Commissioner Tara Stamps
Commissioner Tara Stamps’ entire life has been devoted to organizing working people to transform their communities into places of belonging, equity, and justice. In fact, it's in her blood.
Born to the legendary freedom fighter and civil rights icon Marion Stamps in Cabrini-Green in 1969, Tara grew up knowing full well the struggle of working-class people navigating disinvestment, violence, and racism. Yet, she also learned the importance of fighting back.
After earning her degree from Central State University in 1990, Tara went on to work full-time and earn two master's degrees, one in Curriculum and Instruction and the other in Educational Leadership. In 1996, Tara got her first full-time teaching job at Leslie Lewis Elementary School, where she brought a passion for teaching and service and a big heart for students to the classroom.
In 2004, Tara was hired as an ELA teacher at Jenner Academy in the Cabrini-Green community where she was born and raised.
Throughout her decades-long career as an educator, Tara has also served as an activist and a prophetic voice for change. She joined the Chicago Teachers Union, serving in various roles within the CTU and organizing with other labor affiliate organizations in opposition to school closures, the privatization of city services, and the militarization of police in Black and Brown communities.
Tara has spent her life serving students and loving people and continues the work of justice and equity in line with the legacy of her mother to this day.
