Leaders of Illinois’ largest local teachers’ union received swift blowback after their latest push into public politics. Members dissatisfied with the priorities of their union’s leadership deserve to know they have other options.

Not all teachers and support staff at Grayslake Community Consolidated School District 46 want to be on strike. Those who are not members of the union have more options – and more freedom – in deciding whether to walk the picket line.

Teachers in Chicago Public Schools who are not union members cannot be punished for going to work during a union strike.

A teacher strike in Mendota, Illinois has lasted more than a week – but not all teachers in the small community may want to be on strike.

The Chicago Teachers Union walked out on strike Oct. 17, but teachers who are not members of the union have more freedom to decide whether to return to their students.

Chicago Teachers Union has announced a strike authorization vote for Sept. 24 through Sept. 26, but teachers who are not members of the union have more freedom to decide whether to honor the strike.

Educators across the state are exercising their rights, with 12,000 fewer public school employees sending dues or fees to teachers unions today than before the Janus v. AFSCME ruling.

A detailed review of teachers union spending, 2013-2018

More than 6.7% of employees represented by Illinois Federation of Teachers in Illinois are no longer paying dues or fees to the union.

Resigning from the union before the potential upcoming strike can protect teachers from union discipline.