Teach Plus Illinois Affinity Groups
Building a future where human dignity and collective care are at the center of education systems.
Calling All IL Educators
Are you interested in participating in an Affinity Group? Click below and complete our interest form.
In Illinois districts across the state, every educator deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. The IL Affinity Group Network (IL-AGN) helps make that possible through a vibrant network of authentic, inclusive, intersectional spaces for educators of marginalized communities across Illinois to build community, share experiences, and lead purposefully by supporting each other, sharing resources, and fostering growth.
These affirming and supportive spaces support educators in navigating and improving their school environments and will be connected to a larger network to build alliances and address systemic issues. Informed and aligned with evidence-based practices for educators, we foster a sustainable community of care that attends to the particular experiences of communities that are often overlooked and underestimated.
If you are interested in participating in an Affinity Group, click here and complete our interest form.
Are you an administrator concerned about teacher retention?
Click below and complete our interest form to learn about how affinity groups can help reduce attrition.
Teacher turnover in Illinois is higher among teachers who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), presenting not only an academic and life challenge for students, but also a fiscal challenge for schools and districts. Ongoing research by the Learning Policy Institute indicates that larger districts can, on average, spend nearly $25,000 on replacing a departing teacher when factoring in school and district expenses related to separation, recruitment, hiring, and training.
In these first few years, IL-AGN has supported over 1,000 BIPOC teachers, with a 98% retention rate. IL-AGN’s success has saved partnering districts more than $2.2 million! The positive impact IL-AGN has made by retaining 138 more teachers is estimated to represent a long-term impact of more than $44 million for the students those teachers will serve this year (and each subsequent year). This nation-leading network calls for sustained support for over 500 diverse educators yearly within and across communities in all 6 IARSS areas.
If you are interested in learning about how to start an Affinity Group in your area, click here and complete our interest form.
