What the Data Says About Teachers Unions’ Impact on Students

Teachers unions are great at advocating for their members, but are they good for the educational system as a whole? (Illinois Policy)

A new Illinois Policy analysis: Mayor Brandon Johnson’s four years as a Chicago Public Schools Teacher, plus his paid activist work for the Chicago Teachers Union, have entitled him to a pension worth an eye-popping $1.1 million and possibly more.

• Combining his teacher benefits with the pension Johnson is set to receive as mayor could net him upwards of $5.5 million.

• In general, Chicago’s Teachers’ Pension Fund has $14 billion in unfunded liabilities.

The numbers: Studies have found that collective bargains hammered out by teachers unions lead to better work conditions and higher salaries and benefits for educators and more funding for school districts, but the costs can be steep.

• According to research by economist Randall W. Eberts, union bargains raise the price of public education by 15% or more.

Big picture: Research also shows the increased funding flowing to schools and teachers doesn’t lead to improved performance from students.

• A 2020 study conducted by two American professors found school districts under union pressure raise teacher pay and spend reserves but see no improvement in student outcomes, while districts with less pressure hire more teachers and see significant gains in student performance.

• A 2019 study by Jacksonville University professor Andrew Ju found “teacher unions’ objectives may lead to the misallocation of valuable school resources.”