IFT president’s salary rises as Illinois student reading scores remain low

According to a report from NBC Chicago on October 29th, the IFT Executive Board raised Gates’ annual salary from $180,000 to $250,000. This increase comes on top of her existing salary as president of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), where she earns approximately $195,000, bringing her combined annual compensation to roughly $445,000.

The Illinois Policy Institute, a free-market think tank, criticized the pay raise, highlighting what they see as a misallocation of union funds. “The Chicago Teachers Union spends more money running itself than it does representing teachers,” stated Mailee Smith, vice president of policy and litigation at the Illinois Policy Institute. “Less than 19% of CTU’s spending went toward representation.” She added that the raise for Davis Gates reflects a pattern of prioritizing leadership compensation over serving union members.

Smith also pointed to the disparity between Davis Gates’ compensation and the salaries of classroom teachers. She emphasized that the raise doesn’t address the challenges teachers face in the classroom or at the bargaining table.

Recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveals that only 30% of Illinois fourth graders and 33% of eighth graders scored at or above the proficient level in reading. Chicago Public Schools also face significant proficiency gaps, with 23% of fourth graders meeting the NAEP proficient benchmark in reading. Data from the 2026 Illinois Report Card indicates that 46% of CPS students in grades three through eight met reading proficiency standards. Among CPS 11th graders taking the ACT, 44% scored proficient in reading and 28% in math.

The CTU has faced criticism for its focus on progressive social justice initiatives and political activism, particularly as student performance lags. Smith urged state and local leaders to prioritize classroom needs over “radical agendas.” She also referenced past instances where Davis Gates has appeared to hold differing views from those she advocates for publicly.

Neither Stacy Davis Gates, the CTU, nor the IFT responded to requests for comment.