WEST ENGLEWOOD — Earle STEM Academy’s chess coach said he was so dedicated to his students that he’s willing to risk his union membership and be fined for holding chess practice Friday instead of participating in the planned one-day teachers strike.
Joseph Ocol, who’s also a math teacher, said some of his students asked him if chess practice would be canceled on Friday.
“I realized that I could not say 'no' to them, knowing how much they love to play chess,” he said, adding that the after-school practice also gives them a place to do their math homework.
“It would have broken my heart if I were to tell them that I will not be around and the chess club will be closed,” Ocol said.
Even though Chicago Teachers Union leaders have publicly acknowledged there are some members who don't agree with the decision to hold the one-day strike Friday, they insist that all teachers must unite if delegates approve the measure. Teachers who cross the picket line can be kicked out of the union and possibly fined.
But Ocol said he didn't care. He said his loyalty was with his students, with whom he has formed a close bond since starting the chess club in 2014.
“The union may not like this, but I care for these kids who are caught in the middle of this controversy between the union and CPS administration,” he said.
“I am a union member and have paid my union dues regularly for more than 10 years now. But deep in my heart I feel that I did not join the union in order to neglect the plight of these kids. I feel that my loyalty to the union stops where my dedication to my students begins,” Ocol said.
The union didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on Ocol's decision.
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