Chicago Teachers Union leaders fought members, a Congressional inquiry and a potential U.S. Department of Labor investigation over audits. Now we know why.

Just 10 cents of every dollar the National Education Association spent in 2025 was on representing teachers. Politics and contributions took nearly four times that amount.

Just 17% of the union’s spending in 2025 was on representing teachers. But it spent a record-breaking amount on politics and paid many staffers over $100K.

The Chicago Teachers Union's secrecy and potential financial shenanigans have drawn the attention of the U.S. Congress. 

Union accounting shows just 36% of its spending was on representing teachers in 2025, while it spent more than $41 million on politics.

Chicago Teachers Union members were encouraged to skip class to lobby state lawmakers during the veto session. Politics over student learning, at taxpayers’ expense.

Stacy Davis Gates brought controversy, conflict to the Chicago Teachers Union. With her as their president, Illinois Federation of Teachers members can expect the same.

Questionable spending plus the union’s refusal to release required annual audits should concern members.

The Chicago Teachers Union president demands the “wealthy” pay their fair share but doesn’t apply that same principle to herself.