Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship
Training teachers as advocates to ensure Illinois teachers and students thrive
What is 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.
- Fellows expand their influence without leaving the classroom, starting in June 2026 and concluding in June 2027.
- Fellows receive training through expert-led modules and direct engagement with key stakeholders.
- No prior policy experience required.
- Monthly Fellows Sessions (most virtually, with two in-person weekends)
- Fellows receive a $2,000 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 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.
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
- 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, 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 2026
- OR an early childhood teacher, paraprofessional, teaching assistant, early interventionist, special education service provider, licensed family child care provider, or other role working directly with children birth through 2nd grade, and will have completed at least two (2) full years of teaching experience by August 2026
- 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
Application Deadline: April 6, 2026
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 6th, 2026.
Part 2- Interview
You will be notified by Monday, April 13th if you have been invited to participate in an interview. Interviews will take place virtually between April 20 and May 2.
Part 3– Selection
You will be notified if you have been selected to join the Illinois Policy Fellowship. If accepted, you will commit to attending the regular monthly cohort sessions, our in-person kickoff August 8-9, and our in-person fall retreat November 7-8.
IMPORTANT: if you cannot attend the two in-person sessions in August and November, you will not be eligible for selection to this year’s Fellowship.
Questions? Please contact Policy Director Bill Curtin.
Interested in joining?
Start your application below to join the Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship.
Know a teacher leader?
Nominate a teacher who wants to achieve change in their schools and in the broader education system.
We invite you to view a Virtual Information Session to hear more about all of our programs from Teach Plus Illinois staff and Policy Fellowship alumni.
Meet our Teacher Leaders
Get to know the Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship teachers.
