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How a communication device has helped me understand student behavior.
Illinois
•Jun. 20, 2025IL Affinity Group Network: Facilitator Fellowship
Helping educators to create safe, supportive, and transformative spaces
Fellowship Introduction and Background
The Illinois Affinity Group Network seeks to cultivate authentic, inclusive, intersectional spaces, shaped by and for educators. 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.
Each affinity group will be led by an affinity group facilitator who proposes an affinity group that is appropriate for their context. The affinity groups will meet at least monthly. Activities during affinity group meetings can include: building a supportive community through heart work & connection; providing professional ideas, support, advice & connection; identifying retention challenges in their districts and, when feasible and safe, advocating to address those challenges. Affinity groups will also have access to a community building fund for their affinity group.
The affinity group facilitator will receive training and leadership coaching prior to and during the year that they are starting their affinity group. Affinity group facilitators from around the state will meet monthly in Professional Learning Communities, and they will receive a stipend at the end of the year in recognition of their leadership.
Who is this for?
The fellowship is intended for educators (e.g., teachers, counselors, instructional coaches, etc.) who impact the educational experiences of students in any public school in the State of IL. An ideal candidate has experience facilitating adult learning and/or an interest in supporting educators’ learning and growth. Additionally, candidates should be comfortable having conversations about race across racial lines in a constructive and supportive manner. If you are a district leader looking to launch an affinity group we encourage you to nominate an eligible educator for this fellowship.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must have worked in their school/district for at least 5 years and must continue within that same school/district for the upcoming school year.
Requirements
- Participate in monthly 1:1 and/or small group coaching
- Participate in monthly virtual cohort meetings
- Attend a fall and winter in-person two-day convenings
- Host and facilitate a monthly affinity group meeting in your area
- Maintain, through continuous recruitment, at least 8 educators in the affinity group
Selection Priorities
All educators are welcome to apply! We will prioritize schools/districts that do not currently have an affinity group in their area. If your school/district already has an affinity group, please connect with that facilitator and/or district/school leadership before submitting your application. In addition, we are specifically seeking facilitators in Southern and Central IL.
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