HOUSE OF DELEGATES SPEAK LOUDLY!
Chicago Teachers Union’s Supreme Governing Body overwhelmingly supported a recommendation from Active Teacher Pension Candidate Pamela Touras, to overturn the action of the CTU’s Executive Board and endorse all candidates.
Pamela Touras' Speech:
Good Evening Delegates! My name is Pam Touras, and I have been an upper grade teacher at McPherson Elementary School for the last 22 years.
I hold two master’s degrees and I’m currently working on a third. I have been a delegate in this House for over 7 years and have never missed a single meeting! I mention this because when taking on a responsibility, I take it very seriously.
One of my proudest moments occurred in this very House of Delegates. Last year, I led a constitutional process that required the former union leadership to hold the first ever CTU Presidential Candidates’ Debate held exclusively for us, the elected delegates of this supreme governing body. It brought the views of all five candidates to the forefront. Many here today call it the best House Meeting of all time. That’s how much I believe in fair play.
I have held many different positions in our City-Wide Chicago Teachers Union Organizational Structure. I am currently the Chairperson of the CTU’s Professional Problems Committee, again constitutionally responsible for obtaining and prioritizing demands from the School Based Contract Committees being formed throughout the city. I have also been appointed and currently hold positions on the Executive Board, and Rules and Elections Committee. In the September House Meeting, President Lewis made it known that I will be an appointment to the Extended School Day Advisory Committee spearheaded by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Schools Chief Jean-Claude Brizard.
An understanding of diversified investment strategies, the legislative process, and collaborative efforts can make the difference between a good pension fund trustee and a great one. Saying NO, NO, NO, has gotten us nowhere as of late. I firmly believe good working relationships are built on diplomacy, positive demeanor, and at times, good simple common sense.
But make no mistake about it; I will fight for us emphatically if impasse or fast track legislation in Springfield is imminent. We need to make these teacher bashers understand the history of our fund as well as the language in the Illinois Constitution that protects it, and stop them dead in their tracks. PERIOD!
Delegates, this is not the first time I’ve talked about our retirement security. As an Officer Candidate, I had said, and I quote, “Board Policies and Legislative Actions jeopardized the security that once ensured teaching professionals a full pension at retirement.” I was concerned about it then, and I’m more concerned about it now. That’s why I’ve decided to run for this very important position.
I firmly believe that no one internal union caucus should have absolute control in any area of the CTU, especially the pension fund, were we must protect the well-being of our entire constituency.
Finally, I would like to add that all the candidates participating in this election are Delegates in this House, and should be respected as unionists. With that being said, I am requesting that this House of Delegates either endorse ALL candidates, or refrain from endorsing any at all. We should not attempt to divide this union any further by pitting members against each other, for ANY reason. In the spirit of fairness, I implore you to reverse Monday’s Executive Board decision and stop this ridiculous infighting!
I ask you kindly, to look at my material closely, and promote me, Pamela Touras to teachers in your building. Use your vote for me, so I can provide the Pension Board with ideas that revolve around what I believe are the mainstream views.
I’m hoping for your support. Thank you.
The School Employee Alliance (S.E.A.) is proud to announce the decision to run Pamela C. Touras in the 2011 Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund (CTPF) Election.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Pamela C. Touras
Active Teacher Member
For the last 22 years, Pamela Touras has been an upper grade teacher at McPherson Elementary School on Chicago’s northwest side. Ms. Touras has two master’s degrees, one in Counseling and another in Curriculum and Instruction. She is currently working on a third Master’s in Educational Leadership. Ms. Touras has held almost every educator role a teacher can have. As a School Union Delegate, Local School Council Teacher Representative, Professional Problems Committee and PPLC Chairperson, Ms. Touras regularly coordinates with all of her school community’s stakeholders.One of Pamela Touras’ greatest accomplishments was the creation of the School Employee Alliance (S.E.A.), a political caucus within the Chicago Teachers Union. In April of 2010, the S.E.A. was solely responsible for the first ever CTU Presidential Candidate Debate/Forum held exclusively for the 700 elected delegates of the Chicago Public Schools. Ms. Touras used a constitutional process that brought the views and positions of the five candidates to the forefront. Today, Ms. Touras still chairs the S.E.A. and continues to run on their platform.
Ms. Touras has held many different positions in the City-Wide Chicago Teachers Union Organizational Structure. She is currently the Chairperson of the CTU Professional Problems Committee, responsible for obtaining and prioritizing up to 100 demands from the school based contract committees being formed throughout our city. She has also been appointed and currently holds positions on the CTU Executive Board and Rules and Elections Committee. In the September House of Delegates Meeting, President Lewis made it known that Ms. Touras will be an appointment to the Extended School Day Advisory Committee spearheaded by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Schools Chief Jean-Claude Brizard.
With your support, Ms. Touras will attempt to utilize the resources she has developed over the last decade to create common ground by encouraging respectful negotiations and diplomacy with all elected and appointed pension trustees.
The School Employee Alliance (S.E.A.) is proud to announce the decision to run Pamela C. Touras in the 2011 Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund (CTPF) Election.
- The looming pension crisis needs all members of the CTPF Board of Trustees working together towards the mission of protecting our retirement fund.
- An Independent voice is needed, with the intent to exercise diplomacy, bridge building, and a strong working relationship with CPS Appointed, Active, and Retired Pension Trustees.
- No one internal union caucus should have absolute control or power in any area of the CTU. A multi-caucused union will always share a free and open exchange of different views to properly represent our diverse membership.
- Historically, any legislative changes regarding the Pension Fund were done with mutual agreement between the CTU, CPS, and CTPF. This is no longer true due to the strained relationship between Mayor Emanuel, the Chicago Teachers Union, and the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund.
- 6 Active Teacher Members
- 3 Retiree Members
- 2 CPS Appointments
- 1 Active Principal Representative
