Chicago Teachers Rally Together To Strike!

After the Chicago Teachers Union announced its walkout Sunday night, Mayor Rahm Emanuel characterized the move as “a strike of choice. And it’s the wrong choice for our children.” The mayor made the comments at Maranatha Church, one of the 59 faith-based organizations that is serving as a “Safe Haven” for students. Even though he praised faith leaders and parents for stepping in to fill the gap (making safe places for kids to be during the school day), Emanuel said “the safest place and the right place for children is in the classroom.” The strike is the first in 25 years, and negotiations hinge on two remaining issues: a new teacher evaluation system and principals’ ability to get rid of teachers, Emanuel argued.