Union Works 

Engage, Educate, Empower: The Heart of our Union
BFT Teachers' Council Vice President Thomas Gallaher shares good news with the school board and district administration.

Local 434 in Action: Celebrating Teaching, Learning, and Leadership – May 2026

May gave us countless reminders of the incredible work happening across District 201 and the impact our educators have on students every day.


This month highlighted hands-on learning, student achievement, and meaningful connections both inside and outside the classroom. Students built dog houses for community organizations, earned awards in theater, cooking, science, and athletics, explored future careers through apprenticeships and alumni connections, and participated in learning experiences that extended far beyond classroom walls.


We also celebrated the strong sense of community that exists across our schools. From Teacher Appreciation Week and Mental Health Awareness activities to the Life Skills Spring Dance and collaborative events across campuses, our staff continued creating spaces where students feel supported, valued, and inspired.


These stories reflect more than accomplishments — they reflect the dedication, creativity, and commitment of Local 434 members who go above and beyond for students every day.


Thank you to everyone who continues to share the amazing work happening in our schools. Together, we continue telling the story of the positive impact our members make each day. Take a look at May's Good News here!

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At our March 16th board meeting, Ashley Mims highlighted the incredible work happening across our schools during public participation.
Submissions from across our campuses highlighted so many meaningful examples of student success, creativity, and collaboration that we’ve even saved a few to kick off next month!

Several board members specifically mentioned how much they appreciated hearing about the positive things happening for our students. They are eager to continue hearing these stories moving forward. In addition, we had the opportunity to share this month’s highlights with the BND education reporter, helping to amplify the great work happening in our classrooms even further.

Together, we are telling a powerful story about our schools, one that reflects dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to students. Let’s keep that story going. Please take a look at this month's collection of good news!
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Earlier this month, Cyndi Oberle-Dahm took the floor before the Illinois State Board of Education with a clear message: it’s time to keep the promise and fully fund our schools.

The Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act, passed in 2017, promised to prioritize under-resourced districts, but that promise remains unfulfilled. The state set a goal of reaching 90% adequacy by 2027, yet funding is far from that target. Without new, sustainable state revenue, local communities will continue to shoulder the cost of educating students and maintaining safe, effective school spaces. Every student deserves the resources to thrive, and every educator deserves the tools to make that possible.

Standing alongside Cyndi, who served as IFT Secretary-Treasurer at the time, were countless educators and union members united in the fight to ensure our schools receive every dollar our students, staff, and communities deserve.

We will continue to advocate until Illinois schools are fully and fairly funded, because when we fight together, we win together. 
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Local 434 is proudly standing in solidarity with the West Frankfort Local 817 Teachers as they continue their fight for a fair contract. Members wore local union shirts and held signs in support and recognition of the reasonable requests and concessions West Frankfort teachers have made, as well as their unwavering commitment to what’s best for students.

Local 434 affirms that their fight is our fight, and they stand alongside West Frankfort educators in support and solidarity every step of the way.
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Our halls across all three campuses were filled with 💙UNION BLUE💙 as Local 434 stood proudly in solidarity with the Cahokia Federation of Teachers (CFT).

CFT has been working without a contract for over a month, yet they remain committed to advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and the resources students need to succeed. Their fight isn’t just theirs: it’s a fight that resonates with educators across the region, including Local 434.
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Our members recognize the reasonable requests and concessions made by Cahokia teachers and stand firmly beside them. This show of solidarity highlights the strength of our union community and the power of standing together for fair treatment and respect.

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Today, Local 434 President Ashley Mims and Vice President Thomas Gallaher spoke directly with Governor Pritzker about the urgent need to fix Tier 2 retirement, sharing how delays in addressing this issue continue to discourage new educators from entering the profession and contribute to experienced educators leaving. Local leaders and members of SWAC (Southwest Area Council) attended, including Cyndi Oberle-Dahm—SWAC President, IFT Secretary-Treasurer, and Local 434 Past President.

While today’s event with Governor JB Pritzker focused on highlighting exciting investments in the Metro East — including the new Advanced Manufacturing Academy at SWIC and regional infrastructure improvements — leaders from Belleville Federation of Teachers Local 434 seized the opportunity to address Tier 2 inequality.

​Local 434 remains committed to advocating for fair retirement benefits while celebrating positive progress for our region.
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Congratulations to our Local 434 retirees—your impact on students, families, and colleagues will be felt for years to come. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to education and to our union.
We also recognized members celebrating milestones in their careers—from year 1 to year 30. Every chapter in this profession matters, and we’re proud to celebrate each one. 
Below are photos of just a few of our recognized members for years of service!
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What a great way to kick off summer! More than 150 Local 434 members from all three councils—teachers, aides, and our amazing administrative assistants—gathered at TR’s to celebrate the start of break with food, drinks, and camaraderie. We’re grateful for this time together and the strong community we’ve built!
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Congratulations to Local 434 members Kayla Hosier and Teagan Gross! 

Two Belleville West teachers were recently honored by the Illinois State Board of Education through its prestigious Those Who Excel awards program.

Kayla Hosier, Spanish teacher, received a Special Recognition for Early Educators—an award honoring excellence within the first three years of teaching. Kayla’s passion, talent, and dedication have made a meaningful impact on her students and school community, and her colleagues, families, and administrators have taken notice!

Teagan Gross, Individualized Education teacher, was awarded the Award of Excellence—the highest honor given in the program. Teagan exemplifies what it means to be an educator: committed to equity, deeply collaborative, and constantly working to build a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Her work continues to inspire students, families, and fellow educators alike.

We are proud to have these outstanding educators in our Local 434 family. Congratulations, Kayla and Teagan!
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Congratulations to our Local 434 scholarship recipients, Ellie Doolittle and Adela Gagen!
Ellie will attend Illinois College to study elementary education, and Adela will head to McKendree University to pursue physical education. Both were inspired by their mothers’ careers in teaching and are committed to giving back through education. We’re proud to support the next generation of educators!
Strength in unity, power in solidarity.


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Editor:

Lannette Story
Local 434 Teachers' Council Secretary. Educator in District #201 since 2012.

Contributors:

Lucas Spriggs
Lucas Spriggs is the author of the Union Works newsletter, which includes posts in three series: "Get Organized," "Get Represented," and "Get Informed."

​Ashley Mims
Local 434 Teachers' Council President, former Secretary/PR Chair. Educator in District #201 since 2011.