Erika Meza, Teacher Trustee Candidate

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STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY

Contract information: ms.erikameza@gmail.com 

My name is Erika Meza and I am a candidate for the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund Teacher Trustee position. I bring 26 years of classroom and leadership experience and a proven track record of pension advocacy, transparency, and member education. 

I have extensive knowledge of financial investments, including the stock market, fixed income, alternative assets, and the effect of expense ratios on long-term portfolios. I gained this knowledge through years of research, learning from financial practitioners, and facilitating financial literacy workshops and seminars. My background in personal finance education and my passion for transparent, ethical investments drive my commitment to protecting and strengthening our pension.

As Chair of the CTU Tier 2 Committee, I have led the fight to secure fair retirement benefits for all members. I collaborate across union committees, advocate at the state level, and consistently push to make sure our pension system works for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 educators. Since 2020, I have closely monitored our pension fund and trustee decision-making process, consistently raising concerns about transparency, fees, and accountability. My commitment is to ensure members have a watchdog at the table who will protect their retirement security.

As a CTPF Teacher Trustee candidate, my goals are to:

  • Promote retirement benefit improvements for all members (Tier 1 and Tier 2)
  • Grow our Fund and optimize our investment portfolio
  • Strengthen member communication and education
  • Empower school Pension Reps with financial knowledge to share with members
  • Advocate for ethical and transparent investments

Membership Experience

  • CTPF Pension Representative, George Washington High School
  • CTU Chair, Tier 2 Committee
  • CTU Associate Delegate / PPC Member / PPLC Co-Chair
  • CTU High School Steering Committee
  • LSC Teacher Representative


Leadership in Pension Advocacy, Education & Outreach

  • Monitor CTPF performance and trustee decision-making since 2020, raising member concerns and demanding accountability in fund management
  • File FOIA requests to uncover hidden private equity fees and demand full transparency in how pension dollars are managed.
  • Speak at CTPF public participation sessions to hold the Board accountable on fees, fund performance, and oversight.
  • Develop clear, member-friendly resources like Tier 1 vs Tier 2 comparisons and transparency flyers to educate and empower members.
  • Advocate for a third party forensic audit to expose hidden fees, reduce waste, and strengthen fiduciary responsibility.
  • Collaborate with national campaigns in Ohio, Minnesota, and California to bring proven pension advocacy strategies to Chicago.
  • Advance pension safeguards as Tier 2 Chair, winning House of Delegates approval to put member protections on the bargaining agenda.
  • Coordinate legislative outreach with state lawmakers and IFT representatives, including participation in the April 2024 Lobby Day in Springfield.
  • Lead development of CTU resolutions addressing Tier 2 pension concerns and expanding member education through a dedicated Tier 2 Facebook group.

Education

  • M.Ed. in School Leadership, Concordia University, Administrative Type 75 Certificate (2003)
  • B.A. in Secondary Education in History, University of Illinois at Chicago, with Bilingual and ESL Endorsement (2000)


Work Experience

  • George Washington High School: Social Science, ESL/Bilingual Lead Teacher, and Computer Science Teacher (including AP Computer Science Principles and Sheltered English Instruction), 2005–Present
  • John F. Kennedy High School: Social Science Teacher (including ESL and Bilingual), 2000–2005

Disclaimer: CTPF is not responsible for the content of this material and has not verified any of the information.