Where We WorkTeach Plus Michigan Policy Fellowship

Teach Plus Michigan Policy Fellowship

Leveraging the expertise of our state’s outstanding teachers to advance equity for students

Application Deadline: April 15, 2025

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?

Expand your influence without leaving the classroom, starting in June 2025 and concluding in June 2026.
Participate in two in-person training sessions, monthly virtual meetings, and smaller, issues-focused working groups.
Engage in training through expert-led modules on topics such as Identity and Leadership, Storytelling for Impact, Policy Process & Analysis, Campaign Planning, Op-Ed Writing, Meeting with Decision-Makers, Writing Testimony, and more.
Pursue a policy research or advocacy project that addresses a pressing state-level policy issue. Past working groups of teachers within the larger cohorts have built advocacy campaigns around equitable school funding, the educator workforce and support, the transition to postsecondary education and career, SEL and student mental health, early childhood education, literacy and support for students with dyslexia, and culturally-affirming curricula and materials.
Directly engage with key stakeholders and policymakers.
Receive a $2,500 stipend for your commitment.
No prior policy experience required

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 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.

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 2025.
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 2nd through Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 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 (application closes Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST)

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).

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 2nd – Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 in Lansing, MI. Attending the retreat is a requirement of the program. Lodging and food costs will be paid by Teach Plus.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2025

Questions? Email Ben Locke at blocke@teachplus.org

Become a teacher leader?

Start your application below to join the Teach Plus Michigan 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 Michigan Policy Fellowship teachers.

Teacher Voices

Policy Statements

Teach Plus applauds Michigan’s School Aid Budget that supports students living in poverty and English learners

Michigan

•Jun. 28, 2024

Policy Statements

Teach Plus Michigan and The Education Trust-Midwest congratulate Kelley Cusmano on being named 2024-25 Michigan Teacher of the Year

Michigan

•May. 9, 2024

In The News

Rochester educator named Michigan Teacher of the Year

Michigan

•May. 7, 2024

In The News

Michigan lawmakers pass bills to help students overcome dyslexia

Michigan

•Mar. 21, 2024

Policy Statements

Teach Plus Michigan applauds the passage of Senate Bills 567 and 568 in the Michigan state Senate

Michigan

•Mar. 12, 2024

In The News

Michigan Senate hears the case for requiring the “science of reading” in early literacy curriculum

Michigan

•Feb. 6, 2024