Educators for Excellence-Chicago Responds to the Passing of Former Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis

February 8 (Chicago)— Educators for Excellence-Chicago (E4E-Chicago), a teacher-led organization, responded today to the untimely passing of former Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Karen Lewis. Lewis had battled glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, since 2014. 

Having taught for over 20 years before being elected as CTU president in 2010, Lewis centered her life around education, student success and upholding educator rights in order to continue elevating the teaching profession. 

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Karen Lewis,” said Stacy Moore, Executive Director of E4E-Chicago. “She brought passion and purpose to the CTU, inspired thousands of Chicago teachers, and became a model for other progressive union leaders. As Chicago Public Schools and the CTU stand on the precipice of reaching an agreement around school reopening, let’s strive to uphold Karen’s legacy of championing teachers’ rights while also prioritizing equity across our city.”

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