CCH supports the Chicago Teachers Union, its stand on issues affecting homeless students

Students coping with homelessness need strong and stable schools with adequate support services.  During the 2011/2012 school year, the Chicago Public Schools served 17,255 homeless students — children and teens whose hardships had them living doubled-up with others, or in shelters, motels and other temporary housing situations. 

Chicago teachers are asking for contract provisions that would help more homeless students succeed, including:

  • Homeless students need access to social workers and psychologists. The current ratio of students to social workers in Chicago’s schools is about 1,000 to 1.
  • All children, including homeless students, need smaller class sizes to get the individual attention that each pupil deserves.
  • Homeless students need CPS to invest in improving neighborhood schools instead of shutting them down.  CCH has represented many homeless students whose schools were closed down, only to be transferred to another struggling school that was closed a year or two later.

If you want to show your support for homeless students and the Chicago Teachers Union, email Mayor Emanuel today.  Ask him to end the strike by giving students and teachers what they need to build stronger schools for children throughout Chicago.