Pictured, Back Row, L-R: Executive Director Carlton W. Lenoir, Sr., Vice President Quentin S. Washington
During their March 19, 2026, meeting the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund (CTPF) Board of Trustees adopted a resolution honoring the Retired Teachers Association of Chicago (RTAC) in recognition of its 100th Anniversary and a century of advocacy on behalf of Chicago’s retired educators.
Founded in 1926, RTAC has played a vital role in protecting the earned pensions and benefits of retired teachers, advocating for pension security, and keeping retirees informed and engaged. The organization has been a longtime partner to CTPF, including its role in securing pensioner representation on the CTPF Board of Trustees, supporting retirees through the Chicago Retired Teachers Aid Fund, and working alongside CTPF to advance policies that strengthen the Fund’s long-term stability.
“RTAC’s 100th anniversary marks a century of steadfast service to Chicago’s retired educators. One hundred years of advocacy, leadership, and volunteer dedication that has helped protect earned pensions and strengthen the retiree voice. On behalf of CTPF, we are proud to recognize RTAC’s remarkable legacy and grateful for its partnership in advancing dignity and retirement security for generations of teachers,” said Carlton W. Lenoir, Sr., Executive Director of CTPF.
As RTAC prepares to celebrate its centennial on May 12, 2026, the CTPF Board recognizes the organization’s enduring legacy of leadership, service, and commitment to the financial well-being of Chicago’s retired educators.
The resolution reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the Retired Teachers Association of Chicago (RTAC) was founded in 1926, led by Dr. James E. Armstrong, when a group of compulsorily retired teachers organized and successfully challenged their dismissals, establishing a century‑long legacy of advocacy on behalf of retired Chicago educators; and
WHEREAS, since its founding, RTAC has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to protecting the earned pensions and benefits of Chicago’s retired teachers, and has consistently advocated for legislation that safeguards pension security; and
WHEREAS, RTAC has long prioritized communication and member engagement through publications, collective activism, and, more recently, an online presence and alert network to inform and mobilize its membership; and
WHEREAS, RTAC played a critical role in securing pensioner representation on the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund (CTPF) Board of Trustees with the 1981 election of the first pensioner Trustee; and
WHEREAS, RTAC further strengthened support for retirees by establishing the Chicago Retired Teachers Aid Fund in 1986 to assist pensioners with limited incomes; and
WHEREAS, RTAC members partnered with CTPF to challenge detrimental policy proposals and celebrated a landmark victory with the restoration of the pension tax levy, ensuring a reliable and stable revenue source for the Fund; and
WHEREAS, for a full century, RTAC has embodied the values of service, vigilance, and collective action, uplifting the voices of retired educators and strengthening the broader CTPF retiree community; and
WHEREAS, RTAC will celebrate its 100th Anniversary on May 12, 2026, marking a century of leadership and commitment to the well‑being of Chicago’s retired teachers;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund congratulates the Retired Teachers Association of Chicago on its 100 years of service and advocacy, and expresses deep appreciation for RTAC’s tireless dedication to securing and defending the pensions and benefits of Chicago’s retired educators; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees commends RTAC’s century‑long legacy of leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to fairness, equity, and financial security for retired teachers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this proclamation be entered into the official record of the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund and shared with RTAC in honor of its historic centennial celebration.