Training Illinois teachers to improve the teaching profession and the outcomes for our neediest students.
What is the Teach Plus Illinois 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.
Fellows expand their influence without leaving the classroom, starting in June 2022 and concluding in June 2023.
Monthly Fellows Sessions (virtually and tentatively in-person)
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 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 Illinois Teaching 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.
Nationally and locally, Teach Plus Policy Fellows have:
Met with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office
Ensured that the voices of early childhood educators are included in upcoming state initiatives.
Advocated for Illinois’ historic education funding reform law by meeting with House Speaker Michael Madigan and 15 other lawmakers, organizing teachers throughout the state, and by holding a rally in Springfield.