Karen Lewis, former president of the Chicago Teachers Union, dies at age 67

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

Lewis, 67, served as union president until he left office in 2018, with Jesse Sharkey as his replacement.

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, advocating for students, his families and the communities in which he lives.For his term as president of the Chicago Teachers Union, he was the architect of the current struggle for educational justice.As a spokesman, I cannot tell you the inspiration he had from his leadership and his vulnerability as he navigated the treacherous terrain of Chicago politics.I can’t count how many times we’ve shared tears over the plight of students and people who have been marginalized for years, or the suffering of laughter because of their “Karen was my home. She swayed. Our city has lost a great voice. I send my sincere condolences to your loved ones, friends and the 25,000 members of the CTU. memory kingdom for every day that comes and may he find rest in the bosom of God. “

Lewis was elected president of the CTU in 2010 and led the union during the 2012 strike. Before becoming president, she taught chemistry in high school 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 at a time when he was considering running for mayor. He returned to work after treatment, but had a stroke in 2017.

In a statement on Twitter. former mayor Rahm Emanuel said: “Karen Lewis was a tireless and tough advocate for public education and the children of Chicago, who was never afraid to fight for what she believed in. Although we often found ourselves on different sides of the debate, I grew to have a huge respect for Karen and our regular conversations were an advantage for me and for the city of Chicago. May her memory be a blessing. “

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

Senate President Don Harmon issued a statement saying, “I loved Karen’s friendship and mentoring and I will always be better for it. She was an amazing person, a devoted teacher, champion of the professional educator and leader. expert.It was unique, dedicated to the challenge and change of lives and communities.We are indebted to her service and leadership, for which she will be remembered and always lost.

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