation of dual credit policy in Illinois and advocate for reforms that prioritize students, support educators, and strengthen public education at all levels.

Allowing Striking Workers to

Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will actively advocate for the proposal and passage of legislation in the State of Illinois that would allow striking workers to apply for unemployment benefits; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will seek out and encourage other like-minded unions and organizations to advocate for the proposal and passage of such legislation.

EQUITABLE FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY

AT ILLINOIS PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will support and advocate for legislation for the equitable funding of higher education that requires all state colleges and universities to produce publicly available audited financial statements for each constituent university, including the two university systems in Illinois; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will support and advocate for legislation that requires all additional budgetary appropriations under the equitable funding formula be allocated to individual universities and not to the Systems to which they belong.

JOINING THE DEMAND FOR JUSTICE ON MAY DAY

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will lend our full support and endorsement to the national coalition of organizations planning this May Day 2026 and 2027 March, in solidarity with our working class siblings in the labor movement and community organizations who hope to organize one million working class folks to take action this May Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will share ways that we can support the May Day coalition, including attending the March itself, participating as a marshal, organizing buses, and arranging field trips for students; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT, in coalition with dozens of other labor unions and community organizations, will encourage our members to march, protest, and agitate to protect our country from the billionaire class and build campaigns to win transformation and investment for our public schools, higher education, healthcare, immigrant rights, civil rights, and worker rights on May 1st and beyond; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to organize and support working class coalitions to align with the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Workers of America’s (UAW) call to have joint contract expirations to build more power that will enable us to win more for working families by May 2028.

SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OVER PENTAGON CAMPAIGN

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will encourage the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to support legislation that significantly reduces the excessive Pentagon budget without cutting pay or benefits of those serving in the US military; one such bill is HR 1134, the People Over the Pentagon Act, introduced by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), which would reduce the Pentagon budget by $100 billion; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage the AFT endorsement of HR 1134 with the understanding that the co-sponsors of this bill will incorporate language that provides for a just transition for any civilian workers or members of the military whose job or career might be impacted as a result of the implementation of this bill; and be it further

RESOLVED, a copy of this resolution shall be delivered to the Representatives and Senators within the jurisdiction covered by IFT with a request that they co-sponsor HR 1134 and companion legislation in the Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will inform our members of this resolution so that they may understand the importance of having our tax dollars reflect our true priorities and communicate to their Congressional Representatives and Senators their support for HR 1134; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will inform the People Over Pentagon Campaign so that its support for cutting the military budget, as proposed in H.R. 1134, can be publicly listed as an organizational endorser.

RETIRING WITH DIGNITY

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will continue to collaborate and take a leadership position with the We Are One Coalition to unify advocacy efforts for Tier 2 pension reforms; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT, in coordination with the We Are One Coalition, will organize and promote more days of action to advocate for the improvement of Tier 2 pensions; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will support legislation and actively lobby for passage of legislation to address the inequities in the Tier 2 pension system; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to explore funding options and strategies to ensure the sustainability of Tier 2 pension reforms; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will leverage the increased engagement in Tier 2 action activities as an organizing opportunity to build stronger advocacy networks; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will inform members on where they can access information about their retirement options through specific state pension and local pension systems; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for more secure and attractive pension benefits to address the issue of participants leaving and requesting refunds of their contributions; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will highlight the correlation between the difficulty of recruitment and retention of newer educators and public employees and the inadequacies of the Tier 2 pension system.

ADVANCING ANTIRACISM: EMBEDDING ANTIRACIST ACTION AND SOLIDARITY INTO OUR UNION DNA

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) and our Local unions reaffirm our commitment to antiracist action and principles by embedding antiracism into the structure, culture, and practice of our union at all levels; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to support our antiracist initiatives, programs, and leadership development, ensuring that this commitment is not symbolic but resourced, strategic, and ongoing; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for the inclusion of explicit antiracist language in all governing documents, including Local constitutions and bylaws, and will support Locals in updating such documents accordingly; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT and our Locals will be supported in incorporating antiracist language, practices, and protections into all collective bargaining agreements, acknowledging that the fight for racial justice is inseparable from the fight for workers’ rights; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT commits to supporting year-round implementation of antiracist curriculum and pedagogy, resisting the tokenization of heritage and history months and instead advocating for systemic integration of diverse, truthful, and liberatory content in all educational spaces; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will require antiracist and anti-Blackness training for all elected leaders, committee chairs, council representatives, and staff with the expectation that leadership reflects the knowledge and commitment to these principles necessary to guide our union and to hold positions of power; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT and our Local unions will explore ways to engage in collective action including public campaigns or disengagement from companies, organizations, or institutions actively working against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts or promoting racist ideologies or policies, particularly in public education and labor; and be it further

RESOLVED, by codifying these antiracist commitments, the IFT will ensure that racial justice remains a foundational and permanent element of our union’s identity and work; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT and our Local unions reaffirm our vision for an inclusive labor movement that fights all forms of oppression, and that we continually reflect on, evaluate, and renew these commitments to ensure that our leadership, policies, and organizing are aligned with the principles of racial justice, equity, and collective liberation.

ADDRESSING STAFF SHORTAGES AND

FILLING OF VACANCIES OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) continues to strongly oppose the privatization of public employees and any reduction in the head count of IFT member positions in state agencies and constitutional offices; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for appropriations to state agencies and constitutional offices to establish and maintain adequate staffing levels; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for improved hiring processes at the constitutional offices and state agencies to expedite and improve the process of filling of vacancies.

SAFE AND CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will support changes to educator licensure to include education and training for pre-service educators on the effects of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on students, restorative practices and restorative justice, creating trauma-responsive learning environments, and meaningful feedback regarding student behaviors provided to student teachers and clinician interns; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage and support Locals to bargain for annual de-escalation training for all teachers, paraprofessional and school-related personnel (PSRPs), and clinicians, including compensation for training provided outside the regular contractual day, and require building administrators to complete the trainings alongside teachers and staff; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will promote and seek opportunities to partner with Locals to provide its three-day course, The Union’s Response to Student Stress and Trauma, Part 1, to Locals statewide; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage Locals to work with their district administrations to fully train and implement restorative practices centered on repairing relationships and reintegration into classrooms, including: creating communities with a sense of belonging and strong relationships; recognizing that each person’s unique lived-experiences shape their truth; recognizing conflict as an opportunity to improve and strengthen relationships; and developing accountability, cooperation, and problem-solving skills; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for Locals and district administrators to collaboratively create safety plans and clear protocols that include such topics as safety for students in crisis as well as their peers and ways that teachers and other school staff can be kept safe; and be it further

RESOLVED, IFT will advocate for safety plans to include additional, immediate supports for early career teachers; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage Locals and district administrators to create processes for developing individual student re-entry plans that support students, parents or caregivers, and staff during transitions to return to classrooms; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will advocate for state policies, programs, and funding that support wraparound services and mental health supports in schools and in the community; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will work to elevate this issue by highlighting the importance of building future citizens through public education and ensuring that all students have the tools they need to succeed.

ESTABLISHING A MINIMUM STARTING RATE AND SUPPORTING UNIVERSAL WAGE BARGAINING FOR PSRPS

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will support and advocate for bargaining efforts to negotiate a minimum starting wage of no less than $22 per hour indexed to inflation for all PSRPs, as a step toward ensuring a livable wage that reflects the essential contributions these workers make to our schools and communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to advocate for and support all bargaining units in their efforts to collectively bargain for universal wages and benefits for PSRPs, empowering them to negotiate contracts that uplift workers and standardize fair compensation across regions; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to commit to providing resources, training, and strategic support to bargaining units engaged in collective bargaining efforts, including organizing campaigns, wage analysis, and community outreach to build public awareness and solidarity; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will prioritize advocacy at local, state, and national levels to promote policies and legislation that establish and enforce fair minimum wages and strengthen the collective bargaining rights of PSRPs; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will provide PSRP bargaining units with resources to conduct financial audits of employers in order to provide members with the information and skills needed for successful negotiations; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will focus on continuing to build an inclusive union that fully incorporates PSRPs and ensures they have specific resources tailored to their unique needs, fostering an equitable and supportive union environment; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to commit to internal organizing efforts focused on PSRPs, strengthening their engagement, representation, and participation within the union; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT reaffirms its commitment to economic justice and equity for all workers, recognizing that fair compensation for PSRPs is essential to the health and success of our educational system and the communities it serves.

LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR NON-TENURE TRACK FACULTY

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will support and advocate for legislation that advances a Bill of Rights for Non-Tenure Track and Contingent Faculty at all Illinois public colleges and universities that removes legislative constraints on bargaining for increased job security for these workers and establishes minimum standards for the sector; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will support and advocate for legislation that creates a State of Illinois commission to investigate the labor conditions of non-tenure track and contingent faculty throughout the state of Illinois in order to make further recommendations towards creating sustainable teaching conditions for all faculty in higher education in Illinois and address the significant disparities throughout the state in the employment of non-tenure track faculty.

RECRUITING NON-MEMBERS AND INCREASING MEMBER ACTIVISM

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will take into consideration in its planning of strategic initiatives to recruit eligible non-members the need for greater sensibility, empathy, inoculation, and access to legal resources to better reach and encourage eligible non-citizen workers to join their union; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will create and implement strategic campaigns to reach eligible non-members, highlighting the benefits of union membership and the importance of collective action; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will review staffing in its Field Service department to ensure that locals receive the field service support and local staff support they need for their organizing, membership campaigns, and activism; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to organize regularly occurring events, workshops, and meetings to engage current members, providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and involvement in union activities; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to clearly communicate the advantages of union membership, including legal support, professional resources, and advocacy for better working conditions and fair compensation; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to identify and train member leaders who can serve as ambassadors for the union, encouraging their peers to join and become active participants; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to leverage social media, email campaigns, and other digital tools to reach potential members and keep current members informed and engaged; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to ensure that all members feel valued and included, promoting a culture of respect, diversity, and solidarity within the union; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of all members, providing recognition for their efforts in strengthening the union; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment and engagement strategies, using feedback from members to continuously improve and adapt approaches; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will continue to prioritize the growth and activism of its membership, recognizing that a united and active union is essential for achieving its goals and advancing the cause of public education.

STRENGTHEN STATEWIDE PROTECTIONS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATOR CASELOAD AND WORKLOAD

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will advocate for and support public education campaigns and legislative and policy-making efforts to develop a sense of urgency, and will work to secure stable funding streams to strengthen statewide protections for special educator caseload and workload, which takes into account both specific caseload numbers based on special educators’ roles and an analysis of workload data from each special educator; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will reaffirm and remain vigilant in maintaining and strengthening statewide protections for special education class size in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT will develop bargaining, organizing, and professional-learning resources and strategies for Locals which empower unions to address the overly burdensome workload demands special educators face in their workplaces; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will encourage our members working on these issues in state universities to develop an Illinois-specific workload analysis tool that would allow for meaningful analysis of special educator workload so that students receive the special education services they deserve and are entitled to according to federal and state law.

SUPPORTING DECARBONIZATION OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES,

HOSPITALS, AND CITY BUILDINGS THROUGH INFLATION REDUCTION ACT FUNDS

RESOLVED, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will encourage all locals to participate in local coalitions and efforts to advance implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to transition their schools, universities, and hospitals to clean energy alternatives; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT and our Locals will pressure Illinois to do more to enable every community to make the energy transition especially by making no-interest loans available for up-front costs for decarbonization for public schools, universities, and hospitals; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT and our Locals will prioritize low-income communities that are, in general, more vulnerable to the predicted ravages of climate change and more likely to experience the high asthma rates associated with burning fossil fuels; and be it further

RESOLVED, the IFT and our Locals will urge and support efforts to ensure our young people engage in robust, meaningful, interdisciplinary climate change and climate justice curricula with the goal of preparing students to participate productively and responsibly in a rapidly changing world, and in emerging green, sustainable professions; and be it finally

RESOLVED, the IFT will advance this work through our internal publications and state-wide communications, paving the way for IFT Locals to join coalitions and organize for cities, towns, counties, and states to support and facilitate the efforts to implement the IRA in our public schools, universities, and hospitals.