Stacy Davis Gates, the president of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), has been elected to lead the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), marking a significant transition in the union’s leadership. The announcement came on October 14, 2023, as part of a new leadership slate designed to represent the diverse educational landscape of Illinois.
In her new role, Davis Gates emphasized the importance of inclusivity and representation within the union. She stated, “Our members chose a slate that represents every aspect of our state, every part of a students’ educational journey.” This reflects her commitment to addressing the educational needs of all students, regardless of their geographical location in Illinois.
Davis Gates has been an influential figure in the CTU since taking on the presidency in 2022. Previously serving as the executive vice president for the IFT, she has been an advocate for equitable educational resources. In her statement, she highlighted the struggles faced by students, saying, “The belly of a child who just had their one hot meal a day cut from school budgets rumbles the same, whether that young person is on the southside of Chicago or in Cahokia.”
Leadership Transition and Legacy
The election also marks the end of an era under former IFT President Dan Montgomery, who led the union for 15 years. Davis Gates acknowledged Montgomery’s contributions, stating, “Dan leaves behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and principled leadership. He helped make IFT a powerful force for justice in Illinois.” His tenure has been characterized by efforts to enhance educators’ rights and improve the overall quality of education across the state.
Alongside Davis Gates, the IFT elected several other key officers. Cyndi Oberle-Dahm, the president of the Southwest Area Council (SWAC), will serve as the Executive Vice President. Pankaj Sharma, president of the North Suburban Teachers Union Local 1274, has been appointed Secretary-Treasurer, while John Miller, president of the University Professional of Illinois Local 4100, will take on the role of Membership Secretary. This new leadership team is expected to drive initiatives aimed at enhancing educational equity and fulfilling commitments made by politicians to support students across Illinois.
As Davis Gates and her team step into their new roles, they face the challenge of addressing longstanding educational inequities and advocating for the needs of teachers and students alike. The IFT under her leadership aims to unite educators from all corners of the state to ensure that every student receives a quality education and access to necessary resources.
The election of this new leadership slate represents a pivotal moment for the IFT and sets the stage for a renewed focus on the educational challenges facing Illinois.
