CHICAGO — The Illinois Federation of Teachers has announced that Stacy Davis Gates, the current President of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), will take the helm of the state’s teachers’ union organization. Her appointment was made public on Saturday, marking a significant transition in leadership.

Elected as part of a comprehensive new leadership slate, Davis Gates expressed that this group embodies a commitment to representing every region of Illinois and every phase of a student’s educational journey. She emphasized the importance of inclusivity and advocacy in education.

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Since stepping into her role as CTU president in 2022, Davis Gates has also served as the executive vice president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for educational equity to her new position.

In a statement, Davis Gates highlighted the universal challenges faced by students across the state. “The belly of a child who just had their one hot meal a day cut from school budgets rumbles the same, whether that young person is on the South Side of Chicago or in Cahokia,” she remarked. She underscored the slate’s dedication to ensuring that promises made by politicians in Springfield are fulfilled in every school district across Illinois.

For further insights, you can explore related developments such as the recent tentative deal between the CTU and Chicago Public Schools, which was approved by the House of Delegates.

Former IFT President Dan Montgomery led the union for 15 years.

“Dan leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and principled leadership. He helped make IFT a powerful force for justice in Illinois,” Davis Gates said in a statement.

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The union has also elected other leadership officers, including IFT Secretary-Treasurer and Southwest Area Council (SWAC) President Cyndi Oberle-Dahm as Executive Vice President, President of the North Suburban Teachers Union Local 1274 Pankaj Sharma as Secretary-Treasurer, and President of the University Professional of Illinois (UPI) Local 4100 John Miller as Membership Secretary.

SEE ALSO | Group of teachers aims to oust CTU President Stacy Davis Gates, shake up leadership