THE AUGUST DECISION: WHY THOUSANDS OF ILLINOIS TEACHERS ARE WALKING AWAY FROM THEIR UNIONS WITHOUT WALKING AWAY FROM THEIR CAREERS

For many Illinois educators, this is no longer just about union membership. It is about personal freedom, political independence, taxpayer accountability and the right to decide where their hard-earned money goes.

By Staff Writer | August 1, 2026

Every August, thousands of Illinois teachers face a decision that many parents and taxpayers never realize exists.

Should they continue paying hundreds of dollars each year in union dues?

Or should they exercise a constitutional right recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court, keep every benefit negotiated in their employment contract, and decide for themselves how to spend their own money?

For a growing number of educators, the answer has become increasingly clear.

Since the landmark Janus v. AFSCME decision in 2018, government employees across America, including Illinois teachers, have been free to leave union membership without losing their salary, health insurance, retirement benefits, seniority, vacation time or any other protections guaranteed by their collective bargaining agreement.

That single Supreme Court ruling fundamentally changed the relationship between public employees and government unions.

It also ignited one of the most significant workplace freedom movements in modern Illinois history.

According to available membership figures, thousands of education employees have already chosen to leave union membership, including more than 15,000 employees who were previously members of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Supporters of the decision describe it as simple.

No employee should be forced to financially support an organization they no longer believe represents their values.

For critics, particularly union leadership, every member who leaves represents lost revenue, diminished political influence and a smaller voice in Springfield.

That battle is now playing out inside schools across Illinois.

"That is when I began to see just how little the union had to do with the students and how much it had to do with politics."
Brian Harty, Illinois teacher

Brian Harty has spent more than a quarter century teaching in the Rockford area.

His perspective changed after serving on his local union's negotiating committee.

Harty said he learned from a member of the executive board that a significant portion of union dues was being directed toward political activities rather than classroom representation.

According to Harty, that realization caused him to reconsider whether union membership reflected the reasons he entered education in the first place.

For many educators who choose to leave, the decision is not necessarily rooted in opposition to organized labor itself.

Instead, they say it is about wanting the freedom to decide whether their money supports collective bargaining, political advocacy or something else entirely.

That distinction matters.

Teachers who opt out remain covered under the same collective bargaining agreement negotiated between the union and the school district.

Their pay remains the same.

Their insurance remains the same.

Their retirement benefits remain the same.

Their vacation time remains the same.

Their employer cannot legally reduce those benefits simply because they are no longer union members.

That surprises many parents.

It surprises many taxpayers.

And, according to advocates of worker choice, it surprises many teachers themselves.

Perhaps the biggest misconception surrounding union membership is that leaving means giving up legal protections.

Educators who choose to leave often purchase professional liability insurance through independent organizations such as the Association of American Educators or the Teacher Freedom Alliance, both of which provide alternatives outside traditional union membership.

"My local union tried to tell me there were no other alternatives, and I wouldn't have any legal protection if I opted out. But I did my research."
Derrick Crenshaw, Illinois teacher

For some teachers, the issue is financial.

Union dues can total hundreds of dollars each year.

Supporters of opting out argue that money can instead help pay household bills, student loans, retirement savings or a family's everyday expenses during a time when inflation continues to affect working families.

Others focus less on the dollars and more on where those dollars ultimately go.

Financial reports filed by major Illinois teachers unions show that only a portion of annual spending is dedicated to direct member representation, while other expenditures support administration, operations and political activities. Critics argue educators should have the freedom to decide whether they wish to financially support those priorities. Union leaders respond that political advocacy is an important part of advancing education policy and protecting members' interests.

That debate has become increasingly political in Illinois.

Gov. JB Pritzker has consistently maintained close relationships with organized labor and has received strong support from labor organizations throughout his political career. His administration has backed legislation supported by public-sector unions and has frequently highlighted labor organizations as key partners in advancing workplace and education policy.

Supporters view that relationship as evidence of a governor standing with working families.

Critics see something very different.

They argue Illinois taxpayers ultimately fund public education, public employee salaries and many of the policies championed by government unions. They contend taxpayers deserve a government that places equal emphasis on fiscal responsibility, educational outcomes and accountability alongside organized labor's priorities.

For many parents, this conversation extends well beyond union membership.

They want classrooms focused on teaching.

They want schools focused on student achievement.

They want education dollars spent where they will have the greatest impact on children.

Whether individual teachers belong to a union is ultimately their personal decision.

But many parents believe every educator should have the freedom to make that decision without pressure or misinformation.

That is why this issue resonates far beyond the walls of a classroom.

It is about constitutional rights.

It is about workplace freedom.

It is about transparency.

It is about who controls a teacher's paycheck.

And it is about whether government employees should decide for themselves which organizations deserve their financial support.

The Janus decision answered that legal question eight years ago.

Each August, Illinois teachers decide what that answer means for them personally.

Union leaders understandably hope members remain.

Teachers who leave say they are simply exercising a constitutional freedom.

Parents see educators making independent choices.

Taxpayers see public employees keeping more of the money they earn.

Regardless of where someone stands politically, one fact is beyond dispute.

Illinois teachers have a choice.

For thousands, that choice has already changed the conversation about unions, individual rights and who ultimately controls the future of public education in Illinois.

Editor's Note: Illinois public school employees who are considering whether to remain union members or exercise their rights under the U.S. Supreme Court's Janus v. AFSCME decision can learn more by visiting LeaveIFT.com or LeaveIEA.com. These websites provide information about the opt-out process, frequently asked questions, and resources for educators exploring their options. As always, teachers should review the information carefully and make the decision that best reflects their own circumstances and beliefs.

Official Sources

• U.S. Supreme Court, Janus v. AFSCME, Council 31, 585 U.S. ___ (2018)

• Illinois Policy Institute, information regarding educator union membership options and Janus rights

• Illinois Federation of Teachers financial disclosures (U.S. Department of Labor LM reports)

• Illinois Education Association financial disclosures (U.S. Department of Labor LM reports)

• Association of American Educators

• Teacher Freedom Alliance

• Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act