Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has been under scrutiny following its recent election, with Illinois Policy Institute experts ready to provide commentary on the matter. In 2024, CTU leaders allocated over $2.8 million towards school board candidates, but only 25% of this investment resulted in victories. This contrasts with the national trend where union-endorsed candidates win 70% of competitive races.

Since the Caucus of Rank-and-file Educators (CORE) took control in 2010, both educators and families have reportedly received diminishing returns from the union. Student proficiency in core subjects like reading and math has declined, enrollment numbers have dropped, and the union's approach has become more politically charged.

Illinois Policy Institute representatives Mailee Smith and Austin Berg are available for further insights on the CTU election.

In financial matters, CTU and its affiliates were prominent supporters of Johnson's campaign, contributing $3.2 million despite his low approval rating of 6%. The union itself had a 29% approval rating as of January 2025. Reverend Robert Jones was the largest beneficiary during school board elections, receiving over $516,000 from CTU but finishing third in his race for the 10th District board seat. Of six races where CTU invested heavily—over $200,000 per candidate—five ended in defeat.

A notable portion of CTU's political expenditures was channeled through entities not directly identified as part of the Chicago Teachers Union to support school board campaigns.

Further information about the Chicago Teachers Union election can be found at illin.is/CTU-board.