Lewis, 64, was diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancer in 2014 at a time when she was considering a run for mayor. She returned to work after treatment, but had a stroke in 2017.
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Earlier this month Lewis underwent a "planned medical procedure."
In a statement Friday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, "I've seen firsthand the tenacity and drive that makes Karen Lewis a worthy advocate for Chicago children and teachers, and we've grown to admire each other as a friends. Karen may be stepping down from her position at CTU, but I know she'll never stop fighting for Chicago's children."
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Lewis was elected CTU president in 2010. Prior to becoming president, she taught high school chemistry for 22 years in Chicago Public Schools. Lewis also attended CPS schools as a child.
Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement, "Karen Lewis has been a tireless advocate for Chicago's educators and students, and she's someone I've been honored to call a partner and a friend for many years. I want to thank Karen for her commitment to promoting quality instruction, and I know she will remain an important voice for our schools going forward."
In a statement released Friday evening, Lewis wrote:
"Given my health challenges, it is unlikely that I will return to my beloved classroom. In light of that, and after much consideration, I recently submitted a retirement request to the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund, ending my tenure as an educator with Chicago Public Schools.
For nearly three decades, I have worked to educate our city's children and provide them with a foundation for learning that will follow them throughout their lives. In the coming weeks, I will make a determination regarding my role as president of the Chicago Teachers Union and our path forward in fighting for the schools our children deserve.
I am nearing the end of my third term. I remain your president today, with a strong leadership team that includes our Vice President, Jesse Sharkey. I will be engaging with my fellow CTU officers and members about our direction forward over the months ahead and will be communicating with you in the coming days."