Op Eds
Teachers of Color Face Unique Challenges. Here Are Some of Them
Illinois
•Nov. 14, 2023Illinois Affinity Group Facilitators
Helping educators of Color to create safe, supportive, and transformative spaces
What are Illinois Affinity Group Facilitators?
- Illinois Affinity Group Facilitators seek to cultivate authentic, inclusive, intersectional spaces, shaped by and for educators of Color
- Facilitators create affirming and supportive spaces, rooted in an asset-based understanding of diversity, which support educators in navigating and improving their school environments and are connected to a larger network to build alliances and address systemic issues
- Facilitators support their peers by forming an affinity group in their context during the 2024-2025 school year
- Facilitators lead a local Advocacy Action Team (recruited from the affinity group members) which will identify barriers to retention of educators of Color, and propose and advocate for solutions
- Facilitators receive training to conceptualize and design their affinity group, leadership coaching to support the implementation of their affinity group throughout the year, and are part of a professional learning community to build skills, share ideas, and work through common problems
- Facilitators receive a $2,500 stipend for their commitment
What Does Teach Plus Do?
Teach Plus trains teachers in a variety of skills including: Understanding Structural Racism; Personal Consciousness and reflection; Setting Up Affinity Groups; Preparing to Lead Adults; Building Community and learning; Building Momentum; and Organizing for Impact
How Does It Work?
Teach Plus recruits and selects Illinois Affinity Group Facilitators from across the state who will develop, launch, and facilitate affinity groups in their contexts. They will become part of a larger movement of racial equity and support for educators of Color, with the goal of keeping more educators of Color in Illinois’ classrooms.
Facilitators design and facilitate Affinity Groups which will:
- Be responsive to local needs and be designed by facilitators and participants
- Have at least eight members and meet at least monthly throughout the year
- Receive additional funds for community building & to support local Advocacy Action Teams
- Participate in a network of educator-led Affinity Groups for educators of Color
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