Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), received a substantial pay increase while concerns persist about Illinois students’ reading proficiency. The IFT Executive Board approved increasing her annual salary from $180,000 to $250,000, according to a report by NBC Chicago on October 29. This is in addition to her salary as president of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), amounting to nearly $195,000. Combining these roles, her total annual compensation now rises to approximately $445,000.
Criticism arose from the Illinois Policy Institute, a free-market think tank, regarding this decision. Mailee Smith, the institute’s vice president of policy and litigation, highlighted that the CTU allocates more money to its operations than to representing teachers. Only 19% of CTU’s spending reportedly goes toward teacher representation. Smith emphasized that the raise reflects priorities diverted away from member service.
The disparity between Davis Gates’ earnings and classroom teachers’ salaries also sparked concerns. Smith noted that teachers seek support and representation, areas not addressed by a 39% salary increase for union leadership. The average Illinois teacher earns significantly less than Davis Gates’ combined salary of $445,000.
The decision to raise her pay arrives as Illinois schools contend with scrutiny over student performance in reading and math. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 30% of Illinois fourth graders achieved reading proficiency, with 33% of eighth graders doing so at the same level. Chicago Public Schools reflected similar trends, with only 23% of fourth graders reaching NAEP Proficient in reading.
Additionally, the Illinois Policy Institute reported that 46% of Chicago Public Schools students in grades three through eight met reading proficiency standards for the 2025-2026 school year. Among 11th graders taking the ACT, 44% were proficient in reading, and 28% in math.
Critics, including Smith, argue that leadership is failing to prioritize classroom needs effectively. She cited Davis Gates’ advocacy for fairness while managing her financial obligations and selecting private schooling for her child. The CTU also drew criticism for its engagement in political initiatives while students struggled academically.
Chicago Public Schools did not respond to requests for comment regarding district testing results.
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