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I am a proud math teacher and chess coach at Ella Flagg Young Elementary School in Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
It is with a sense of urgency and heavy heart that I shed light on the deeply disturbing situation affecting the underprivileged students in my care.
In January, despite facing my own health issues and financial hardships, I took the plunge and purchased airline tickets for 10 of my students.
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These tickets were intended to provide an opportunity to participate in the prestigious 2024 National K-8 Chess Championship, to be held in Atlanta from May 9th to 12th. The trip was supposed to be a celebration of their hard work and dedication to chess.
Chicago’s after-school chess club helps keep students out of the city during dangerous hours. (Dave M. Bennett/Getty Images)
However, my students’ dreams were dashed by some unscrupulous union members within CPS who spread lies and fabrications to undermine me and prevent my students from competing.
Despite our efforts and the overwhelming support we received from generous donors and the United States Chess Federation, CPS inexplicably refused to allow my students to compete.
Over the years, some of my actions and positions have been contrary to union policy and have made some people around town uncomfortable. I don’t want to think about it, but if this situation is a means of retaliation against me and I’m using these talented students to do so, then I think so.
These students, many of whom come from low-income families or foster care, demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication to the game of chess. They have proven themselves time and again and achieved remarkable success in local and international tournaments.
Just recently, they represented our school in Canada, won, and took home the 1st and 3rd place trophies, making history as the first “non-Canadians” to win a Canadian tournament. I did.
The decision to deny them this opportunity is not only unfair, but also contrary to the spirit of inclusion and equity that we strive to uphold in our education system. My students, regardless of their socio-economic background, deserve the opportunity to demonstrate their talent and compete on the national stage.
I have no animosity towards the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) as an organization, but I do not hold any hostility toward the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) as an organization, but I do not support individuals who use the union for their own selfish ends, especially those who use the plight of children as a bargaining chip in internal disputes. I strongly disagree with the individual.
Children should not be used as pawns in adult conflicts or used to advance personal interests.
There are countless avenues to challenge authority and advocate for change without compromising student well-being and educational opportunities. Our most important duty as educators is to be there for our students, to nurture them, and to provide them with unwavering support. Throughout my career, I have approached my role as a teacher through this lens.
In 2006, when I heard the shocking news that one of my young students had been murdered on the streets of Chicago, I realized that children are most exposed to violence during the critical school hours between 3pm and 6pm. I was faced with the harsh reality of the time zone. Out of a sense of responsibility to protect my students, I took drastic action. An after-school chess club was established to provide a safe haven for students outside of school hours.
From the beginning, my mission went beyond simply teaching chess as a strategy game. The mission became to save lives.
Despite the challenges, my chess champions have incredible discipline, untapped potential, and ambitions to become leaders on the world stage in the future. Unfortunately, their families do not have the financial means to support tournament participation or travel opportunities. This national event is therefore funded by a donor whose donation for such purposes has been approved by his CPS Gifts, Grants and Endowments Department.
As an educator, I have always believed in championing the dreams and aspirations of my students. I have seen firsthand the transformative power of providing equal opportunities to all students, regardless of their circumstances.
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That’s why I wrote a letter to CPS leadership and begged them to let the students compete, but they ignored my pleas. It is not the students’ fault that there is friction between adults. The principal at my school also recognized this great opportunity and supported this trip.
Unfortunately, her boss, the network director, was duped by three unscrupulous Chicago Teachers Union members who spread lies and fabrications at the expense of the children. It is shameful that children will have to suffer again.
From the beginning, my mission went beyond simply teaching chess as a strategy game. The mission became to save lives.
Through their participation in this championship in Atlanta, my students have the potential to inspire others with their dedication and perseverance and leave a lasting impact within and beyond their school community.
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I ask you to stand with me in defending the rights of underprivileged children.
Together, we will spotlight the incredible potential within every child and compete in the 2024 National K-8 Chess Championship in Atlanta, May 9-12. We can support students’ efforts to
