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

CHICAGO (WLS) – Former Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis has passed away, ABC7 sources confirm.

Lewis, 67, was president of the union until he stepped down in 2018, with Jesse Sharkey as her replacement.

Former CTU spokesman Stephanie Gadlin said in a statement, “The country has lost a true champion. Karen Lewis was one of the most powerful and prolific voices in public education, advocating for students, their families and the communities in which they live. For her tenure as president of the Chicago Teachers Union, she was the architect of today’s struggle for justice in education As her spokeswoman, I cannot tell you how inspired I was by her leadership and vulnerability as she traversed the treacherous terrain of navigated Chicago politics.Can’t count how many times we shared tears over the plight of students and people who have been marginalized for years, or the roar of laughter for her biting sense of humor. Karen was my homegirl. She rocked ours. city ​​has lost a great voice I offer my sincere condolences to her loved ones, friends and to the 25.0 00 members of the CTU. May her memory still reign every day and she will find rest in the bosom of God. “

Lewis was elected CTU president in 2010 and led the union during the 2012 strike. Before becoming president, she taught chemistry in high school at Chicago Public Schools for 22 years. Lewis also attended CPS schools as a child.

Lewis was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2014 at a time when she was considering running for mayor. She went back to work after treatment, but suffered a stroke in 2017.

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

Mayor Lori Lightfoot also expressed her condolences on Twitter, saying, “Amy and I are saddened to learn that Karen Lewis has passed. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, loved ones, friends and CTU family at this extremely difficult time.”

Senate President Don Harmon issued a statement saying: “I cherished Karen’s friendship and mentorship and will always benefit from it. She was a wonderful person, devoted teacher, champion of the professional educator and capable leader. She was unique, committed to her core for challenging and changing lives and communities. We are grateful for her service and leadership, for which she will be remembered and missed forever

The video in this story is from an earlier report