Teach Plus National Teacher of Color Alumni Network

The Teach Plus National Teacher of Color Alumni Network fosters affinity connection and collaboration with and among Teach Plus alumni of color from across our regions. We work to gather IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, People of Color) teacher leaders’ input on key educational practice and policy issues that affect them, their students, and their communities. Individually and collectively, the Network members engage in professional leadership and learning and advocacy efforts  to improve the teaching profession and increase equitable outcomes for students.

Our vision is to engage as a community that serves as a racial affinity group, committed to collectively cultivating an uplifting, empowering, healing space for teachers and leaders of color and their growth and sustainability in the profession.

Justin Johnson square

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be in community with other Teach Plus educators of color through the Teacher of Color Alumni Network. Being able to engage with this diverse group in authentic connection always encourages me to continue this important work. I look forward to Teach Plus maintaining its efforts to promote, support, and uplift the many contributions of its diverse network of alumni.

Justin Johnson

Teach Plus Illinois Policy Fellowship Alum, 2021 Illinois Teacher of the Year, and Teacher of Color Alumni Network Leader

“Research shows that teachers of color are great for all kids, and make a particular difference for students of color. That is why I believe it is essential for Teach Plus to create a safe space for teachers of color to build community, heal, and create a safe space for sustainability — and I’m immensely grateful to the teacher leaders who will collaborate to make it happen.”

—Lindsay Sobel, Teach Plus Chief of Policy, Planning & External Affairs

How Does It Work?

Through the Network, you will become part of a larger community of teacher leaders of color, engage in connecting and communicating, and work with your peers on issues impacting teachers of color and the teaching profession. 

Teach Plus Nevada Senior Policy Fellow and 2021 National Teacher of the Year Juliana Urtubey with First Lady Jill Biden. Photo Credit: Ron Sachs / CNP

As a Network member, you may:

  • Attend high-quality, virtual professional learning events and participate in affinity groups focused on teacher leadership
  • Engage in discussions with state and national education leaders and decision makers regarding key educational issues
  • Learn about Teach Plus’s work in our Equity Focus Areas and leadership opportunities in your state and nationally
  • Write op-eds and contribute to Teach Plus reports and memos

All Teach Plus National TOC Alumni Network events and activities are virtual and free to all Teach Plus alumni of color. If you live in a state where Teach Plus has a local presence, you may also receive opportunities to learn, engage, and advocate at local and state levels.

“Engaging with teacher leaders and colleagues of color, from across the country, in an affinity space that respects and honors our diverse and dynamic identities is an incredible privilege. It is empowering to authentically connect, collaborate, and co-create in a community of inclusivity and belonging. I’m grateful for the opportunity to collectively lead, learn, and hold space for one another in meaningful and intentional ways.”

—Tonia Holmes-Sutton, NBCT, Teach Plus Nevada Executive Director and 

Teach Plus TOC Alumni Network Lead

Nationally and locally, Teach Plus TOC Alumni have:

  • Testified in front of the state legislatures regarding equitable funding, recruitment and retention of a diverse teaching workforce, teacher preparation and leadership, whole child, student-centered learning, high-quality early childhood education, college and career access and readiness, and meaningful accountability 
  • Facilitated education presentations to the State Boards of Education and state and national colleagues across the country in collaboration with state and national education partners; professional learning and development for teaching colleagues at state and national conferences
  • Led and conducted focus groups of teachers of color on their experience and the role of race and identity in education
  • Engaged with the United States Secretary of Education to discuss persisting education issues within our profession
  • Represented teachers as State Teachers of the Year, National Teacher of the Year, and as guests at the White House during Teacher of Year recognitions
  • Published op-eds in local and state media outlets, including Edutopia, EdWeek, ASCD Express, Learning for Justice, Surge, The Educator’s Room and more

Qualifications:

To participate in the Teach Plus National Teacher of Color Alumni Network, you must:

  • Be Teach Plus alum who identifies as an educator of color
  • Be willing to engage in Teach Plus National TOC Alumni Network events and activities with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

For additional information about the Teach Plus National Teacher of Color (TOC) Alumni Network, contact Dr. Tonia Holmes-Sutton, NBCT at  tholmessutton@teachplus.org.

Resources and News

Op Eds

Five Ways to Increase Parent Involvement in Schools

Michele Lamons-Raiford, California Policy Fellowship alumna
  • The Educator's Room
California
•Aug. 2, 2023
Op Eds

God Must Have Forgot About Me: Book Reflection from a Veteran Teacher

Michele Lamons-Raiford, California Policy Fellowship alumna
  • The Educator's Room
California
•Jun. 23, 2023
Op Eds

Reflection on 8 Black Hands Podcast: Dr. Charles Cole III Speaks on All Things Education

Michele Lamons-Raiford, California Policy Fellowship alumna
  • The Educator's Room
California
•May. 30, 2023
Op Eds

What’s Lost When a Teacher Leaves a School

Tracy Edwards, Senior Writing Fellow
  • EdSurge
National
•May. 5, 2023
Op Eds

Advocacy lesson extends beyond students’ classroom

Laura Jeanne Penrod, Nevada Senior Policy Fellow
  • The Nevada Independent
Nevada
•May. 5, 2023
Op Eds

Cultural Exchange Teachers in the United States: Supporting The Need for Effective Mentorship Programs

Lauro C. Esquilona III, Senior Research Fellow
  • The Educator's Room
Nevada
•May. 5, 2023