I cannot go back to times when all we were offered at bargaining is pay. CORE has taken the collective voices of members, families, and community and improved our standing in this city. We became and are a voice that requires others to listen.

In 1998, under mayoral control, I started a teaching position as a FTB with a Type 29 temporary bilingual certificate. At the beginning of the second year, I was released on the 20th day due to changing enrollment numbers. The principal made some calls for me, and I was then able to secure a position at another school in Logan Square. I continued there as an FTB until 2005, when I was one of the first group of teachers who could be let go with no reason required.

Our union at the time was under the leadership of Debbie Lynch and she agreed to those terms and as a result I was out of a job. I was in the last year before securing tenure and had to find another position before October 31, 2005, or I would lose the years toward tenure that I had already earned. To that end, I was hired at my current school on October 30.

The relationship I had with union leadership was one of me paying dues and having no voice as to how or what would happen to me or my colleagues. Decisions were made for me, not with me.

The Impact of CORE's Leadership

Fast forward a few years and a new caucus, CORE, is formed and takes over union leadership with Karen Lewis as President. I found a place in my union where diversity of voice mattered. Organizing, political action, building allies in the community, and listening to its members mattered.

I cannot go back to times when all we were offered at bargaining is pay.

CORE has taken the collective voices of members, families, and community and improved our standing in this city. We became and are a voice that requires others to listen.

Under CORE’s leadership:

• Bargaining rights restored
• Pension protections
• Class size provisions
• Bilingual education provisions
• Substantial raises for PSRPs
• For the first time in our history an Elected Representative School Board is on the horizon

"I am proud to say that I AM CORE"

CORE helps us understand that WE (membership) are the union. I am proud to say that I AM CORE and I will stand by this caucus.

Vote for leadership that listens to its members and the communities we serve and fights for the schools we deserve.