Why the Chicago Teachers Union Elections Matter

Teachers and other employees of Chicago Public Schools go to the polls tomorrow. They'll be voting on who should lead the Chicago Teachers Union. It's a five-way race—and a lot is at stake. The election comes at a moment when the public school system is facing an extraordinarily difficult economic situation. CPS says it may have to lay off thousands of teachers and raise class sizes to 35 students. There's also talk of wage concessions. WBEZ's education reporter Linda Lutton recently spoke with a professor from Harvard University – who helped put Chicago's teachers' race into context.

Music Button: Shawn Lee, "Lagos Calling", from the CD Miles of Styles, (Ubiquity)