In The News
Michigan lawmakers pass bills to help students overcome dyslexia
Michigan
•Mar. 21, 2024Teach Plus Michigan Policy Fellowship
Leveraging the expertise of our state’s outstanding teachers to advance equity for students
Teachers from across Michigan:
You are invited to apply for the Teach Plus Michigan Policy Fellowship, a highly selective leadership opportunity for outstanding Michigan teachers looking to deepen their knowledge of education policy and gain a voice in decisions that affect their students and the teaching profession.
What is the Teach Plus Michigan Policy Fellowship?
- Fellows expand their influence without leaving the classroom, starting in June 2024 and concluding in June 2025.
- Fellows participate in two in-person training sessions, monthly virtual meetings, and smaller issues-focused working groups.
- Fellows receive training through expert-led modules and direct engagement with key stakeholders. No prior policy experience required.
- Fellows pursue a policy research or advocacy project that addresses a pressing state-level policy issue.
- Fellows receive a $2,500 stipend for their commitment.
What you will 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 20 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 Michigan. Teach Plus works with key stakeholders and policymakers to join the conversation.
Through the Teach Plus Policy Fellowship, teachers will benefit from the advocacy support and policy leadership from The Education Trust-Midwest (ETM). The Fellows will build off of the leadership of teachers in the Michigan Teacher Leadership Collaborative (MTLC), which was run in partnership between Ed Trust-Midwest and Teach Plus.
Our Teach Plus Michigan Teacher Leaders have:
- Met with key stakeholders and policymakers at the Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Legislature.
- Conducted research using surveys and focus groups.
- Successfully advocated for policy changes related to such issues as the science of reading and equitable funding.
- Wrote op-eds published in such media outlets as The ‘Gander, Bridge Michigan, and Chalkbeat Detroit.
- Published a policy brief on social emotional learning instruction, and memos about Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), teacher retention, early childhood education, and equitable school funding.
Qualifications
Teach Plus seeks a cohort of teachers who reflect the cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity of our state. Apply to 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 public charter schools in Michigan.
- 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 policymakers.
- Are available to attend an in-person retreat on Saturday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 4th, 2024 in Lansing, MI. Attending the retreat is a requirement of the program. Lodging and food costs will be paid by Teach Plus.
Application Process
Part 1 – Written Application
The written application asks you to complete general demographic information, short responses, and provide a resume (the application will include links to several free online resources to help support those who do not already have a current resume). Application closes Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST
Part 2 – Interview
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 Michigan Policy Fellowship. If accepted, you will commit to attending the in-person kick-off on Saturday, August 3rd – Sunday, August 4th, 2024 in Lansing, MI. Attending the retreat is a requirement of the program. Lodging and food costs will be paid by Teach Plus.
Questions? Email Ben Locke at blocke@teachplus.org
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 Michigan Policy Fellowship teachers.
Teacher Voices
Policy Statements
Teach Plus Michigan applauds the passage of Senate Bills 567 and 568 in the Michigan state Senate
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•Mar. 12, 2024In The News
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•Feb. 6, 2024In The News
How Michigan schools are teaching the Israel-Hamas war (Very delicately)
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•Jan. 24, 2024In The News
This Detroit teacher became an educator to fight for equity in the classroom
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•Jan. 12, 2024In The News
As Israel-Hamas war continues, difficult conversations unfold in Michigan classrooms
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•Oct. 25, 2023