Karen Lewis, former Chicago Teachers Union president, dies at 67

CHICAGO (WLS) – Former Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis has died, sources confirm to ABC7.

Lewis, 67, was the union president until her resignation in 2018, with Jesse Sharkey replacing her.

Former CTU spokeswoman Stephanie Gadlin said in a statement: “The nation has lost a true champion. Karen Lewis was one of the most powerful and prolific voices in public education, defending students, their families and the communities they live in. In her tenure as president of the Chicago Teachers Union, she was the architect of today’s fight for educational justice. spokesperson, I can’t tell you how inspired I was by her leadership as well as her vulnerability as she navigated the treacherous terrain of Chicago politics. I can’t count how many times we have shared tears over the plight of students and marginalized people for years, or the bursts of laughter from her biting sense of humor. Karen was my home girl. She rocked. Our town has lost a great deal. voice. I extend my sincere condolences s to family and friends and to the 25,000 CTU members. May her memory reign for all days to come and may she find rest in the bosom of God. “

Lewis was elected CTU president in 2010 and led the union during the 2012 strike. Before becoming president, she taught high school chemistry for 22 years in Chicago public schools. Lewis also attended CPS schools as a child.

Lewis was diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancer in 2014 when she was considering running for mayor. She returned to work after the treatment but suffered a stroke in 2017.

In a statement on Twitter. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, “Karen Lewis was a staunch and tireless champion of Chicago’s public education and children, one who was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. While we were often on different sides of the debate, I grew up having tremendous respect for Karen and our regular conversations have been of benefit to me and to the city of Chicago. May his memory be a blessing “

Mayor Lori Lightfoot also offered her condolences on Twitter, saying: “Amy and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Karen Lewis. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, relatives, friends and CTU family during this extremely difficult period. “

Senate Speaker Don Harmon released a statement saying, “I cherish Karen’s friendship and mentorship and will always be better for it. She was an amazing person, a dedicated teacher, a champion of the educator. professional and skilled leader, at her heart for stimulating and changing lives and communities.

The video for this story is taken from a previous report