The Illinois Federation of Teachers represents 95,000 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.

Recent News & Updates

Helping students Go Green
Grassroots environmental program works to create Go Green schools
(June 30,2009)
The Go Green Initiative is a simple, comprehensive program designed to create a culture of environmental responsibility on school campuses across the nation.
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When labor's anthem is sung, are you ready to sing along?
Words to "Solidarity Forever" now posted on IFT website
(June 30, 2009)
The song "Solidarity Forever" is a tradition at labor events. Most people know the refrain - Solidarity forever, for the union makes us strong - but not everyone knows the verses. Here are the words to the famous labor song.
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ISBE lists programs for possible 50 percent cuts
General State Aid, mandated categoricals spared budget axe
(June 22,2009)
Nearly 50 education programs administered by the Illinois State Board of Edcuation (ISBE) face cuts of up to half their funding for Fiscal Year 2010 under doomsday budget plans announced by ISBE at its meeting in Springfield last week. Higher education was spared similar cuts due to an infusion of federal stimulus money.
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Students can help students figure out the stock market

NYSE challenges students to develop new ways to teach their peers

(June 19, 2009)
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Financial Future Challenge is looking to students to come up with new ways to teach their peers about managing money, investing in the stock market and other financial matters.
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IFT members elected to SURS Board of Trustees
(June 18, 2009)
Two IFT members were among six individuals elected to the State Universities Retirement System Board of Trustees who will begin their terms on July 2, 2009.
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Latest Headlines

Legislative Updates

July 2,2009
The continuing struggle to reach agreeement on a state budget continues into July. Gov. Pat Quinn has vetoed one budget bill, and the General Assembly will return to Springfield July 14.

Upcoming Events

Great Lakes Union Leadership Institute (ULI)
(Aug. 2-6, 2009)
Lake Lawn Resort
Delevan, Wis.