l nkU N I O N

The waning days of summer are quickly approaching, and soon it will be time for students and many IFT members to go “back to school.” It’s both an exciting and stressful time, no matter what work you do in our schools. But whether you are an educator, bus driver, secretary, cafeteria worker, teacher aide or other essential school professional – one thing is certain: helping kids learn is a challenging job and one you cannot do alone.

Education professionals know better than anyone that everyone in children’s lives must work together to help them succeed at school and reach their poten-tials. The beginning of a new school year is the perfect time to reach out to parents

to forge positive working relationships that benefit students. One great way to do that is by offering parents resources that can help them enhance their child’s abilities and play an active role in their learning.

That’s why the IFT developed Illinois Kids First, an online portal offering a wide-variety of education and health information for parents. From useful articles about helping kids with homework to nutritious school lunches to internet safety, Illinois Kids First is a terrific resource for parents. It’s also a great tool for educators and other school professionals who want to encourage parental involvement. Start the school year off on the right foot! Tell parents and colleagues about illinoiskidsfirst.org to help build strong partnerships and enhance student success.

7 Power ForwardFollow IFT convention activities with these convenient electronic options

4 Common CoreRead how one IFT local took the initiative on Common Core standards

5 First BookSign up with First Book to get new books for children in your community

6 Celebrate PSRP DayOn November 20, recognize the important work of PSRPs

Connecting you to your union, because together we are stronger.

SUMMER 2013

Helping Kids

Start the school year off on the right foot! Tell parents and colleagues about illinoiskidsfirst.org to help build strong partnerships and enhance student success.

Succeed(and Parents)

For those of us who work in schools, this time of year feels like New Year’s does for the rest of the world. We feel exuberant and expectant of good things, hopeful and a bit nervous. And what a year this promises to be. From North Chicago to East St. Louis to Quincy, our locals and members are facing a set of problems unseen before: Ongoing

layoffs, “restructuring,” RIFs, the perversions and abuses of SB7, the continued reign of a testing regime that is crushing the life from our schools and classrooms, the impending requirements of the Common Core standards. And for all of us, we still face the morass of an unsolved pension funding “crisis.” The real crisis is the twin maladies of persistent underfunding of the systems by state politicians and the refusal of those same politicos to defend the Illinois Constitution on our behalf.

Despite these grim realities, I am heart-ened by our prospects. The economy is showing some new life. In most places, we have seen the layoffs end. And, most importantly, our union is stronger than ever. We had three locals show their power last year in the ultimate step of a work stoppage. On its own, this does

younger members, and we will bring a cadre of such folks to our convention to hear their perspective about our union.

All of this is in addition to the massive campaign in defense of our pensions, our legislative work to pass laws that help you, your professions, and the people you serve so ably every day, and the day-to-day contract and servicing support that you know we do so well.

So, despite the challenges thrown in our path, our union is strong and getting stronger every day. I can’t wait to see so many of you at our convention in October where we will celebrate our strength, learn together, and set the direction of our union for the next three years. Thanks for all you do, and I wish you a great start to the new year and a wonderful Labor Day!

In solidarity,

Despite the challenges thrown in our path, our union is strong and getting stronger every day.

Union Link is published four times a year by the Illinois Federation of Teachers. 500 Oakmont Lane, Westmont, IL 60559.

Phone: 630/468-4080www.ift-aft.org

Daniel J. MontgomeryPresidentChief Operating Officer

Karen GJ LewisExecutive Vice President

Marcia K. CampbellSecretary-Treasurer

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Union Link, 500 Oakmont Lane, Westmont, IL 60559.

MEMBERS: To change your address, notify your local union treasurer.

Aviva BowenDirector of Communications

Beth CamplainArt Director

Dave ComerfordMedia Director

Amy Excell-BaileyPublications Director

GOING GREEN:Union Link is printed on recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and printed with environmentally- friendly soy-based inks.

© 2013 ILLINOIS FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, AFT, AFL-CIO

not prove our strength, but it does show determination and reflects the deep level of our collective frustration with the attacks on us and our professions. Those who took the ultimate step last year did so to defend the basic tenets of a public school system, the cornerstone of our democracy. Over the last year and a half, the IFT has been focused on four main strategic responses to our toxic public environ-ment: reclaiming the promise of public education and excellent public services; working toward a fairer economy; forging strong alliances with partners outside our union; and, engaging younger members in new ways. These efforts are making us a far more effective and powerful union.

We launched a survey on the Common Core to which 4,000 members responded. We have community engagement pilots in place in five locals (and counting) where our members are working hand-in-hand with local allies, striving to make their unions and communities stronger. We are developing training for our members to help them better understand the realities of today’s economy and the massive gap between the haves and have-nots. The IFT is also a main sponsor of the A Better Illinois coalition working for fair taxation, government accountability, and a stronger middle class. We are investing in development of younger members like never before. The IFT Executive Board has approved the formation of a Constituency Council specifically for

New School Year Brings New OpportunitiesDaniel J. MontgomeryPresident

OUR PATH FORWARD

EmailDanI’d love to hear from you! Send your thoughts about Labor Day or anything else on your mind to me at emaildan@ift-aft.org.

UNION LINK | SUMMER 2013 3

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND

E-mail comments and suggestions to us at UnionLink@ift-aft.org, or send letters to Union Link, P.O. Box 390, Westmont, IL 60559. Please include your full name, address, and e-mail.

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With the 2013 Convention just around the corner, IFT members should be aware of some important rules and procedures regarding delegate and alternate credentialing.

All challenges to the credentials of delegates and alternate delegates to the 2013 IFT Convention shall be adjudicated as follows:

Learn. ift-aft.org

Find out about a variety of education and union topics. Get workplace tips, professional development resources, member benefits information and more.

Participate.facebook.com/iftaft

“Like” us on Facebook to stay informed and engaged. Find interesting news, post comments, and share with your network.

Tweet.twitter.com/iftaft

Follow IFT on Twitter. We tweet updates and post thoughts frequently, so join the conversation!

Take Action.ift-aft.org/iftactioncenter

Get involved! Participate in IFT action campaigns and make your voice heard on current legislative issues.

!IFT CONVENTION

DELEGATE & ALTERNATE CREDENTIAL CHALLENGES

POWER FORWARD

IFT

October 18-20, 2013 InterContinental Chicago O’Hare

Pursuant to Article VIII, Section 3 of the IFT Constitution, all delegates’ and alternate delegates’ credentials as indicated on the Election Certification Report (ECR) must be submitted to the credentials committee 14 days prior to the beginning date of the convention. Such credentials must therefore be submitted and received prior to 5:00 p.m. CST, October 4, 2013. The completed ECR should be addressed to the IFT credentials committee. The e-mail address is drichmond@ift-aft.org.

The credentials so submitted, the names of all delegates and alternate delegates with their ranking shall be posted by local number on the IFT website, ift-aft.org, no later than 5:00 p.m. CST on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Any challenge to the credentials of any delegate or alternate delegate must be submitted to and received by the credentials committee no later than 5:00 p.m. CST, Friday, October 11, 2013. The challenges should be addressed to David Richmond, staff liaison to the credentials committee, and may be submitted only by mail, e-mail or personal delivery. The mailing address is 500 Oakmont Lane, Westmont, IL 60559 and the e-mail address is drichmond@ift-aft.org. The challenge must state the name(s) of the

delegate(s) and/or alternate delegate(s) being challenged and the basis for each such challenge. All supporting material for the challenge(s) must be submitted with the challenge.

Challenged delegates and alternates shall receive notice of the challenge, including the names of the challenger(s), the basis for the challenge and copies of all supporting documentation.

The credentials committee will hear properly submitted challenges on Friday, October 18, 2013 at the convention hotel commencing at 2:00 p.m. CST. The place and approximate schedule shall be available at the hotel. Challenger(s), challenged delegate(s), alternate delegate(s) and their witnesses may appear at that time and place. If there are multiple challenges to the same delegate(s) and/or alternate delegate(s), the challengers shall designate one person to represent them. If multiple delegate(s) and/or alternate delegate(s) are subject to the same challenge, the challenged delegate(s) and/or alternate delegate(s) shall designate one person to represent them. An individual who is not a member of the IFT may not represent either the challenger(s) or challenged delegate(s) or alternate delegate(s).

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?Questions about the delegate and alternate process above should be directed to Dave Richmond at 217/352-4854 or convention@ift-aft.org. Any additional questions about the 2013 Convention should be directed to Debbie Brazzale at 630/468-4080 or via e-mail to dbrazzale@ift-aft.org.

UNION LINK | SUMMER 20134

Winning Campaign Engages

Communityin the Common Core

MoreCCSSVisit committothecore.org for more CCSS information and resources.

~ QFT President Valarie Bordenkircher

For the second year in a row, the Quincy Federation of Teachers (QFT), Local 809, has been recognized for doing what educators do best – advocating for students and the community. The QFT was recently awarded a second AFT Innovation Fund grant for their ongoing efforts to ensure successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Quincy public schools.

The AFT Innovation Fund, an initiative launched by the national union in 2009, rewards teacher-driven collaborative efforts to improve public education. Local 809’s CCSS campaign is one of 25 ground-breaking projects that have been funded to date.

Since Illinois adopted the standards in 2010, Quincy schools and the local have been preparing for their implementation. They reviewed the standards, revised their curriculum, conducted gap analyses, and trained teachers. But everyone involved recognized that CCSS could not be effective unless teachers, schools, parents and businesses worked together. “You’ve heard it takes a village; in public school systems, it takes a whole community to educate students,” said Valarie Bordenkircher, QFT president. “We knew that if the com-munity understood the standards and what we were doing, that would benefit our students.”

After unsuccessfully applying for the AFT grant in 2009 and 2010, the local decided to give it another try in 2012, this time with a plan to engage the community around the CCSS. The AFT recognized the importance and creativity of their plan and awarded the local a $75,000 grant.

They began by conducting trainings at pre-schools and daycares, equipping early childhood educators with the knowledge and skills needed to make sure students flourish under the new standards from Day 1. Next, they began to educate the public by hosting community forums and talks with parents, local groups, and lawmakers. “Community involvement was the goal, but I think it has exceeded our expectations,” said Marilyn Smith, local member and project manager. “We just have had a really great response to everything that we’ve done.”

To reinforce their success and ensure widespread community awareness of the standards, the local used grant funds to develop Public Service Announcements for local television and radio stations, as well as informational posters that they displayed in public spaces, from libraries to local businesses.

Energized and eager to continue their success, the QFT applied for the AFT grant again this year. In June, they were awarded nearly $77,000 to take their efforts to the next level. The local and QPS plan to establish “Parent Institutes” in each of their seven schools, where teachers show parents how to support and enhance their child’s learning.

Although the local’s plan was originally designed for Quincy, they have expanded it to help others benefit. With support from the IFT, QFT and their partners launched committothecore.com, a website that provides helpful CCSS information and resources for teachers, parents, and the public. “This program is not just for Quincy, it’s about helping students everywhere thrive,” insisted Bordenkircher. “We want other communities to be able to benefit from what we have learned so their kids will, too.”

“You’ve heard it takes a

village; in public school

systems, it takes a whole

community to educate

students ...We knew that

if the community understood

the standards and what we

were doing, that would

benefit our students.”

UNION LINK | SUMMER 2013 5

October is National Anti-Bullying Month and an opportunity for the IFT, local

unions, and members to speak out against this serious problem impacting children and teens.

To highlight the issue and help teachers and school staff educate kids about bullying, IFT developed a unique campaign, “Join Hands to Stop Bullying,” that was inspired by kids, for kids, and features the ideas and artwork of Julie Harris’ fifth-grade class at Kruse Education Center in Orland Park, ILL, the 2012 winners of the IFT Student Marketing Challenge competition.

Inspired by the children’s artwork and slogans, a variety of anti-bullying resources are available free of charge to IFT members statewide. Materials include educational posters, bookmarks,

coloring and activity sheets for young kids, social media graphics for sharing, and a printed anti-bullying pledge for students of all ages to sign as a show of their commitment to “Join Hands to Stop Bullying.”

Use these colorful materials in your school or classroom to raise bullying awareness and signal to students that they are not alone, school is a safe haven, and they can turn to their educators for help dealing with bullying or harassment. Visit illinoiskidsfirst.org for additional anti-bullying resources and information.

ToOrder

IFT Locals “Join Hands to Stop Bullying”

Send your request to btwillie@ift-aft.org. Please specify grade level, quantity, and any special delivery instructions.

Readers Today. Leaders Tomorrow.Sign up with First Book to get new books for children in your community!

SignUpRegister at register.firstbook.org. When signing up, be sure to indicate your affiliation with IFT to stay informed about special opportunities.

Members of the Illinois Federation of Teachers are addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy — access to books. In partnership with IFT, First Book is committed to ensuring that community providers, educators, and all those working with our youngest leaders – our children – are well prepared and supported.

If you work in a school, communityprogram, library, or a publicfacility in an under-resourcedcommunity, sign up with First Book to get free and low-cost books for children in your area.

GRAZIE

Danke

Merci

Gracias

Dzieki

Cheers

Tack

Toa Chie

UNION LINK | SUMMER 20136

On this special day – and every day – consider doing something special to acknowledge the challenging and important work of teaching assistants, clerical professionals, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, security personnel and other PSRPs who make a difference for students every day. Talk to your colleagues, family and friends and ask them to do the same.

In 2006, the third Wednesday of each November was declared by our state to be “PSRP Day in Illinois” to recog-nize the more than 100,000 dedicated PSRPs who provide essential services in classrooms, offices, cafeterias, school buses and more.

On November 20, please join IFT in extending your appreciation to our PSRP colleagues across Illinois for their commitment to excellence and dedication to those they serve!

CELEBRATE

ON NOVEMBER 20PSRPs

Say “thank you” to the PSRPs at your workplace, child’s school, or wher-

ever you go. Offer a card or small gift of appreciation to PSRPs with whom

you or your child work directly.

PSRPs: Arrange a special union event, such as a rally or reception.

If your local or council does not represent PSRPs, invite neighboring

locals with PSRPs to help you organize the event.

Parents: Talk to your school’s PTA or other parent groups about PSRP Day.

Ask them to sponsor a PSRP appreciation event, such as a breakfast

or other function, on November 20.

tips1

Teachers: Have your students create a “thank you” poster, card,

or other artwork for the PSRPs in your classroom or building.

3Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or online news outlet about PSRP Day in Illinois and the important

work PSRPs do across the state.

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54 MoreTipsVisit ift-aft.org to learn more about PSRP Day.

For more creative ways to say “thanks” follow Illinois Kids First on Pinterest.

Here are a few suggestions about simple ways you can let PSRPs know that you respect and appreciate

the critical work they do. Be creative!

appreciation

UNION LINK | SUMMER 2013 7

The IFT’s triennial convention is approaching fast, and final planning is under-way for a great event full of inspiring speakers, informative union leadership and professional development workshops, and fun entertainment. But if you won’t be in attendance from October 18-20, 2013 in Rosemont, you can still take advantage of all IFT Convention 2013 has to offer. Help the union — and your profession —“Power Forward!”

Your Electronic Ticket to IFT Convention

Union members who wish to redirect the portion ($20) of their 2013-14 IFT per capita dues that might be used for contributions to political candidates may do so using the following process:Obtain a numbered IFT redirection request form from your local president. (Only original numbered forms will be accepted. No photocopies.)Fill out the form and return it to your local president. The president will certify (sign) the form to indicate your membership is in good standing in your local and mail your form to the IFT.You may designate your redirection to one of the following Executive Board-approved alternative, non-political expenditures:

Carl J. Megel Special Education ScholarshipAn IFT-sponsored scholarship awarded annually to a special education student.

Jesse White Tumbling Team Scholars ProgramThe Jesse White Tumblers is a nationally known team of young acrobats that was founded in 1959 by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. The Tumblers are children ages six and up residing in Chicago’s inner city housing projects. It serves as a juvenile delinquency prevention program; team members are required to abide by strict rules, which include staying in school, maintaining more than a C average and staying away from gangs and drugs. Over 10,000 children have participated in the program.

IFT Robert G. Porter ScholarshipThe union offers two $6,000 scholarships annually to the children of IFT members who are high school seniors and will be enrolled in an Illinois public university. Winning students receive $1,500 per year for four years.

IFT Union Professional Development ProgramThe union’s newest program designed to provide quality, accessible professional development opportunities for all IFT members.Your redirection of the $20 COPE (Committee on Political Education) portion of IFT dues will be good for the current dues year only and is not retroactive. You may reapply each year between Sept. 1-30. Redirection for agency fee payers (non-members) is automatic.

Dues Redirection Notice

It’s easy! Follow convention activities via your smartphone, tablet or computer with these convenient options:

POWER FORWARD

IFT

2013 IFT CONVENTIONOctober 18-20 InterContinental Chicago O’Hare

Follow @iftaft and read updatesfrom the convention floor at #IFTPowerForward

“Like” us on Facebook at iftaft.org/facebook for news and information you can share with friends and colleagues.

Visit Convention 2013 on our homepage at ift-aft.org for a daily roundup of convention happenings.

Illinois Federation of TeachersP.O. Box 390Westmont, IL 60559

Non-ProfitU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit no. 40

OAK BROOK, IL

CONNECTING YOU TO YOUR UNION, BECAUSE TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER.

l nkU N I O NLABOR DAY

September 2, 2013

For more information about Labor Day

events and activities throughout Illinois visit

ilafl-cio.org/events

IFT CONVENTION

October 18-20, 2013 InterContinental Chicago O’Hare

Rosemont, IL

For more convention information visit

ift-aft.org/convention

ILLINOIS FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

UPCOMING EVENTS

YES TO TAX FAIRNESS!

The way Illinois taxes personal income isn’t fair. The middle class and small businesses pay more than the rich and corporate CEOs. It’s not a new problem,

but it’s an increasingly urgent one.

IFT is working with the A Better Illinois coalition to explore the best ways to help Illinois get its priorities straight. A Better Illinois means fairness, government accountability, and a place where

the middle class and small businesses can grow and thrive.

Join us in this important fight! Sign on to say YES to A Better Illinois.

Join the conversation: ABetterIllinois.org • facebook.com/ABetterIllinois