IL Federation of Teachers

Dolores Huerta began as a teacher who couldn't accept her students coming to school hungry, so she became an organizer and changed history. Today we mourn a giant of the labor movement and a true friend to working people everywhere. 💙 ➡️ Statement:

One week until Election Day. 🗳️ Your vote is your voice. Make it count! Find your polling place, early voting info, and IFT-endorsed candidates 👉 #IFTVotes #1u

We need you tomorrow, October 27. Join our coalition partners in calling on Governor Pritzker to reject the federal voucher program and keep public dollars in public schools.

Remember this? 📣 Last May, IFT members filled the Capitol and made sure Springfield heard us loud and clear. Our work isn't done. We're heading back for veto session, and we need you there. 🗓️ Nov. 18 + Dec. 2 | Springfield Sign up for a Lobby Day 👉

New merch just dropped. 👕✨ Solidarity looks good on you. Four new tees: Fighting for a Better Life for All, Solidarity, I ❤️ My Union, and United by Labor. Shop now 👉 #1u #UnionStrong #IFTAFT

IFT leaders joined East St. Louis FT Local 1220 at Lincoln Middle School to hear how budget cuts are hurting students. It’s happening across Illinois. Join us in Springfield Nov. 18 to tell lawmakers your story. 💙 Sign up: #FullFunding #IFTstrong

Students in social work, early childhood ed, counseling & paraprofessional programs could lose federal aid under Trump's new earnings test. IL can't sit this out: @GovPritzker & the General Assembly must invest in our public universities. 🔗

The Trump administration just released rules for its national private school voucher program, and IFT President Stacy Davis Gates is calling on Gov. Pritzker to say no. 🔗 in bio.

The Illinois Federation of Teachers stands with the family of Nolan Wells. Our hearts are with his loved ones, his school community, and everyone who is grieving him. We join them in demanding answers, accountability, and justice for Nolan.

In one week, the Trump administration ended 50+ school desegregation cases and stripped Title IX protections from LGBTQIA students. IFT President Stacy Davis Gates says we won't accept the retreat. Our contracts will be a shield for our students. 🔗

Why wait for Nov. 3? Early voting opens today across Illinois. Pick the day that works for your schedule. More voter information:

96% YES. ✊ With nearly 1,300 ballots cast, @CCCTU_Local1600 have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. Their contracts expired July 15, and after months at the table, they're still far apart from management. We stand with CCCTU:

Today is National Voter Registration Day! Your vote is your voice in the classroom and beyond so make sure you are registered. 🗳️ But, if life gets busy, remember: in Illinois you can register in-person right up to and even on Election Day, November 3.

Hispanic Heritage Month begins today. IFT honors the generations of Hispanic and Latino workers who have shaped public education and the labor movement in Illinois. We recommit to fighting alongside our Hispanic and Latino members for equity in every school.

75% of Illinois students are now in critically underfunded schools, up from 70% last year. That means crumbling buildings, larger classes, and fewer support services for kids who deserve better. Has underfunding hit your classroom? Tell us in the comments. 👇

"Name racism when we see it. Confront it. Address it head-on." — IFT President Stacy Davis Gates Read the full statement: 🔗 in bio

"This isn't tax policy. It is coercion." IFT President Stacy Davis Gates responds to Trump's proposal targeting the tax-exempt status of colleges with equity programs for students of color. Full statement at

Illinois promised its kids a fair shot at a good education, no matter their zip code. Nearly 8 years later, that promise is still unfunded and schools are feeling it. Hear from an IFT member on what Evidence-Based Funding was supposed to do and how it's falling short.

Congrats to Dr. Troy Swanson — IFT Executive Board member, now 2026 Illinois Academic Librarian of the Year. 🎉 His work defending human expertise in the classroom is paying off statewide.

Welcome back to the classroom! 🍎 Level up your teaching this fall — save 25% on select Quest Center PD courses with code WELCOMEBACK25. Offer ends 9/1, so don't wait. Full catalog ➡️