Op Eds
Teachers Can’t Thrive in a Vacuum
Mississippi
•Dec. 1, 2022Teach Plus Mississippi Policy Fellowship
Training teachers as advocates to ensure that teachers and students thrive in Mississippi
You are invited to apply for the Teach Plus Mississippi Policy Fellowship, a highly selective leadership opportunity for outstanding Mississippi 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 Mississippi Policy Fellowship?
- Fellows expand their influence without leaving the classroom, starting in July 2024 and concluding in June 2025.
- Teachers are recruited statewide, with a particular focus on those from the Mississippi Delta.
- Fellows participate in monthly sessions (virtual and in-person).
- Fellows receive training through expert-led modules and direct engagement with key stakeholders. No prior policy experience is required.
- Fellows receive a $1,500 stipend for their commitment.
What do we do?
Teach Plus trains teachers to understand 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 Teach Plus Mississippi 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 Mississippi. Teach Plus works with key stakeholders and policymakers to join the conversation.
Our Teach Plus Mississippi Policy Fellows have:
- Presented recommendations to policymakers at the Mississippi Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Mississippi State Legislature.
- Conducted research using surveys and focus groups.
- Successfully advocated for policy changes related to teacher pay, licensure, and mentorship.
- Wrote op-eds that were published in The Clarion-Ledger, The Sun-Sentinel, Newsweek, The Hechinger Report, and other media outlets.
- Published policy briefs on such topics as performance-based teacher licensure pathway, mental health, and teacher pay raises.
Qualifications
Teach Plus Mississippi seeks a cohort of teachers who reflect the cultural and geographic diversity of our state.
- Be a current teacher of record with at least two (2) full years of teaching experience by July 2024
- Have a track record of success teaching students in Mississippi
- Be ready to dedicate your time and passion to learning about policy and advocating on behalf of changes that impact students
- Be able to attend the kickoff event in July 2024
Application Process
Part 1 – Written Application (application closes Monday, May 6, 2024)
The written application asks you to complete general demographic information, short essay responses, and submit a professional resume.
Part 2 – Interview
You will be notified by Wednesday, May 15, 2024, if you have been invited to participate in a virtual interview. Interviews will take place between May 22-23, 2024.
Part 3 – Selection
If selected to join the Teach Plus Mississippi Policy Fellowship, you will be notified by May 31, 2024. If accepted, you will commit to attending the in-person kick-off on Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Jackson. Attending the kick-off is a requirement of the program.
Questions? Email Sanford Johnson at sjohnson@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 Mississippi Policy Fellowship teachers.
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