Kipp Dawson, a teacher in Pittsburgh, reflects on the lessons of the Chicago strike for teachers everywhere:
This strike, and the democratic and solidarity-packed way the CTU led it, has transformed ALL teachers EVERYWHERE from powerless to having now a sense of how to become powerful. Eyes on what our children need, involvement in the communities in which they live to support their struggles and have the communities see us as part of what they are struggling for, democratic functioning which aims to have ALL members feel and become leaders, clear messages (“The Schools Chicago’s Children Deserve” and a great Facebook campaign), and people “at the top” who are not looking for personal glory but who truly truly represent their membership. WE CAN DO THIS!!!

Karen Lewis and her team were truly inspirational. In Chicago, so much of public life seems to be covered in ooze. Labor unions certainly have not been exempt in the past, but Karen has brought out the best in people. No back room deals with this union leadership!
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Thank you to Chicago’s parents and teachers and to Karen Lewis for getting up and standing up for our rights to a public education that truly leaves no child behind.
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