Chicago, IL - July 1, 2020 - The Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund (CTPF) celebrates its quasquicentennial (125th anniversary) today, July 1, 2020. The quasquicentennial provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the rich history of the Fund’s ability to provide, protect, and enhance the present and future economic well being of members, pensioners, and beneficiaries and renew CTPF’s commitment to helping teachers from the very first day to the very last and beyond.
CTPF has grown to provide retirement benefits for a diverse population of approximately 29,295 active, 28,317 retired, 9,926 vested inactive, and 20,621 non-vested inactive public school teachers. Since the early 1990s, CTPF has led pension and retirement systems throughout the United States, ensuring that MWDBE owned investment firms have access to the many opportunities to conduct business with CTPF and continues to encourage diversity and equality among employees, vendors, and investment professionals.
“As we mark the quasquicentennial of CTPF, we appreciate all of those who have been involved with the evolution, administration, and management of the Fund over the last 125 years. We look forward to celebrating our continued resilience and sustainability as a Fund that is focused on caring for our dedicated CPS teachers while embracing our diverse community, and recognizing diversity and inclusion as core values,” said CTPF Board of Trustees President Jeffery Blackwell. “Since our inception, CTPF Trustees have set sound and responsible investment policies. We know that we represent hard-working educators who have dedicated their time and talent to their profession. We have counted on our educators and we are proud that they can count on us now and in the future.”
CTPF Trustees launched the anniversary year by passing a resolution on January 16, 2020, in honor of their 125th Anniversary. Click here to read the resolution. The Illinois House passed a resolution honoring this important day and the Illinois Senate issued a Congratulatory certificate to make the occasion.
Established on July 1, 1895, the Fund was established as the first teachers’ pension system in Illinois and the second in the nation. The pension plan was seen as an important way to help attract and retain professional teachers and to ensure their financial stability and dignity in retirement. The Fund began with 8,000 members and today includes more than 88,000. Today, CTPF serves