CPS Teacher Skips Union Rally To Hold Chess Team Practice
CHICAGO (CBS) -- One Chicago Public Schools teacher skipped Friday's rally, risking his union membership and a fine.
Joseph Ocol teaches math, and coaches the chess team at Earle STEM Academy in Englewood, so when students asked if chess club would be canceled, he says his choice was simple: practice as usual.
"They're asking me to choose between the union and the kids," Ocol said. "No matter what, I would always choose the kids."
Ocol called on CPS and the union to find another way to fight it out, one that won't put students in the middle.
He also got a warning letter from the union and responded by asking union leaders to respect his decision.
