Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union and Vice president Jesse Sharkey talk to the media as Chicago Public Schools will be on Strike this Monday. Sunday Sept 9, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Signs and materials were being passed out to teachers for a strike Monday. | Al Podgorski - Chicago Sun-Times

Striking Chicago Teachers Union members picket outside Mt. Greenwood Elementary School on Monday morning. | Jon Sall~Sun-Times

"Teach Peace" sign hangs outside a home accross the street from Senn High School Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

Chicago Public School teachers walk the picket line at Senn High School on the North Side Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

Chicago Public School teachers walk the picket line at Senn High School on the North Side Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

Teachers picket outside Currie High School. | John H. White ~ Sun-Times

Teachers picket outside Bouchet school at 73rd & Jeffery. | Sun-Times

Teachers picket outside Bouchet school at 73rd & Jeffery. | Sun-Times

Teachers picket outside Bouchet school at 73rd & Jeffery. | Sun-Times

Teachers picket outside Bouchet school at 73rd & Jeffery. | Sun-Times

Chicago Public School teachers and school parents walk the picket line outside Senn High School on the North Side after teachers went on strike for the first time in 25 years Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

Chicago Public School teachers and school parents walk the picket line outside Senn High School on the North Side after teachers went on strike for the first time in 25 years Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

Chicago Public School teachers and school parents walk the picket line outside Senn High School on the North Side after teachers went on strike for the first time in 25 years Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

Chicago Public School teachers and school parents walk the picket line outside Senn High School on the North Side after teachers went on strike for the first time in 25 years Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

Chicago Public School teachers and school parents walk the picket line outside Senn High School on the North Side after teachers went on strike for the first time in 25 years Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

Eve Pytell joins her husband Todd, a Senn High School math teacher, on the picket line with their kids, Elaine, 5 and son James, also 5, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

On strike signs outside Senn High School as teachers hit the picket lines after going on strike Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. | Ernie Torres~Sun-Times

David Vitale, Chicago Public Schools Board President talks to the media after intense negotiations between the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union. Sunday Sept 9, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

School clerk, Berenice Ruiz, with Chicago Teachers on picket line during strike at Curie High School, Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

School clerk, Berenice Ruiz, with Chicago Teachers on picket line during strike at Curie High School, Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

A little girl waves to Chicago Teachers on strike at Hefferan Elementary School, Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike at Edward C. DeLano School, Springfield & Wilcox, Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike at Curie High School, Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike at Curie High School, Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike at Curie High School, Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike at Hefferan Elementary School, Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike at Hefferan Elementary School, Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Parent Onetta Watt, at Hefferan Elem. School as Chicago Teachers on strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Parent Onetta Watt, at Hefferan Elem. School as Chicago Teachers on strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Parent Martina Watts, at Hefferan Elem. School as Chicago Teachers on strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Parent Martina Watts, at Hefferan Elem. School as Chicago Teachers on strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Carl Schurz High School had it's share of striking teachers outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Deanna Sanders, a teacher in Englewood, and her son Hunter protest outside Mt. Greenwood School, where her son is in 8th grade. "Rahm kind of needs to be taught a lesson," Hunter said. I don't think he knows what he's doing. He's trying to force stuff on to us....he's trying to get more work for less pay." | Maureen O'Donnell~Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. Damian Vasquez, a first grader at Bell supports the Lane Tech strikers with his mom and grandmother. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. Damian Vasquez, a first grader at Bell supports the Lane Tech strikers with his mom and grandmother. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. Damian Vasquez, a first grader at Bell supports the Lane Tech strikers with his mom and grandmother. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. Kim Lutz supports the strikes. She has children at Bell. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Lane Tech High School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. PeterBarash is a social studies teacher at Bell. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Outisde Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School , a home supports the strike . | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School had a large number of striking teachers , and supporting students and parents outside the school on the first day of the strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Eileen Marciano, a nurse whose husband is a firefighter, was holding a sign on the playground with her daughter Abigail, a fourth grader at Cassell School nearby. She blames the city administration and says schools continue to be very overcrowded. "I blame the city. Emanuel, from the board he appointed, I think he from the get-go they had an agenda." | Maureen O'Donnell ~ Sun-Times

Melissa Schofield has had children at Mt. Greenwood School for about nine years. She blames Mayor Emanuel. "I think it's the mayor's fault. I don't think he's listening to the teachers at all. I think he is basically strongarming the board. I think he's a bully and I don't think he knows what to do when people stand up to him. I think it's offensive that he's ready to meet now. He should have been ready well before a strike. A good leader would have been." | Maureen O'Donnell ~ Sun-Times

Valentina Adnane picks up her children, Diana and Ilyas Adnane at Peter Reinberg Public School in Chicago on Sept. 10, 2012. Some parents took advantage of a program that allowed their children to spend a half day at various schools while the teachers are on strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Parents wait for their children to leave Peter Reinberg Public school on the Northwest side of Chicago on Sept. 10, 2012. Parents could have their children there for a half day of recess planned activities while the teachers are on strtike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike outside of Brooks High School 111th & King Dr. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teacher Erin Murphy talks about being on strike, outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Donna Donofrio-Pietrzak talks about the teachers strike, outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Firefighter Rory Ohse and his daughter Katie, bring the striking teachers some bottled water and ice at the Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Katie Marszewski talks about the teachers strike, outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago teachers on strike outside of Mays Elementary School 838 W. Marquette. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike outside of Brooks High School 111th & King Dr. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago teachers on strike outside of Mays Elementary School 838 W. Marquette. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike outside of Mt. Greenwood Elementary School 10841 S. Homan, pose for a photo. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago teachers on strike outside of Mays Elementary School 838 W. Marquette. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike protest outside of Alderman Latasha Thomas' office on 78th & Racine , September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Doreen Torry is at the Mays Elementary School 838 W. Marquette, to pick up her children from the Public School program that has some schools open during the strike. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Chicago Teachers on strike protest outside of Alderman Latasha Thomas' office on 78th & Racine , September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Lauronia Ditiway is at the Mays Elementary School 838 W. Marquette, to pick up her children, Judah Phillips 13 and Louronia Phillips 9, from the public school program that has some schools open during the strike. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Areaun Martin is at the Mays Elementary School 838 W. Marquette, to pick up her children from the public school program that has some schools open during the strike. Monday, September 10, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Parents wait for their children to leave Peter Reinberg Public school on the Northwest side of Chicago on Sept. 10, 2012. Parents could have their children there for a half day of recess planned activities while the teachers are on strtike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Dana Bartecka at Peter Reinberg Public School in Chicago on Sept. 10, 2012. Some parents took advantage of a program that allowed their children to spend a half day at various schools while the teachers are on strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Ryan Henderson (10 years old) , Camell Henderson (8 years old) and Ciera Henderson (6) stand outside Peter Reinberg Public school on the Northwest side of Chicago on Sept. 10, 2012. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Christopher Kujawa (on left) , Foreman High School and Luis Garcia , Schurz High School, outside Peter Reinberg Public school on the Northwest side of Chicago on Sept. 10, 2012. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Cieharra Rivera and Destiny Rivera (5 years old) at Peter Reinberg Public School in Chicago on Sept. 10, 2012. Some parents took advantage of a program that allowed their children to spend a half day at various schools while the teachers are on strike. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Jasmine Rivera and her sons, Isaiah Lebron and Israel Lebron (both 13 years old) standing outside Peter Reinberg Public school on the Northwest side of Chicago on Sept. 10, 2012. | Al Podgorski~Chicago Sun-Times

Mariah Dakers, 12 years old, leaves Hefferan Elementary School on first day of Chicago Teachers on strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Mariah Dakers, 12 years old, gets a hug from cousin, Deangena Handley, (back to camera) after leaving Hefferan Elementary School on first day of Chicago Teachers on strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Maarrion Daker, with Deangena Handley, (left) and his daughter Mariah Dakers, 12 years who attended Hefferan Elementary School on first day of Chicago Teachers on strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Jacquline Kelly (left) with her granddaughter Rajae Nelson, 13 years old, leaving Hefferan Elementary School on first day of Chicago Teachers on strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Rajae Nelson, 13 years old, leaves Hefferan Elemnentary School on first day of Chicago Teachers on strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Parent Martina Watts, at Hefferan Elementary School on first day of Chicago teachers' strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Martina Watts, a parent at Hefferan Elementary School on first day of Chicago teachers' strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Martina Watts, a parent at Hefferan Elementary School on first day of Chicago teachers' strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Martina Watts, a parent at Hefferan Elementary School on first day of Chicago teachers' strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Martina Watts, a parent at Hefferan Elementary School on first day of Chicago teachers' strike Monday, September 10, 2012 . | John H. White~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Kindergarten teacher Megan Meier carries daughter Sylvia, 19 months, on her back. She was with husband Ben, also a teacher, who held daughter Evelyn,4. Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. The corner of Clark and Adams. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike.English teacher James Flynn blew a stadium horn. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. First-year fifth-grade teacher Rachel Davies Hearst was among the crowd. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. Parent Kathleen Grant hoisted daughter Piper, a first-grader. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. School counselor Vernette Claybourne, left, and Social Studies and Arabic teacher Maysa Matariyeh joined the crowd. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. Social Studies and Arabic teacher Maysa Matariyeh joined the crowd. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. Third-grade teacher Amanda Boyle made her voice heard on LaSalle st. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago public school teachers rally outside the Chicago Board of Education headquarters, 125 S. Clark st., on the first day of the strike. The group made its way past City Hall. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Police Superintendent Gary McCarthy, on the scene during rally outside the Board of Education Headquarters. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Police Bike Patrol Officers keep the teachers on the sidewalk near city hall on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Police squad car lights are visible as Chicago Teachers swarm the patrol car. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools Teachers hold Rally outside Chicago Board of Education Headquarters on first day of the teachers strike. Monday Sept 10, 2012 | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times

Chicago Public Schools teachers march on the first day of the strike last month. | Rich Hein~Sun-Times