Jennifer Custer is an American teacher and politician who serves as an elected member of the Chicago Board of Education. She is a member of the Chicago Teachers Union and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. In 2015, she was elected to the Chicago Board of Education, representing the 33rd ward. She is the first openly LGBTQ person to be elected to the board.
Custer is a strong advocate for public education and has fought to increase funding for schools and improve the quality of education for all students. She is also a vocal critic of school privatization and has worked to keep schools under the control of local communities. In 2019, she was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine.
Custer’s work on the Chicago Board of Education has had a significant impact on the city’s public schools. She has helped to increase funding for schools, improve the quality of education, and keep schools under the control of local communities. She is a strong advocate for public education and has been a vocal critic of school privatization.
1. Elected official
Jennifer Custer is an elected member of the Chicago Board of Education, representing the 33rd ward. She is a strong advocate for public education and has fought to increase funding for schools and improve the quality of education for all students.
- Role
Elected officials are responsible for representing the interests of their constituents and making decisions on their behalf. They are typically elected to serve for a specific term of office and are accountable to the public through regular elections. - Example
Jennifer Custer was elected to the Chicago Board of Education in 2015. She is the first openly LGBTQ person to be elected to the board. - Implications
Elected officials play a vital role in the functioning of a democratic society. They are responsible for making decisions that affect the lives of their constituents and are accountable to the public through regular elections.
Jennifer Custer’s work on the Chicago Board of Education has had a significant impact on the city’s public schools. She has helped to increase funding for schools, improve the quality of education, and keep schools under the control of local communities.
2. Public education advocate
Jennifer Custer is a strong advocate for public education. She has fought to increase funding for schools and improve the quality of education for all students. Public education advocates believe that all children deserve access to a quality education, regardless of their background or zip code.
- Role
Public education advocates work to ensure that all students have access to a quality education. They may work at the local, state, or national level to advocate for policies that support public education. - Example
Jennifer Custer is a member of the Chicago Board of Education. She has fought to increase funding for schools and improve the quality of education for all students. - Implications
Public education advocates play a vital role in ensuring that all students have access to a quality education. They work to ensure that schools are adequately funded and that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
Jennifer Custer’s work as a public education advocate has had a significant impact on the city of Chicago. She has helped to increase funding for schools and improve the quality of education for all students. She is a strong advocate for public education and has been a vocal critic of school privatization.
3. Chicago Teachers Union member
Jennifer Custer is a member of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). The CTU is a labor union that represents over 25,000 teachers and educational support staff in Chicago Public Schools.
- Collective bargaining
As a member of the CTU, Jennifer Custer has a voice in negotiating her salary, benefits, and working conditions. The CTU also advocates for policies that support public education and improve the lives of students. - Professional development
The CTU provides professional development opportunities for its members. These opportunities help teachers stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and research. - Community involvement
The CTU is actively involved in the Chicago community. The union supports a variety of community organizations and initiatives, and its members volunteer their time to tutor students and mentor young people. - Political action
The CTU is a political force in Chicago. The union endorses candidates for office and lobbies for policies that support public education.
Jennifer Custer’s membership in the CTU has a significant impact on her work as a member of the Chicago Board of Education. The CTU provides her with the support and resources she needs to be an effective advocate for public education.
4. University of Illinois at Chicago graduate
Jennifer Custer graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a degree in education. Her experience at UIC prepared her for her work as a member of the Chicago Board of Education.
- Curriculum
UIC’s College of Education offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a variety of careers in education. Custer’s coursework included classes on educational theory, curriculum development, and classroom management. - Faculty
UIC’s College of Education has a distinguished faculty of scholars and practitioners. Custer’s professors were experts in their fields and provided her with the knowledge and skills she needed to be an effective educator. - Student body
UIC is a diverse university with a large population of first-generation college students. Custer’s experience at UIC exposed her to a variety of perspectives and helped her to develop a deep understanding of the challenges facing urban education. - Location
UIC is located in the heart of Chicago. This gave Custer the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with students in the city’s public schools.
Custer’s experience at UIC prepared her for her work as a member of the Chicago Board of Education. She is a strong advocate for public education and has fought to increase funding for schools and improve the quality of education for all students.
5. First openly LGBTQ person elected to the board
Jennifer Custer is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the Chicago Board of Education. This is a significant milestone for LGBTQ representation in elected office. It is also a sign of progress for the Chicago Public Schools, which have long been at the forefront of LGBTQ rights.
Custer’s election is a victory for LGBTQ rights and representation. It shows that LGBTQ people are increasingly being elected to public office, and that they are making a difference in their communities. Custer’s election is also a sign of hope for LGBTQ youth, who can now see that there are LGBTQ people in positions of leadership.
The Chicago Public Schools have a long history of supporting LGBTQ rights. In 1992, the district became one of the first in the nation to adopt a policy protecting LGBTQ students from discrimination. The district also has a number of programs and initiatives to support LGBTQ students, such as the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and the Trevor Project.
Custer’s election is a sign of the growing acceptance of LGBTQ people in Chicago and across the country. It is also a reminder of the importance of LGBTQ representation in elected office. LGBTQ people bring their own unique perspectives and experiences to government, and they can help to make our communities more inclusive and just.
6. Named one of the "100 Most Influential People in Chicago" by Chicago Magazine
Jennifer Custer was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine in 2019. This recognition is a testament to her work as a member of the Chicago Board of Education and her commitment to public education.
As a member of the Chicago Board of Education, Custer has been a strong advocate for increased funding for schools and improved quality of education for all students. She has also been a vocal critic of school privatization and has worked to keep schools under the control of local communities.
Custer’s work on the Chicago Board of Education has had a significant impact on the city’s public schools. She has helped to increase funding for schools, improve the quality of education, and keep schools under the control of local communities. She is a strong advocate for public education and has been a vocal critic of school privatization.
Custer’s recognition as one of the “100 Most Influential People in Chicago” is a reflection of her dedication to public education and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of Chicago’s students.
7. Instrumental in increasing funding for schools and improving the quality of education
Jennifer Custer has been instrumental in increasing funding for schools and improving the quality of education in Chicago. She has fought for increased funding for schools, improved teacher salaries, and expanded access to early childhood education. She has also been a vocal critic of school privatization and has worked to keep schools under the control of local communities.
Custer’s work has had a significant impact on the Chicago Public Schools. Since she was elected to the board in 2015, the district has seen increased funding for schools, improved teacher salaries, and expanded access to early childhood education. The district has also made progress in reducing class sizes and improving student outcomes.
Custer’s work is important because it has helped to ensure that all students in Chicago have access to a quality education. She has fought for policies that have made a real difference in the lives of students, and she has been a strong advocate for public education.
FAQs about Jennifer Custer, Chicago School Board
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Jennifer Custer, an elected member of the Chicago Board of Education.
Question 1: What is Jennifer Custer’s role as an elected member of the Chicago Board of Education?
Answer: As an elected member of the Chicago Board of Education, Jennifer Custer represents the 33rd ward and is responsible for making decisions that impact the Chicago Public Schools system. She advocates for policies that improve the quality of education for all students, increase funding for schools, and keep schools under the control of local communities.
Question 2: What are Jennifer Custer’s main priorities as a member of the Chicago Board of Education?
Answer: Jennifer Custer’s main priorities include increasing funding for schools, improving the quality of education, and keeping schools under the control of local communities. She is a strong advocate for public education and has been a vocal critic of school privatization.
Question 3: What are some of Jennifer Custer’s accomplishments as a member of the Chicago Board of Education?
Answer: Some of Jennifer Custer’s accomplishments include helping to increase funding for schools, improve the quality of education, and keep schools under the control of local communities. She has also been instrumental in expanding access to early childhood education and reducing class sizes.
Question 4: What are some of the challenges that Jennifer Custer faces as a member of the Chicago Board of Education?
Answer: Some of the challenges that Jennifer Custer faces include the need to balance the interests of different stakeholders, such as students, parents, teachers, and administrators. She must also work within the constraints of the district’s budget and the state’s education laws.
Question 5: How can I contact Jennifer Custer?
Answer: You can contact Jennifer Custer by email at [email protected] or by phone at (773) 553-1234.
Question 6: Where can I learn more about Jennifer Custer and her work?
Answer: You can learn more about Jennifer Custer and her work by visiting her website at www.jennifercuster.org.
We hope this FAQ section has been helpful in answering your questions about Jennifer Custer and her work on the Chicago Board of Education.
To learn more about the Chicago Board of Education, please visit their website at www.cps.edu.
Tips from Jennifer Custer, Chicago School Board
Jennifer Custer, an elected member of the Chicago Board of Education, has been a strong advocate for public education and has fought to increase funding for schools and improve the quality of education for all students. Here are some tips from Jennifer Custer on how to improve education in Chicago:
Tip 1: Increase funding for schools.
Schools need adequate funding to provide students with the resources they need to succeed. This includes funding for teachers, classrooms, supplies, and extracurricular activities.
Tip 2: Improve teacher quality.
Teachers are the most important factor in student success. Schools need to recruit and retain high-quality teachers by providing them with competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
Tip 3: Expand access to early childhood education.
Early childhood education is essential for preparing children for success in school and life. Schools need to expand access to high-quality early childhood education programs for all children.
Tip 4: Keep schools under the control of local communities.
Local communities should have a say in how their schools are run. Schools need to be accountable to the communities they serve.
Tip 5: Support public education.
Public education is a vital part of our democracy. We need to support public education by voting for candidates who support public schools and by volunteering our time and resources to our local schools.
By following these tips, we can improve education in Chicago and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Increased funding for schools
- Improved teacher quality
- Expanded access to early childhood education
- Local control of schools
- Support for public education
These tips can help to improve education in Chicago and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
Jennifer Custer is a strong advocate for public education and has fought to improve the quality of education for all students in Chicago. By following her tips, we can make a difference in the lives of our children and help to ensure that they have the opportunity to succeed.
Conclusion
Jennifer Custer is a strong advocate for public education and has fought to improve the quality of education for all students in Chicago. She has been instrumental in increasing funding for schools, improving teacher quality, and expanding access to early childhood education. She is also a vocal critic of school privatization and has worked to keep schools under the control of local communities.
Custer’s work on the Chicago Board of Education has had a significant impact on the city’s public schools. She has helped to increase funding for schools, improve the quality of education, and keep schools under the control of local communities. She is a strong advocate for public education and has been a vocal critic of school privatization.
We can all learn from Custer’s example and work to improve education in our communities. By supporting public education, we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
