STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY
Contact Information: tmfelson@gmail.com
Member Status: CPS Teacher, 11 years
Summary
My name is Thomas Felson and I am a candidate for the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund Teacher Trustee position. I have been a CPS educator for 11 years at Marsh Elementary. My first exposure to personal finance was through knowledgeable union siblings and it was through their advocacy and education that I learned the negative impact high fees have on long-term growth of investments. I have since been an advocate for educators supporting one another improving financial literacy.
This includes helping colleagues in and out of my building discuss financial goals for their supplemental accounts and identifying funds with the lowest Expense Ratios (ER) that ensure the return on their investments match their goals. Since I am newly vested into the CTPF, I am running to become the first Tier 2 Teacher Trustee. Half of CTU’s membership is considered Tier 2 which requires more years of service and delays the age members are able to draw from their pension in retirement in comparison to their Tier 1 colleagues. Due to this, it’s important Tier 2 members have their voice represented. I want to continue advocating on behalf of all CTU members to ensure the pension fund remains viable for the long term so that all of our members can retire with the defined benefit they were promised.
AS A TEACHER TRUSTEE, MY GOALS INCLUDE
- Promote the repeal of Tier 2 through continued legislative efforts and advocate for Tier 2 defined benefits
- Act in all members' best financial interests to improve the fund's health through internal optimization of fund investments
- Advocate for ethical investments with transparent fee structures easily accessible to members
- Improve member education, financial literacy and planning
RELATED EXPERIENCE
- CTU Summer Organizing Institute Intern (2025)
- CTU School Delegate, Marsh Elementary (2022-present)
- CTU PPC Chair, Marsh Elementary (2022-present)
Education
Masters of Arts-Educational Technology Leadership
Concordia University Chicago (2022)
Bachelor of Arts- History/Social Sciences Education
Illinois State University (2012)
Endorsements: English as a Second Language, National Louis (2024)
Middle Level Math, University of Chicago (2022)
LBS1, Lewis University (2015)
Work Experience
PROFESSIONAL
Special Education Teacher
Marsh Elementary (2015-present)
Native English Teacher
Osong High School, South Korea (2012-2014)
Disclaimer: CTPF is not responsible for the content of this material and has not verified any of the information.