Op Eds
We Need a Diverse and Sustainable Teaching Force in California
California
•Apr. 27, 2023Teach Plus California 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 2024 and concluding September 2025.
- In-person training sessions 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.l ways at the policy level.
How Does It Work?
Teach Plus recruits and selects Teach Plus 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 community partners and policymakers to join the conversation.
Our Teach Plus California Policy Fellows have:
- Testified at the California State Legislature and California State Board of Education.
- Conducted focus groups, led webinars for teachers, and presented at conferences.
- Successfully advocated for policy changes related to such issues as high-quality instructional materials that are culturally relevant, instruction and resources for English learners, and teaching standards.
- Wrote op-eds that were published in EdSource, CalMatters, The Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, and other media outlets.
- Researched and published policy briefs about revising teacher standards, diversifying the teaching profession, implementing the California English Learner Roadmap, and fostering empathetic schools, among other topics.
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 2024.
- 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 Bryan Monroy at bmonroy@teachplus.org
Application Process
Part 1 – Written Application (due by July 19, 2024)
The written application asks you to complete general demographic information and short narrative responses.
Part 2 – Interview (August 7- August 13, 2024 )
You will be notified if you have been invited to participate in a virtual interview.
Part 3 – Selection (August 14 - August 16, 2024)
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 2024.
Join our virtual information session on Monday, June 10 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.
Meet Our Teacher Leaders
Get to know the Teach Plus California Policy Fellowship teachers.
Teacher Voices
Op Eds
California needs better support for students and teachers of color
California
•Apr. 26, 2023Op Eds
We Need a Diverse and Sustainable Teaching Force in California
California
•Apr. 10, 2023Op Eds
Our newcomer students deserve better
California
•Mar. 28, 2023Op Eds
Three Steps to Prevent ChatGPT Misuse
California
•Mar. 7, 2023Op Eds
How parents and educators can work together to build community
California
•Feb. 27, 2023