Kobe, KD and Steph all respected TA By Joey McDermott AKA Da Teacher It was the summer of 2004 and I was out with friends. A late night...

When did you know you were grown? As a high school teacher, teenagers often told me, “Who are you to tell me what I can't do? - I’m grown...

Dear Executive Board Member If you read my March  blog , “ They Can Ban Me...But They Can't Kill Union Democracy ! ”  I told you that...

As a CTU field rep, I once roused the ire of CTU President Karen Lewis. She questioned my tactics against an abusive principal. I knew I...

Recently I spoke to a college class about public education in Chicago. They were studying school closures, Ed Reform and charter schools....

By Joey McDermott - The Teacher aka Chicago Joe “You want ketchup? That’s 5 cents for two packets.”  A nickel in 1987 was like fifteen...

By Joey McDermott - The Teacher AKA Chicago Joe Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square has always had great pizza!  Growing up I loved Father...

By Joey McDermott - The Teacher AKA Chicago Joe I rushed from my basement Chemistry class, knowing I had a long walk. I peeked out the...

"Grandma, you said we'd make cookies." "I told you, 'no cookies until you eat lunch.' Now go make a sandwich." "I already ate my lunch,"...

Within any struggle the powerful will target leaders, in hopes of crushing the entire movement. But the spirit of the People can't be...

In August The CST’s Natalie Moore proclaimed The Fugitive (1993) Chicago’s best movie. I beg to differ. The Fugitive is a classic, but...

“Revolution brewery?!...Re-vo-lution? There’s a restaurant called ‘Revolution’?  When did that happen?” My Mother asked incredulously...

What’s the difference between a farmer’s market and a flea market? Back in my day, the flea market was the spot to get a mix-tape. Bad...

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Blame me for being disappointed by CTU president Stacy Davis Gates. I hopelessly...

A few weeks ago I visited a beer garden in Logan Square. Parson’s has a laid back vibe, but mostly I like the hospitality because my son...

"Isn’t Mexico violent and dangerous?" asked Josefina, a Mexican American tourist about 75 years old. Our tour guide, Daniel, scoffed....

Dear Zora I see you. Motivated, determined and hungry. You play with heart on the softball field and basketball court. Your hair...

By Joey McDermott This was quite the weekend for CTU and its high profile admirers. Senator Joe McCarthy smiled with admiration. ...

Brandon Johnson’s rise from teacher to Chicago's mayor is a historic victory. CTU members feel validated, but can't become complacent....

By Joey McDermott Meet James McDonough, aka “Jimmy Mac” or “Chicago” Jim. Jimmy’s a Chicago native, veteran public school educator and...