Chicago Reporter (https://www.chicagoreporter.com/author/catalystchicago/)
Thousands of Chicago Teachers Union members took to the streets on April 1 for a one-day strike. Meanwhile, school district officials insist the strike was illegal and are seeking an injunction to prevent future actions of this kind.
Welcome to a Catalyst Classroom Story Slam, where educators took the stage to share their experiences, insights and feelings about their work. Catalyst produced three slams as part of our year-long, 25th anniversary community engagement campaign. Watch performances from the final slam, held on June 19, the last day of school in Chicago.
James Bebley and Aarti Dhupelia are leaving CPS Central Office; several of new CEO Forrest Claypool’s hires have been officially approved.
Robin Steans leaves Advance Illinois to focus on her family’s foundation, while Cornelia Grumman moves from the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute to the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Two CPS deputy chiefs are being promoted to network chiefs and several principals are changing schools.
Chicago teacher Michelle Gunderson used to look forward to her weekly training sessions about how to work with struggling readers. But since a mandatory seven-hour school day was put in place, she and other teachers are under pressure to spend more time in front of students — and have had to abandon training sessions.
Liz Dozier, the Fenger High School principal who had a featured role in the “Chicagoland” series, is leaving CPS at the end of the summer.
Gov. Bruce Rauner has selected co-chairs of the Early Learning Council and has appointed new members to the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board.
Sara Stoelinga has been appointed director of the University of Chicago Urban Education Institute. She will oversee all aspects of UEI, which combines research, practice and policy to improve pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education for children in urban schools across the country. Stoelinga succeeds Timothy Knowles, who has been appointed Pritzker director of UChicago Urban Labs.
Beth Purvis has been named education czar as part of Governor Bruce Rauner’s transition team. Purvis was the former chief executive officer of Chicago International Charter School. No replacement has been named at this time. Be a part of Comings and Goings. Send items to Catalyst Community Editor Vicki Jones: vjones@catalyst-chicago.org