The CTU argues that its evident failures are more due to factors beyond its control, such as the poverty, demographics and family habits of its students.
Though Obama successfully courted teachers unions in his 2012 general election victory, Emmanuel took a hard line with the CTU. The gambit partially paid off.
After 350, 000 students and 30, 000 teachers missed seven school days, the CTU voted to suspend the strike on Sept. 18 and returned to work the following day.