Teach Plus Illinois Affinity Groups

The Illinois Affinity Group Network seeks to cultivate authentic, inclusive, intersectional spaces, shaped by and for educators of color. These affirming and supportive spaces, rooted in an asset-based understanding of diversity, will support educators in navigating and improving their school environments and will be connected to a larger network to build alliances and address systemic issues.

Find Your County

Are you an Educator of Color, Interested in Engaging in an Affinity Group?

Fill out this form to find out more information.

Affinity Group Network Interest Form

Can't find an affinity group? We have two State-wide virtual affinity groups available for you.

BIPOC Affinity Space sign up here

Our next virtual gathering is on Thursday, March 14th, 2024 at 5:30pm.

Sign Up

LGBTQ+ BIPOC Affinity Space sign up here

Our first virtual gathering is on Thursday, March 21st, 2024 at 5:30pm

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Champaign

  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Latinx, Women/Female Identifying
  • This affinity group will continue to be a safe and healing space for Black and Latinx Elementary Teachers and Social Workers.

Cook

  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Latinx
  • This affinity group seeks to create a safe inclusive space of belonging for Latinx teachers to embrace their culture, language and identities. It is within this space where we will converse and connect so that we can engage in meaningful dialogue including our experiences and navigating systems. Participants will participate in collective community building, and discussing advocacy through the affinity group.
  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black/African American
  • This affinity group seeks to create a space where Black Lead Instructional Coaches can come together and become a united group. This group will be a place where coaches can relax, relate, and release from the daily norms of a coach. There usually is one instructional coach housed in a school, which can be a lonely place. This group will give Black lead coaches a sense of belonging.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Latinx, Men & Women/Female/Male Identifying
  • This affinity group will create a brave space for belonging and growth for beginning Black and Latinx educators (1-3 years of experience). This group intends on developing a community of educators that can find strength in their shared their struggles and accomplishments with one another. This group also intends on addressing the need for connection and discussion between Black and Latinx communities in South Suburban schools.

DuPage

  • Open to educators of color in the area
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • This affinity space seeks to cultivate an intentional, authentic, and intersectional space for educators of color (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color). This will be done through examination and affirmation of each member’s identity and addressing issues of racism, representation, and equity within the district.
  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Latinx
  • The Latina/o/x Faculty Affinity Group seeks to empower Latina/o/x faculty to have a fulfilling and sustaining career by allowing space for healing, elevating of voices, sharing experiences, gaining knowledge and skills, and making sure we are well represented in positions of leadership within the building.
  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black/African American
  • This affinity space seeks to create a safe space for black educators to feel supported in being their authentic self. Within the space educators will be encouraged to uplift their voices to advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion that will lead to a common impact for black educators.

Jackson

  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black/African American
  • The purpose of this group will be to increase the likelihood of Black educators remaining in the school district. Black educators will create a support system that will be used to strengthen them as individuals who enter into a predominately white work environment on a daily basis. This group will serve as a safe landing space for educators who are in all facets of their careers from early to late career; teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx
  • Within this affinity group, we are hoping to create a safe space where educators of color feel accepted and free to voice their cares and concerns about all issues without feeling judged, ridiculed, or unimportant . This affinity group seeks to provide the needed support and resources that can collectively strengthen the voice of this group and promote healing, while navigating through the hurts , biases and systemic barriers surrounding the field of education.

Lake

  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx, Men & Women/Female/Male Identifying, Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA), Nonbinary, LGBTQ+
  • This affinity group seeks to support and provide a safe space for teachers of color where teachers find connection and inspiration from each other. We seek to have the opportunity to empower ourselves to make a difference in our students’ lives. 
  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • This affinity space is intended to support Mundelein High School’s staff of color to build a community of belonging and to create a more equitable environment for our BIPOC students.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • This affinity group will create a safe and necessary space for educators of color to gather together, support one another, and celebrate their authentic selves while developing the self advocacy skills needed to flourish in the teaching profession, as well as, to enlarge their own personal capacity for growth.
  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA), LGBTQ+
  • This affinity space seeks to cultivate an intentional, authentic, and intersectional space for educators of color (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color). This will be done through examination and affirmation of each member’s identity and addressing issues of racism, representation, and equity within the district in an effort to support the Strategic Plan Inclusive Education Objective of developing an ongoing process to recruit, hire, and retain a more diverse staff that mirrors the Barrington CUSD 220 student demographic.

McHenry

  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx
  • This Affinity Group seeks to create an inclusive space of belonging for educators who identify as Latino, Black, or as a Person-of-Color (POC) to gather and discuss their experiences as educators of Color in a judgment-free manner to encourage open discussion, collaboration, and community building in support of teacher-retention.

McLean

  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA)
  • This affinity group is for educators interested in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their schools. We will specifically target BIPOC educators holding or seeking leadership positions in districts where the staff demographics do not reflect student diversity. Like students, educators thrive in spaces where they feel connected. Affinity groups such as this one will shore up the leaders’ stamina to build diverse, equitable, inclusive schools. That is, when DEI leaders find strength through community, they can orchestrate brave spaces for educators who will in turn design spaces of belonging for students.

Are you an Educator of Color, Interested in Engaging in an Affinity Group?

Fill out this form to find out more information.

Affinity Group Network Interest Form

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North Cook

  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus:Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA),
  • A space where ETHS educators can build community with each other to heal, identify, and mobilize in order to observe, gather, utilize data to inform and implement practices that result in BIPOC teacher recruitment and retention (and increased BIPOC student success across identified assessments/ indicators).
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA), LGBTQ+
  • This affinity group seeks to create a brave inclusive space of belonging for Teachers of Color who may be one of the few BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color including but not limited to People with Asian, Latinx and Middle Eastern backgrounds) educators in their buildings to gather and be free from the dominant cultures stereotypes and marginalization that permeate every other societal space we often occupy. This group intends to replenish, reenergize and connect us so that we can begin to reimagine a liberating future within our educational landscape.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black/African American, Men/Male Identifying, Women/Female Identifying, Men & Women/Female/Male Identifying, LGBTQ+
  • This affinity group has been developed to create a brave and inclusive space to support Black educators (teachers, support staff, paraprofessionals, coaches etc.) to collectively gather and uplift one another. The core focus of this affinity group is to cultivate an open space that is conducive for building connections, fostering collective thoughts; opinions; feelings and providing support and encouragement to promote longevity and healthy retention for Black educators. This group is designed to be self-care, self-advocacy and consistent validation of all the true and core reasons we have become educators.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • This Affinity Group seeks to be an affirming space for teachers of color to just be themselves, share the truth of their lived experiences, celebrate joy, and build communal care for one another on an individual and larger scale. We will nurture, heal, and replenish our community, so BIPOC teachers are loved, supported, and can thrive while igniting change in their districts.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • Coming together authentically, creating a safe space to share stories & get support from one another, explore racial ignorance, and strategize into action.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Afro-Latinx, Black/African American
  • The purpose and vision of the Black Affinity Group within Township High School District 214 is to cultivate a safe and brave space for Black educators, where we can find solace and empowerment away from the stereotypes and marginalization prevalent in dominant cultures. Our affinity group aims to provide a reliable and cohesive support system that replenishes our spirits, re energizes our passion, and strengthens our connections.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • This affinity group seeks to create a inclusive space of belonging for Black, Indigenous and People of Color educators to gather that is free of dominant culture expectations and culture. It will be a space to build trust and heal as a group.

Peoria

  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA), LGBTQ+
  • This affinity group seeks to create a community that fosters healing and encourages advocacy for BIPOC educators. In our space, we will balance joy and healing with necessary discussions and advocacy.

Rock Island

  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • The East Moline School District 37 Affinity Group seeks to create a safe and brave space for all district educators who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). The space is designed to honor the individuals of the group by providing a place to gather, collaborate, connect and encourage one another. The group will embrace and work towards the vision of creating a sustainable inclusive atmosphere for all BIPOC throughout the EMSD37.

Saint Clair

  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Latinx, Biracial: Black and White mixed.
  • This affinity group goal is to create and maintain a safe space to promote inclusion and comradery amongst educators of color to provide them with the resources needed to provide an effective education beneficial for both students and teachers alike.

Sangamon

  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • This affinity group seeks to provide an affirming and healing space for administrators who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC) to discuss and share experiences related to equity learning, leadership, and systems work. Group members will participate in extended professional learning related to the BIPOC experience as a district educator and administrator. This will include a series of optional book studies for discussion, learning, and sharing.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx, Men & Women/Female/Male Identifying, Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA), Nonbinary, LGBTQ+
  • We are a collective of like minded educators striving to achieve professional and personal success through setting/accomplishing goals focused on the needs of ourselves and our environments.

South Cook

  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black/African American/Latinx
  • This affinity space will promote unity, provide support, advocacy and build a sustained and engaged community among Teachers of Color in the Homewood-Flossmoor community school district. It will also provide an immediate and effective medium for addressing issues of concern to Teachers of Color and serve as fierce advocates for educators suffering from inequality, racism, and injustice.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • This affinity group will serve as a space of healing, restoration, and community for BIPOC Educators from the Homewood-Flossmoor area and the Homewood School District 153 community. We intend to disrupt the sense of isolation that educators of color often feel when working in a society that marginalizes them. In unity, we endeavor to create a transformative space that empowers BIPOC educators to thrive professionally, advocate for positive change, and inspire future generations. Together, we celebrate our diversity, strengthen our collective voice, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape in the Homewood-Flossmoor area.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA)
  • This affinity group aims to create a space for educators and certified support staff of Arab ancestry to come together for healing, affirmation, and break from the dominant stereotypical narrative. It seeks to celebrate and value each member’s authentic self.
  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black/African American
  • The purpose of the affinity group for Black male educators is to create a supportive and empowering community that addresses the unique challenges and experiences faced by Black men in the field of education. This group serves as a platform for these educators to come together, share their perspectives, and exchange valuable insights to foster professional growth and personal development. By providing a safe space to discuss common issues, celebrate successes, and offer mentorship, the affinity group aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the education system. Through collaboration and advocacy, the group seeks to strengthen the impact of Black male educators and contribute to the improvement of education for all students, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Stephenson

  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • This BIPOC affinity group for certified educators in the Freeport School District will provide a safe place to create a community for educators of color.

West Cook

  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • BEST Affinity Group is a space that will organize, connect and bring Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) educators together for events in an effort to help them navigate the many stressors that come with the job. This group will work to foster relationships, and provide professional development opportunities, mentoring, networking, resources, and joy!

Will

  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx, Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA)
  • STRIDE stands for support, training, retention, and investment in diverse educators. It is an affinity group for Valley View’s certified staff and paraprofessionals to develop a professional support network, build mentoring partnerships, and support BIPOC staff in their positions and future career goals.

Winnebago

  • Open to district employees only
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Afro-Latinx, Black/African American, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Latinx, Men/Male Identifying, Women/Female Identifying, Men & Women/Female/Male Identifying, Middle Eastern, North African, Asian (MENAA), Nonbinary, LGBTQ+
  • The purpose of this group is to provide space for educators of color, where we can commune without fear, affirm & celebrate one another, learn together and from each other, co-create, and collaborate with one another while finding solutions to disrupt and dismantle everyday racialized and equity issues that create barriers for retaining teachers within our localized education system.
  • Open to surrounding districts
  • Racial & Other Identify Markers Focus: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • This affinity group will provide a safe space for educators of color, this includes traditional teachers, administrators and support staff such as school counselors, school social workers, school psychologist, school nurses and speech pathologist. This space will provide healing, reflection, skills for collaboration and possibly advocacy to best serve the students in the Rockford Region.

Are you an Educator of Color, Interested in Engaging in an Affinity Group?

Fill out this form to find out more information.

Affinity Group Network Interest Form

Back to Top