Teach for The Future Inc.

Dr. Rosita Chatonda’s candidacy for the Chicago Board of Education, District 10, is rooted in a lifetime of commitment to students, educators, and the integrity of public education. With more than 30 years of experience as an educator, she brings not only credentials, but lived understanding of the Chicago Public Schools system—inside and out.
Holding a Doctorate in Education, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s degree in Psychology, along with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Dr. Chatonda has built her career at the intersection of academic rigor and human development. She also holds five middle school endorsements and earned her certification in Math and Science from the University of Chicago—further demonstrating her deep academic preparation and subject-matter expertise. As a state-certified teacher who taught directly in CPS classrooms and later served as Head Teacher for Math and Science, she has seen firsthand both the promise and the challenges facing Chicago’s students. That experience means she is ready to lead on day one—without a learning curve.
Beyond her work in schools, Dr. Chatonda is also an accomplished author and educational historian. She has written three books that reflect her deep engagement with literacy, equity, and the historical experiences of Black educators in Chicago. Her works include The Literacy Gap, At Rainbow’s End, a documentary account of 30 years of Chicago’s educational history, and her forthcoming book, Drinking from the “Whites Only” Fountain, which examines the history and struggles of Black educators in Chicago. Through her writing, she not only documents the past but also helps shape the future of education.
Dr. Chatonda’s commitment to education is not only professional—it is deeply personal. She is the proud mother of four children—three sons and a daughter—who attended a range of Chicago schools, including Chicago Public Schools, the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, and Mount Carmel Catholic High School. All four ultimately graduated from Kenwood Academy, where Dr. Chatonda was a highly active parent and community leader. A musician and songwriter, she served as President of the Kenwood Academy Booster Band Club for 10 years, supporting student programs and fostering school pride through the arts.
Throughout her career, Dr. Chatonda has been a consistent and vocal advocate for justice within the education system. She has stood alongside Black teachers who were wrongfully terminated, fighting for fairness and accountability. At the same time, she has dedicated herself to uplifting inner-city youth, ensuring they are not overlooked or underserved.
This commitment led her to found Teach for the Future, Inc., an organization focused on meeting the real needs of students often left behind. Through culturally grounded social-emotional learning programs, targeted curriculum support for first-generation and low-income students, tutoring for struggling students, and exposure opportunities like college tours, she has worked to close both achievement and opportunity gaps.
Her leadership also includes founding the Coalition Alliance of Urban School Educators (C.A.U.S.E.), a network designed to empower educators and amplify their voices in policy and practice. She has consistently challenged decisions she believes harm communities, including being a vocal opponent of school closures that disproportionately affect Black and brown neighborhoods.
Dr. Chatonda’s impact is also visible in program development. She successfully implemented the Upward Bound Program at CVS High School, creating pathways for students to envision and achieve higher education goals.
Now, as a candidate for District 10, she is bringing that same passion, experience, scholarship, and advocacy to the broader stage of educational governance. Her campaign is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: that those who have dedicated their lives to education—and who understand the realities students and teachers face—should help shape the future of Chicago’s schools.
For Dr. Rosita Chatonda, this race is not about politics. It is about purpose, equity, and ensuring that every child in Chicago has access to the quality education they deserve.

Call now to connect with business.

r. Rosita Chatoda for Chicago Public Schools Elected School Board – District 10
I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Chicago Public Schools Elected School Board, representing the 10th District.
As a seasoned educator, a CPS parent for decades, and a dedicated education community organizer for over 15 years, I bring a depth of experience that is rooted in our schools and communities. I have served as Parent Chair for Kenwood Academy’s music program for more than a decade and authored several books on education. My work has always centered on advocating for students, families, and equitable school systems.
I am running because I believe I am uniquely qualified to address the systemic issues facing our district—especially the long-standing inequities impacting schools on the South and West Sides. We must confront these challenges head-on and implement real solutions that strengthen our school communities.
I have not only studied these issues—I’ve taken action. I filed a federal lawsuit to challenge systemic inequities in CPS because our students deserve fairness, transparency, and accountability.
What We’re Up Against
By 2026, the school board will be fully elected. This historic shift also brings significant challenges. Powerful institutions—including CPS, the Chicago Teachers Union, and corporate interests—are expected to invest heavily in these races, often backing candidates who align with their agendas rather than the needs of our communities.
This election is already becoming highly politicized. Community-driven candidates like myself face major obstacles just to get on the ballot.
How You Can Help
Our first goal is simple but critical: secure enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.
We need at least 15 dedicated volunteers to help gather signatures.
We learned a lot from our previous campaign, where our petitions were aggressively challenged. This time, we are preparing stronger—and we need your support.
📅 Signature Gathering EventNext Saturday | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM(Location: TBA)
If you’re available and ready to stand up for our schools, please reach out and join us.
Together, we can build a school system that truly serves our communities.
— Dr. Rosita Chatoda
[email protected]

Campaign Support Document: Dr. Rosita Chatonda for Chicago School Board (District 10)
Executive Summary
Dr. Rosita Chatonda is a lifelong educator, community organizer, and breast cancer survivor running for the Chicago School Board in District 10. With over 30 years of experience in public and private schools, she brings unparalleled expertise and a deep commitment to equity in education. This document outlines her platform, addresses the challenges she faces from political opponents, and highlights her unique qualifications to serve the students, parents, and educators of Chicago.
The Candidate: Dr. Rosita Chatonda
Dr. Chatonda's background is rooted in a profound dedication to the educational advancement of inner-city youth. Her qualifications include:
•
Extensive Educational Background: Doctorate in Education, Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, and a BA in Psychology. She holds state certifications with endorsements in Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Music

•
Decades of Experience: Over 30 years as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Archdiocese of Chicago. She has served as a Head Teacher for Math and Science in CPS

•
Community Leadership: Founder of C.A.U.S.E. (Coalition and Alliance of Urban School Educators) and Teach for the Future Inc. She has served as Co-Chair of the South Shore Community Action Council for CPS for 8 years and is an active member of the South Side NAACP

•
Advocacy and Resilience: A breast cancer survivor who has continuously fought for her community. She is a vocal opponent of school closures and an advocate for Black teachers wrongfully terminated by the district

Addressing the Challenges: CTU/CORE, CPS, and Rhymefest
Dr. Chatonda's campaign has faced significant opposition, notably from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) / CORE caucus, CPS establishment, and other candidates like Che "Rhymefest" Smith.
The CTU/CORE Challenge
Despite being a former CTU employee and a veteran educator who volunteered to help elect CORE leadership in 2010, Dr. Chatonda has been challenged by the very organization she once supported.
•
The Disconnect: The current CTU/CORE leadership often prioritizes broader political goals over the immediate needs of veteran educators and local communities. As Dr. Chatonda notes, the caucus has shifted towards novice teachers and non-educator activists, sidelining those with historical knowledge and deep roots in the system.
•
Political Objectives: The leadership's stated goals have increasingly focused on shifting the political landscape, sometimes at the expense of focusing on core educational issues. Dr. Chatonda's independence and refusal to be "bought" make her a threat to this established political machinery. She advocates for her community first, not a political agenda.
The CPS Establishment
Dr. Chatonda has been a persistent critic of CPS policies that harm neighborhood schools, particularly school closures based on "low test scores," which she identifies as a strategy that often leads to gentrification
Her demand for a forensic audit of CPS finances to understand the consistent budget deficits challenges the status quo and demands true transparency

The Race in District 10
The District 10 race includes high-profile candidates like Che "Rhymefest" Smith. While Smith brings celebrity status, Dr. Chatonda brings decades of actual classroom and administrative experience. The board needs educators who understand curriculum, school finance, and child psychology, not just public figures.
Platform and Vision for Chicago Schools
Dr. Chatonda's platform is built on equity, transparency, and practical solutions for student achievement.
1. Educational Equity and Curriculum Reform
•
Closing the Achievement Gap: Dr. Chatonda, author of "The Literacy Gap," focuses on the specific needs of students who are Descendants of Chattel Slavery, addressing why 85% of Black children are failing standardized tests

•
Skills-Based Education: She promotes skills-based education and tailored strategies for neighborhood schools, rejecting the "one size fits all" approach

•
Support for All Schools: Ensuring neighborhood schools receive the same resources and attention as Selective Enrollment schools

2. Financial Accountability and Transparency
•
Forensic Audit: Immediate call for a forensic audit of CPS to determine where funds are being spent and to address the continuous budget deficits despite declining enrollment

•
Springfield Engagement: Building strong relationships with state legislators to secure necessary funding through the Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) model

3. Empowering Local Voices
•
Local School Councils (LSCs): Strong support for LSC autonomy, believing that principals and local communities should have the final say in how their schools are run, including decisions on School Resource Officers (SROs)

•
Parental Involvement: As a former CPS parent and current grandparent, she is committed to amplifying the voices of parents and supporting Community Action Councils (CACs)

4. Leadership and Governance
•
Educator-Led District: Dr. Chatonda opposes the "CEO" model for CPS, advocating instead for a qualified Superintendent with an educator's background, an understanding of school finance, and knowledge of child psychology

Conclusion
Dr. Rosita Chatonda represents the authentic voice of Chicago's educators, parents, and students. Her resilience as a cancer survivor mirrors her relentless fight for educational justice. She cannot be swayed by political caucuses or establishment pressure. In November, District 10 has the opportunity to elect a proven leader who will bring genuine reform, accountability, and a deep love for the community to the Chicago School Board.
References
[1] Chicago Board of Education Member Candidates' Questionnaire: Rosita Chatonda. Coalition Voter Project.
[2] Elect Dr. Rosita Chatonda for Elected School Board for District 10 (Bio). Coalition Voter Project.

The Office of the Inspector General found Chicago Public Schools spent $7.7 million of taxpayer money on travel last year. Yet our kids can't READ, DO BASIC MATH, ETC.
Report shows excessive spending on overnight trips for staff excursions to places like Egypt, Finland, and South Africa
“The watchdog group also found about 40% of all conference attendees traveled without receiving approval. This all while Chicago public schools (CPS) faced a $734 million deficit”
“Office of Inspector General found CPS travel expenditures surged to $7.7 million last year. That's more than double what the district spent five years prior before the pandemic.
The report states CPS staffers repeatedly exceeded spending limits and expensed trips and activities without approval, including a professional development conference in Las Vegas that more than 600 employees attended between 2022 and 2024. Spending more than one and a half million in district dollars. Nearly 90% of attendees stayed in hotels exceeding CPS spending limits”
“We also reached out to the mayor's office for comment. They say they have no comment at this time
We need FORENSIC AUDITS , AND ACCOUNTABLE

Tribute Song done back in the 90's pay tribute to our soilders.

Vote - America’s Got Talent Cast your vote online for your favorite act at the America’s Got Talent official voting page.

CPS Axes Network Chiefs and Deputies in Massive Network Closings The Chicago Public Schools have closed the networks and fired all the network chiefs and their assistants to save millions and close a massive budget deficit, according to two inside CPS sources.Second City Teachers is a reader-supported publication.

LMBO. Its; about time . They say they are experts educators, well them send them back to the classroom to teach our children. They need experts.

CPS Axes Network Chiefs and Deputies in Massive Network Closings The Chicago Public Schools have closed the networks and fired all the network chiefs and their assistants to save millions and close a massive budget deficit, according to two inside CPS sources.Second City Teachers is a reader-supported publication.