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California
•May. 10, 2022California Policy Fellowship
Training teachers as advocates to ensure that California teachers and students thrive
You are invited to apply for the Teach Plus California Policy Fellowship, a highly selective leadership opportunity for outstanding California teachers looking to deepen your knowledge of education policy and gain a voice in decisions that affect your students and the teaching profession.
What is the Teach Plus California Policy Fellowship?
- Fellows expand their influence without leaving the classroom starting September 2022 and concluding September 2023.
- In-person training sessions (dependent on COVID-19 restrictions), and online monthly virtual sessions.
- Fellows receive training through expert-led modules and direct engagement with key stakeholders. No prior policy experience required (previous candidates may reapply).
- Fellows receive a $1,500 stipend for their commitment.
What Does Teach Plus Do?
Teach Plus trains teachers in: understanding education policy as a lever for student success, community organizing, writing op-eds and speaking to the media, providing public testimony, and more. Teach Plus works to create and connect teachers to opportunities to lead in real ways at the policy level.
“You all are amazingly supportive. You all have been a cheerleading squad that I haven’t had before. If every teacher had this kind of backup we could achieve so much.” – Louise Williamson, 2021-22 California Policy Fellow
How Does It Work?
Teach Plus recruits and selects California Policy Fellows from across the state to participate in the cohort experience. Fellows become part of a larger movement of teacher leadership and help mobilize their peers around top issues impacting the teaching profession and educational equity in California. Teach Plus works with key stakeholders and policymakers to join the conversation.
Nationally and locally, Teach Plus Policy Fellows have:
- Testified in front of the California State Legislature regarding positive school climate, fiscal equity, and the needs of English learners during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Conducted focus groups of teachers of color on their experience and the role of race and identity in education.
- Led webinars for teachers on meeting the needs of emergent bilingual students during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Testified in front of the California State Board of Education.
- Met with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office to discuss over-testing in American schools
- Published op eds in EdSource, the San Jose Mercury News, the San Diego Union Tribune, CalMatters, Learning for Justice, Education Post, and many other media outlets.
“I have really loved the opportunity to get to know educators across the state. I have learned new skills and can see skill transfer. This experience has been two-sided. Many fellowships are a sit and get but with Teach Plus we have the opportunity to give feedback and create something new out of it.” – Isiah Iniguez, 2021-22 California Policy Fellow
Qualifications
Teach Plus seeks a cohort of teachers who reflect the cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity of California. Apply to the policy fellowship if you:
- Are a current teacher of record (PK-12) with at least two full years of teaching experience by July 2022.
- Have a track record of success teaching students in traditional public or charter schools in California.
- Are ready to dedicate your time and energy to learning about policy and advocating on behalf of changes that impact your students — while continuing to teach full time.
- Have a passion for sharing the diverse perspectives and experiences of students and teachers with policy makers.
Interested? Email Tamra Simpson at tsimpson@teachplus.org
Application Process
Part 1 – Written Application (due by July 11, 2022)
The written application asks you to complete general demographic information, short responses and provide contact information for two professional references (letters of reference are not required.)
Part 2 – Interview (July 27- August 1, 2022)
You will be notified if you have been invited to participate in a virtual interview.
Part 3 – Selection
You will be notified if you have been selected to join the Teach Plus California Policy Fellowship. If accepted, you will commit to attending the kickoff in September 2022.
Join our virtual information session on Tuesday, June 14 at 4:00 pm to learn more about the fellowship and hear directly from teacher leaders who have participated in the previous fellowship cohorts. Register Here
Know a teacher leader?
Nominate a teacher who wants to achieve change in their schools and in the broader education system.
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