Op Eds
It’s time to pay student teachers
Illinois
•Apr. 5, 2024Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship
Training teachers as advocates to ensure Illinois teachers and students thrive
You are invited to apply for the Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship, a highly selective leadership opportunity for outstanding Illinois teachers looking to deepen their knowledge of education policy and gain a voice in decisions that affect students and the teaching profession.
What is the Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship?
- Fellows expand their influence without leaving the classroom, starting in June 2024 and concluding in June 2025.
- Fellows participate in monthly sessions (virtual, with two in-person weekends).
- Fellows receive training through expert-led modules and direct engagement with key stakeholders. No prior policy experience required.
- Fellows receive a $1,600 stipend for their commitment.
What does Teach Plus do?
Teach Plus trains teachers in understanding education policy advocacy as a lever for student success, including community organizing, writing op-eds, speaking to the media, providing public testimony, meeting with legislators, and more. Teach Plus works to create and connect teachers to opportunities to lead in meaningful ways at the policy level.
How does it work?
Teach Plus recruits and selects Teach Plus Illinois 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 Illinois. Teach Plus works with key stakeholders and policymakers to join the conversation.
Our Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellows have:
- Wrote and passed the teacher-created Racism-Free Schools Act to address racial harassment and discrimination in schools.
- Successfully advocated for Illinois’ historic education funding reform by meeting with lawmakers, organizing teachers throughout the state, and holding a rally in Springfield.
- Successfully advocated for the passage of Illinois’ new Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards.
- Wrote op-eds that were published in media outlets including Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Chalkbeat, and Education Week,
- Conducted, published and presented original research elevating teacher perspectives on diversifying the teaching pipeline for students, preservice educators, and educators of color, innovative instruction, use of federal COVID funding, and restorative discipline practices, among other topics.
Qualifications
Teach Plus seeks a cohort of teachers who reflect the cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity of our state. Apply if you:
- Are a current teacher of record and will have completed at least two (2) full years of teaching experience by August 2024
- Have a track record of success teaching students in Illinois
- Are ready to dedicate your time and passion to learning about policy and advocating for change
- Understand that racism is real and that anti-racism is our responsibility as educators
- Have a passion for sharing the diverse perspectives and experiences of students and teachers with policy makers
Application Process
Part 1 – Written Application
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.) Applications are due April 21st, 2024.
Part 2 – Interview
You will be notified by Friday, April 26th, 2024 if you have been invited to participate in an interview. Interviews will take place virtually between April 30th and May 9th, 2024.
Part 3 – Selection
You will be notified if you have been selected to join the Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship. If accepted, you will commit to attending the virtual kick-off convenings scheduled for:
- Tuesday, June 25, 2024 3-5pm
- Thursday, June 27, 2024 3-5pm
- Wednesday, July 17, 2023 3-6pm
You should also plan to attend the in-person kickoff scheduled for August 10th and 11th, 2024, our fall retreat scheduled for November 9th and 10th, and monthly sessions on Wednesday evenings throughout the fellowship.
Questions? Please contact Policy Manager Bill Curtin
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 Illinois Policy Fellowship teachers.
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