Op Eds
Principals, You Aren’t the Only Leader in Your School
Illinois
•Apr. 23, 2024IL Affinity Group Network: Facilitator Fellowship
Helping educators of Color to create safe, supportive, and transformative spaces
Fellowship Details
Fellowship Application Deadline: Friday, May 16th, 2025
If you would like to apply, please click here.
Fellowship Introduction and Background
The Illinois Affinity Group Network seeks to cultivate authentic, inclusive, intersectional spaces, shaped by and for educators who identify as people 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.
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.
To learn more about the fellowship, view this video.
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.
To hear the perspective of our fellows and learn more about the impact of the fellowship, watch this video.
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 of color 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.
Know a teacher leader?
Nominate a teacher who wants to achieve change in their schools and in the broader education system.
Important Dates
Selection & Interviews
- Fellowship Application Closes: Friday, May 16th
- Interview Selection Decision: June 1st
- Candidate Interviews: June 9th – June 19th
- Notification of Selection Decision: June 25th
Session Dates
NOTE: While there may be slight changes to these dates, we ask that you verify your availability on these dates before applying to the fellowship.
Schedule one-on-one time with a leadership coach to learn more about the Illinois Affinity Group Facilitator Fellowship and have your questions answered
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