Why Are Black Families Leaving Chicago? Maybe They Can’t Afford to Wait for Better Schools.

My hometown of Chicago has touted itself as a progressive city for many years. We’ve stood firm in our position as a sanctuary city and…

I’m a Teacher and I Don’t Want Your Blind Support. I Want You to Challenge Me.

I am a teacher. I care about my students and work really hard. I have spent my entire 14-year career working in urban schools, and…

Here’s What Students Stand to Gain From the Chicago Teachers Strike

On Wednesday, the Chicago Teachers Union’s (CTU) House of Delegates approved a tentative agreement in a tight vote. The CTU deal includes good pay and holds the line…

Will You Still Care About Our Kids When the Teachers’ Strike Ends?

My friend and esteemed colleague, Chris Stewart, often asks, “How are the children?” Well, according to Jasmine Lane’s tweet thread asking rhetorical questions like, “How…

We Can Support Our Teachers and Still Call B.S. on This Chicago Strike

You know what? It’s a real shame that people can’t seem to separate politics from public service. Because if one more person comes on one…

Teachers Are Rightfully Demanding Better for Themselves, But What Are They Bringing to the Table?

Behold, the Chicago model of educator noisemaking has gone national, and now public school teachers have emerged as an indomitable political force using loud, large,…

When Enrollment Is Declining, Let Communities Decide Next Steps for Schools

Urban school systems all over the Northeast and Midwest are facing declining enrollment and struggle with the challenge of downsizing without shortchanging students’ education. Unfortunately,…

Our Students Need Every Educator to Speak Up to Ensure DeVos Hears Our Support for Restorative Justice

In my decade in Chicago Public Schools as a social worker and currently as a behavioral health specialist, I’ve learned a great education goes beyond…

In Chicago, Charter Schools Are Helping the ‘Underdog’ Kids Get to College

If you’re an underdog kind of kid in Chicago, and you want to go to college and graduate, your chances of success are better now…

This Is What It’s Gonna Take to Get More Chicago Kids All the Way to College Graduation

New studies on college enrollment and completion in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) show signs of progress. But there’s work yet to do to ensure Chicago’s…