Union Partnerships

Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

The concept of Chicago Talent was borne out of a survey of SEIU Local 73 members, back in 2007. In that survey, members identified educational opportunities as the primary issue—outside of their jobs—for the Local 73 to address. Behind the leadership of Christine Boardman, Talib Din-Ziyad, and Matt Brandon, the Local 73 became the active agent in creating a design team to submit Chicago Talent’s successful proposal to the Chicago Public Schools in 2008. SEIU’s fast-growing Local 73 also organized significant numbers of parents and community members to attend public meetings in order to show their support for the school, and the Local 73 continues to contribute to the school’s mission, aiding with recruitment and enrollment, as well as by sponsoring events designed to show appreciation and foster school community. SEIU Illinois Council President Tom Balanoff currently serves as Secretary of the Union Park Board of Directors.

The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT)

The IFT played a central role in creating the original proposal to Chicago Public Schools to open Chicago Talent, and continues to support the school, lending its experience leading research-based, job-embedded professional development, as well as by assisting in developing an induction and mentoring program, and providing ongoing training to mentors in their support role to new teachers. The expertise provided by IFT is an invaluable asset to Chicago Talent faculty and staff.

IFT President Ed Geppert Jr. serves as President of the Union Park Board of Directors. Education Issues Director Carlene Lutz serves as an active member of the school’s design team.

Chicago Teachers Union (CTU)

As the CTU’s professional development arm, the CTU Quest Center contributes important expertise to Chicago Talent. The Quest Center aids in developing innovative teacher compensation and evaluation strategies, as well as in coordinating development initiatives, planning conferences, and facilitating school improvement efforts.

Dr. Connee Fitch-Blanks, who helped found the CTU Quest Center in 1992, currently serves as Treasurer of the Union Park Board of Directors.