Pension Education

Clear, accessible information to help members better understand pensions, retirement security, and the issues that shape pension advocacy.

featured resource

Fact Sheet: CTPF, Tier 2, and Pension Funding

This fact sheet provides a plain-language overview of Illinois pension protections, Tier 2 concerns, CTPF funding health, and why pension advocacy matters for current and future educators.

Read the fact sheet

Pension Education Matters

Pension systems can be complex, but members deserve clear information about the benefits they have earned, the systems that support them, and the policy decisions that may affect their retirement security.

PAG’s education resources are designed to make pension topics easier to understand, so members can stay informed, ask better questions, and participate more confidently in advocacy efforts.

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Advocacy & LEGISLATION

Know Your Pension Protections

Illinois public pension protections are an important part of understanding why pension advocacy matters. For CPS educators and CTPF members, this constitutional language is a key starting point.

In simple terms, pension membership creates a protected contractual relationship. Understanding this protection can help members stay informed, ask stronger questions, and advocate more effectively for the benefits they have earned.

Source: Illinois Constitution, Article XIII, Section 5

Explore Pension Education Topics

Explore clear, accessible resources designed to help members better understand pensions, retirement security, and the issues that shape pension advocacy.

CTPF Basics

Find plain-language information about the Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund and its role in supporting retired educators.

Pension Advocacy

Learn what pension advocacy means, why it matters, and how members can help protect earned benefits and retirement security.

Tier 1 vs. Tier 2

A guide to the key differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2 CTPF pensions and why PAG supports repealing Tier 2.

Legislation & Policy

Read our 2026 Fact Sheet and learn how pension-related legislation and public policy decisions can affect members.

Pension Funding

Explore why reliable retirement benefits matter for educators, families, and communities.

Common Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions about pensions, advocacy, and PAG’s work.

Key Terms to Know

Pension issues often come with specialized language. These key terms offer a simple starting point for understanding the topics that shape retirement security and advocacy.

Defined Benefit Pension

Pension Fund

Contributions

Benefits

COLA

Trustee

Funding Ratio

Legislation

Pension Protection

Fiduciary

Latest from PAG

Recent blog posts, updates, educational resources, event recaps, and media from Pension Advocacy Group.

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news & updates

Why PAG Is Asking Questions

PAG is asking hard questions about CTPF’s funded ratio, dedicated tax levy revenue, investment consultant decisions, health insurance, and property tax timing. Read More →

advocacy & legislation

2026 Legislative Fact Sheet

Check out our plain-language summary of Illinois pension protections, Tier 2 concerns, and PAG’s legislative priorities for CTPF members. Download Fact Sheet →

news & updates

What It Means to Leave People Behind

From the Amerasian Homecoming Act to Tier 2, she connects personal memory, public policy, and PAG’s next chapter. Read Post →

News & Updates

Senior Prom: Summer Fundraiser

Senior Prom was a beautiful reminder of why this work matters. Thank you to everyone who made the fundraiser (and Tina’s birthday celebration) so memorable. Read Recap →

PAG NEWS

Unimaginable Joy

Tina reflects on a Yukon trip that helped her realize her work to protect earned benefits did not have to end after her time as a CTPF Trustee – it could take a new shape through PAG. Read Post →

pension advocacy

From Springfield: Day of Action

On May 27th, PAG joined educators, retirees, workers, and community advocates in Springfield for a Day of Action focused on public education, retirement security, and the importance of showing up. Read Recap →

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