Illinois Teachers Union President Receives Significant Pay Raise Amidst Low Reading Scores

Stacy Davis Gates, the president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), has reportedly received a $70,000 annual pay increase, bringing her combined salary to $445,000. This raise, approved by the IFT Executive Board, elevates her IFT compensation from $180,000 to $250,000 annually, in addition to her existing salary as president of the Chicago Teachers Union. The development has drawn criticism, particularly as only 30% of fourth graders in Illinois are reported to be proficient in reading.