IFT

The Illinois Federation of Teachers represents 90,000 men and women who are teachers and paraprofessionals in school districts throughout Illinois, faculty and staff at Illinois' community colleges and universities, public employees under every statewide elected constitutional officer, and retirees.

Share your opinion with AFT Voices today! AFT Voices gives you a chance to share your opinions on the challenges facing working families every day. Read AFT member comments from previous surveys and participate in blogs, polls and other activities.		Show your IFT pride with merchandise from the union’s online store! The IFT offers you the convenience of shopping online for all of your IFT branded apparel and accessories at the IFT online store. From apparel to office supplies to gear, the IFT Online Store is your source for merchandise to display your IFT spirit!
Subscribe today to receive Inside IFT Now it's easier than ever for IFT members to stay informed and involved with Inside IFT, the new electronic publication from your union. Inside IFT is e-mailed every other Tuesday to give you the news you need, including important updates on legislative action, union news and events, professional development tips, member benefits and more.		Last chance to enroll in TRS payroll deduction program Teachers who are using pretax payroll deductions to purchase optional service credit will no longer be able to use that option, according to TRS. The program will be phased out over the next two years, in order to comply with recent IRS rules.


	Recent News & Updates Save the date: Congress Hotel strike five-year anniversary rally is June 12th (May 12, 2008) Nearly five years ago, members of UNITE HERE, Local 1, working at the Congress Hotel in Chicago, went on strike after management decided to freeze wages and slash benefits. Workers there have braved five cold winters on the picket line during the the longest active strike in the country to ensure that hotel jobs in Chicago remain strong for working families. Read the Full Article... Working womans' survey seeks your input on critical election-year questions (May 9, 2008) The AFL-CIO and Working America have launched the 2008 "Ask a Working Woman" on-line survey that will gather critical information that affects not only working women but also their families. The collected information will be passed on to politicians leading in to the fall General Election. Read the Full Article... Benefit Choice Period extended to June 13, 2008 (May 2, 2008) The annual Benefit Choice Period for the Teachers’ Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) participants has been extended through June 13, 2008. Benefit Choice is the time to make changes in TRIP coverage and to enroll yourself and eligible dependents if you have never previously been enrolled. Read the Full Article... IFT members rally in Springfield for Lobby Day (May 1, 2008) Several hundred IFT members made the trip to Springfield on Wednesday, April 30, to deliver the message to legislators that it's time to solve the state's growing fiscal crisis. Read the Full Article... Union Women Summer School coming to St. Louis (April 30, 2008) Expand your union skills and network with union sisters at the 2008 Union Women Summer School, sponsored by the United Association for Labor Education (UALE) in coorperation with the AFL-CIO and CLUW. Read the Full Article...


	Legislative Updates Week ending May 9, 2008 During a rather slow week at the State Capitol, the Senate passed legislation requiring higher education institutions to establish certain policies with regard to campus security. Week ending May 2, 2008 Week ending April 18, 2008 Week ending April 11, 2008 Week ending April 4, 2008


Union Leadership Institute (ULI) Most Valued Profession (MVP) Educational Research and Dissemination (ER&D) GSU Cooperating Teacher Initiative Induction & Mentoring Program


Issues and Answers Activities Study Aids Internet Resources


Teachers PreK-12 PSRP Higher Education Public Employees Retirees Student Chapters Health Care


Legislative Updates Legislative Tracker IFT On The Issues Pensions Legislative Platform Get Involved Election 2008


Member News Press Releases Insight Labor News News Archives


IFT Directory Leadership Membership Benefits Calendar Resolutions Scholarships Job Postings Links

Upcoming Events

Regina V. Polk Womens Leadership Conference

(May 15-18, 2008)

Pheasant Run Resort
St. Charles, Ill.

High School Challenge Conference

(June 16-17, 2008)

Bloomington, Ill.

AFT Convention

(July 11-13, 2008)

Navy Pier
Chicago, Ill.

IFT PSRP Conference

(Oct. 10-11, 2008)

Crowne Plaza Hotel
Springfield, Ill.