# BFT LOCAL 434

> Belleville Federation of Teachers represents all Local 434 union members, including teachers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, counselors, nurses, librarians, and social workers who work and teach in Belleville High School District 201.

## Pages
- [BFT LOCAL 434](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/)
- [Aaron Kremmel Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/aaron-kremmel-bio)
- [About](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/about)
- [Annette Whitaker Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/annette-whitaker-bio)
- [Ashley Mims Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/ashley-mims-bio)
- [A Seat at the Table](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/blog): Belleville Federation of Teachers Local 434 blog.
- [Brandon Hentze Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/brandon-hentze-bio)
- [Crystal Paulik Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/crystal-paulik-bio)
- [Cyndi Oberle-Dahm Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/cyndi-oberle-dahm-bio)
- [Documents](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/documents)
- [Edwyn Brown Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/edwyn-brown-bio)
- [Executive Board](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/executive-board)
- [FAQ's](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/faqs)
- [Financial](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/financial)
- [For Members](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/for-members)
- [Giving](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/giving)
- [Health & Wellness Clinic](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/health--wellness-clinic)
- [How Unions Work](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/how-unions-work)
- [Jeff West Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/jeff-west-bio)
- [Jonathan Thurston Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/jonathan-thurston-bio)
- [Kaitlynn Buettner Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/kaitlynn-buettner-bio)
- [Karen Chism Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/karen-chism-bio)
- [Kris Stephens Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/kris-stephens-bio)
- [Kyla Kloever Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/kyla-kloever-bio)
- [Lannette Story Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/lannette-story-bio)
- [Michael Olson Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/leigh-reidelberger-bio)
- [Liz de la Torre Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/liz-de-la-torre-bio)
- [Marcus Barriger Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/marcus-barriger-bio)
- [Michelle Watts Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/michelle-watts-bio)
- [Newsletter](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/newsletter)
- [Scholarship Application](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/scholarship-application)
- [Scholarship Information](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/scholarship-information)
- [Tanya McGrew Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/tanya-mcgrew-bio)
- [Thomas Gallaher Bio](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/thomas-gallaher-bio)
- [Trauma Informed Newsletters](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/trauma-informed-newsletters)

## Blog Posts
- [Local 434 Leaders Represent Members at the 2026 AFT Convention](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-leaders-represent-members-at-the-2026-aft-convention)
- [Local 434 in Action: Celebrating Teaching, Learning, and Leadership – May 2026](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-in-action-celebrating-teaching-learning-and-leadership-may-2026)
- [BFT Local 434 Supports Students at St. Clair County's Back-to-School Event](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/bft-local-434-supports-students-at-st-clair-countys-back-to-school-event)
- [BFT Local 434 Members Advocate for Public Education at Springfield Lobby Day](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/bft-local-434-members-advocate-for-public-education-at-springfield-lobby-day)
- [BFT Local 434 Celebrates Retirees and Career Milestones](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/bft-local-434-celebrates-retirees-and-career-milestones)
- [Fully Fund Our Schools: District 201 Deserves What Was Promised](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/fully-fund-our-schools-district-201-deserves-what-was-promised)
- [Local 434 Members Show Support at May Day Rally](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-members-show-support-at-may-day-rally)
- [Celebrating the Dedication of Local 434 Members](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/celebrating-the-dedication-of-local-434-members)
- [Growing Our Commitment to Trauma-Informed Schools](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/growing-our-commitment-to-trauma-informed-schools)
- [Local 434 Members Advocate for PSRP Unemployment Equity](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-members-advocate-for-psrp-unemployment-equity)
- [Local 434 Leaders Continue Building Skills Through IFT Training](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-leaders-continue-building-skills-through-ift-training)
- [Local 434 Advocates for Fully Funded Schools](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-advocates-for-fully-funded-schools)
- [Local 434 Members Advocate for Fully Funded Schools at the State Capitol](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-members-advocate-for-fully-funded-schools-at-the-state-capitol)
- [Full Funding Fridays: Local 434 Members Stand Together for the Future of Public Education](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-members-stand-together-for-the-future-of-public-education)
- [Local 434 Supports the Lancer Family Food Drive: Coming together to support students, families, and our community](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-supports-the-lancer-family-food-drive-coming-together-to-support-students-families-and-our-community)
- [Local 434 Members Represent Educators at the IFT Convention: Standing together to strengthen public education across Illinois](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-members-represent-educators-at-the-ift-convention-standing-together-to-strengthen-public-education-across-illinois)
- [A Message from Our President](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/a-message-from-our-president)
- [A Message from Our President](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/a-message-from-our-president-SJUtr)
- [Right to Work Fact Sheet from the AFL-CIO](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/right-to-work-fact-sheet-from-the-afl-cio)
- [A Message from the President](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/a-message-from-the-president)
- [RIF Update](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/rif-update)
- [High Finance with Hentze](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/high-finance-with-hentze)
- [Funds Available for National Board Certification!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/funds-available-for-national-board-certification)
- [High Finance with Hentze:](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/high-finance-with-hentze-siein)
- [West Students Celebrate Shakespeare's Birthday!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/west-students-celebrate-shakespeares-birthday)
- [News and Updates from the Most Recent District 201 Board Meeting ](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/news-and-updates-from-the-most-recent-district-201-board-meeting)
- [Attention: Members of Belleville Federation of Teachers Local 434](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/attention-members-of-belleville-federation-of-teachers-local-434)
- [Illinois Supreme Court Rules Pension-gutting Law Unconstitutional](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/illinois-supreme-court-rules-pension-gutting-law-unconstitutional)
- [The House Really Didn't Like Rauner's Right-to-Work Proposal](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/the-house-really-didnt-like-rauners-right-to-work-proposal)
- [Gettin' a little professional development on this summer!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/gettin-a-little-professional-development-on-this-summer)
- [Community members express their concerns at the most recent board meeting:](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/community-members-express-their-concerns-at-the-most-recent-board-meeting)
- [Finally, some good news for public education!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/finally-some-good-news-for-public-education)
- [We'll be giving a little back to the community during the annual Belleville Helping Belleville day, and you can too! ](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/well-be-giving-a-little-back-to-the-community-during-the-annual-belleville-helping-belleville-day-and-you-can-too)
- [Happy Labor Day!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/happy-labor-day)
- [High Finance with Hentze](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/high-finance-with-hentze-EbPKo)
- [A Message from our President to the East St. Louis Federation of Teachers](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/a-message-from-our-president-to-the-east-st-louis-federation-of-teachers)
- [High Finance with Hentze](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/high-finance-with-hentze-GrfDs)
- [Scholarships Available for Children of Current and Former IFT Members!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/scholarships-available-for-children-of-current-and-former-ift-members)
- [Dr. Hentze's High Finance](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/dr-hentzes-high-finance)
- [Are you as smart as you'll ever be? The answer might surprise you...](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/are-you-as-smart-as-youll-ever-be-the-answer-might-surprise-you)
- [Free Work-site Leadership Training and Internship Opportunities:](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/free-work-site-leadership-training-and-internship-opportunities)
- [Belleville West Teacher Recipient of Rogan Leadership Award](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/belleville-west-teacher-recipient-of-rogan-leadership-award)
- [Dr. Hentze's High Finance](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/dr-hentzes-high-finance-x3QBH)
- [Remembering Chyriell Drain-Hill](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/remembering-chyriell-drain-hill)
- [Here's to another 80 years!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/heres-to-another-80-years)
- [Congratulations Local #434 Retirees!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/congratulations-local-434-retirees)
- [Fellow Educator Running for State Rep. in District 112!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/fellow-educator-running-for-state-rep-in-district-112)
- [Upcoming Labor Rally](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/upcoming-labor-rally)
- [Dr. Hentze's High Finance](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/dr-hentzes-high-finance-osKP2)
- [Our Vision](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/our-vision)
- [Right to Work Laws Explained](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/right-to-work-laws-explained)
- [Looking out for you!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/looking-out-for-you)
- [All about ALEC, the influential and powerful group lobbying to dismantle public education and workers' rights...](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/all-about-alec-the-influential-and-powerful-group-lobbying-to-dismantle-public-education-and-workers-rights)
- [Thanks for the Support!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/thanks-for-the-support)
- [Want to be a teacher when you grow up? Apply for our scholarship and you could earn $1000 to help pay for college!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/want-to-be-a-teacher-when-you-grow-up-apply-for-our-scholarship-and-you-could-earn-1000-to-help-pay-for-college)
- [Involve all stakeholders in educational reforms](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/involve-all-stakeholders-in-educational-reforms)
- [Dr. Hentze's High Finance](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/dr-hentzes-high-finance-PujXK)
- [May 09th, 2017](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/may-09th-2017)
- [Congressional Candidate Brendan Kelly Addresses the Membership of Belleville Federation of Teachers (AFT/IFT Local 434)](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/congressional-candidate-brendan-kelly-addresses-the-membership-of-belleville-federation-of-teachers-aftift-local-434)
- [Dr. Hentze's High Finance](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/dr-hentzes-high-finance-DmLd0)
- [Changes to the Illinois Pension Code](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/changes-to-the-illinois-pension-code)
- [News from IFT on the Janus Case](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/news-from-ift-on-the-janus-case)
- [Will the Fair-Tax Amendment Tax Retirement Income?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/will-the-fair-tax-amendment-tax-retirement-income)
- [Belleville Federation of Teachers Local 434 Stands Against Racism](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/belleville-federation-of-teachers-local-434-stands-against-racism)
- [WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU'RE IN TROUBLE](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/what-to-do-if-you-think-youre-in-trouble)
- [What does your union do?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/what-does-your-union-do)
- [What to do if you know you're in trouble:](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/what-to-do-if-you-know-youre-in-trouble)
- [The Constitution and Bylaws](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/the-constitution-and-bylaws)
- [Do unions protect bad teachers?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/do-unions-protect-bad-teachers)
- [Who should represent you, and how?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/who-should-represent-you-and-how)
- [The Executive Board](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/the-executive-board)
- [What are the rights of non-tenured teachers?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/what-are-the-rights-of-non-tenured-teachers)
- [What Is Progressive Discipline?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/what-is-progressive-discipline)
- [What Is Prior Notice](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/what-is-prior-notice)
- [Can Unions Discipline Their Own Members?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/can-unions-discipline-their-own-members)
- [What Are Just Cause Standards?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/what-are-just-cause-standards)
- [Can I File A Grievance Against A Fellow Union Member?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/can-i-file-a-grievance-against-a-fellow-union-member)
- [What Is Substantial Evidence?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/what-is-substantial-evidence)
- [Why Unions Engage in Politics](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/why-unions-engage-in-politics)
- [What Is Recent Enforcement?](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/what-is-recent-enforcement)
- [Contractual Clock Hours and Teaching](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/contractual-clock-hours-and-teaching)
- [School Board Elections](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/school-board-elections)
- [Union Leadership Institute: Building and Sustaining Power](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/union-leadership-institute-building-and-sustaining-power)
- [Union Response to Students' Stress and Trauma](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/union-response-to-students-stress-and-trauma)
- [SWAC Meeting](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/swac-meeting)
- [PSRP Conference](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/psrp-conference)
- [Letter from the President](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/letter-from-the-president)
- [Labor Day Parade 2023](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/labor-day-parade-2023)
- [2024 Local 434 Scholarship Recipients](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/2024-local-434-scholarship-recipients)
- [Congratulations 2024 Retirees!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/congratulations-2024-retirees)
- [Giving Back: Moms on a Mission Back to School Carnival](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/giving-back-moms-on-a-mission-back-to-school-carnival)
- [Southwestern IL Central Labor Council Awards Dinner](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/southwestern-il-central-labor-council-awards-dinner)
- [Labor Day Parade 2024](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/labor-day-parade-2024)
- [The Scariest Costumes of All...](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/the-scariest-costumes-of-all)
- [Members Attend Springfield Rally: Fix Tier 2!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/members-attend-springfield-rally-fix-tier-2)
- [Local 434 Member Addresses Legislators at Town Hall regarding Tier 2](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-member-addresses-legislators-at-town-hall-regarding-tier-2)
- [Local 434 Teachers Meet with Rep. Budzinski to Share Concerns about Closing the Department of Education](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-teachers-meet-with-rep-budzinski-to-share-concerns-about-closing-the-department-of-education)
- [Members Attend Union Leadership Institutes](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/members-attend-union-leadership-institutes)
- [No Cuts to the Department of Education!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/no-cuts-to-the-department-of-education)
- [CNN Interviews Local 434 Member Lisa Quandt](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/cnn-interviews-local-434-member-lisa-quandt)
- [Local 434 Members Complete Trauma-Informed Training](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-members-complete-trauma-informed-training)
- [Union Solidarity: Supporting Edwardsville Teachers](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/union-solidarity-supporting-edwardsville-teachers)
- [Newly Elected Executive Board](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/newly-elected-executive-board)
- [2025 Scholarship Recipients](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/2025-scholarship-recipients)
- [Local 434 Teachers Recognized at ISBE's 'Those Who Excel' Awards](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-teachers-recognized-at-isbes-those-who-excel-awards)
- [Spring Party Success!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/spring-party-success)
- [Recognizing our Retirees and Marking Years of Service](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/recognizing-our-retirees-and-marking-years-of-service)
- [Speaking with Governor Pritzker about Teir 2 Retirement](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/speaking-with-governor-pritzker-about-teir-2-retirement)
- [Marching in the 2025 Labor Day Parade!](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/marching-in-the-2025-labor-day-parade)
- [Union Blue in Support of Cahokia Federation of Teachers](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/union-blue-in-support-of-cahokia-federation-of-teachers)
- [Local 434 Stands in Solidarity with West Frankfort Teachers](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/local-434-stands-in-solidarity-with-west-frankfort-teachers)
- [Fighting for Fair Funding: Our Students Deserve Better](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/fighting-for-fair-funding-our-students-deserve-better)
- [Celebrating Our Collective Impact: Strong Public Participation at the Latest Board Meeting](https://www.bellevillefederationofteachers.org/p/celebrating-our-collective-impact-strong-public-participation-at-the-latest-board-meeting)