Fresh Start Chicago TAP Nurturing Teacher Leadership - National Board CertificationQuest CoursesChicago State CoursesQuest Center Staff

Message from the Quest Center coordinator

Professional Development is Union Work! Teaching is a complex, demanding profession -- cognitively and physically. No one knows that better than those who are involved in the daily task of educating children. Given the importance of teacher quality in improving student achievement, teacher training has emerged as an important tool in improving education.

Chicago Teachers Union members agree that the overall quality of the teacher workforce in Chicago is very good. We further agree with the public that weak or incompetent practitioners threaten the reputation of our profession and the quality of education that our students receive.  The role of the Chicago Teachers Union Quest Center is to promote efficacy and excellence in classroom practice that lead to school improvement. We do this by exposing our members to the newest research-based principles, strategies, and practices that have been proven to enhance teaching and learning.

Our venues for continuous professional learning are built on the premise that workshops, seminars, courses, and conferences should be rigorous yet convenient to our members. I invite you to peruse our web pages for our current city-wide professional offerings. If you can’t find what you and your students need, e-mail us and we will be happy to custom design support for you and your school.  We believe that all children can be successful…no exceptions, with the expert help of Chicago Teachers Union members.

Celebrating its fifteenth anniversary in 2007, the Chicago Teachers Union Quest Center was launched with a generous grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The CTU Quest Center has been instrumental in supporting teachers and paraprofessionals in the dialogue and debate on the transformation of Chicago's public schools.

Mission

To Build and sustain a community of Union professional learning opportunities that will enhance members' knowledge and skills in "Best Practices;" to foster staff effectiveness in implementing comprehensive school reform; and to nurture teacher leadership in order to improve student performance.

Vision

To strengthen the Chicago Teachers Union through professional development.

Functions

The CTU Quest Center serves as a citywide catalyst for improving the quality of teaching and learning by

• encouraging, developing and nurturing teacher leadership and collaboration;
  
  
• facilitating implementation of comprehensive school reform;
  
  
• promoting Board/Union partnerships which result in improved student achievement;
  
  
• and fostering dissemination of cutting-edge research and information.

"Dr. Connee" R.
Fitch-Blanks,
Quest Center Coordinator