Op Eds
Black Boys in Gifted Education Deserve More — and My Journey Is Proof of It
Colorado
•Mar. 26, 2025Teach Plus Colorado Policy Fellowship
Training teachers as advocates so teachers and students thrive in Colorado.
You are invited to apply for the Teach Plus Colorado Policy Fellowship, a highly selective leadership opportunity for outstanding teachers in the Centennial State looking to deepen their knowledge of education policy and gain a voice in decisions that directly affect students and the teaching profession.
What is the Teach Plus Colorado Policy Fellowship?
- Fellows expand their influence without leaving the classroom, starting in August 2024 and concluding in June 2025
- 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
- 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.
How does it work?
Teach Plus recruits and selects Colorado Policy Fellows from across the state to participate in the cohort experience. You will become part of a larger movement of teacher leadership and help mobilize your peers around top issues impacting the teaching profession in Colorado. Teach Plus works with key stakeholders and policymakers to join the conversation.
Our Teach Plus Colorado Policy Fellows have:
- Testified at legislative hearings, served on state-level education steering committees, and participated in meetings with national and state policymakers, Colorado lawmakers, and school board officials.
- Helped create the Colorado Commissioner’s Teach Cabinet and successfully advocated for policy changes related to such issues as student mental health and the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Program.
- Worked in collaboration with other state groups on the passage of HB24–1448, which created a new school finance formula
- Conducted research using surveys and focus groups.
- Written op-eds that were published in The Colorado Sun, The Gazette in Colorado Springs, and Chalkbeat Colorado, among other media outlets.
- Researched and published policy briefs on education issues that include high-quality schools, mentorship, and educator shortages.
Qualifications
Teach Plus seeks a cohort of teachers who reflect the cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity of Colorado. 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 June 2024.
- Have a track record of success teaching students in traditional public or charter schools in Colorado.
- 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.
Know someone who is interested in policy advocacy? Please share this link!
Interested? Email Dr. Jamita Horton at jhorton@teachplus.org
Application Process
Part 1 – Written Application (due by May 2, 2025)
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 (May 13-15, 2025)
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 Colorado Policy Fellowship. If accepted, you will commit to attending the kickoff in August 2024.
Become a teacher leader
Start your application below to join the Teach Plus Colorado Policy Fellowship.
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 Colorado Policy Fellowship teachers.
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