Cynthia Kilmer is a 2025-2026 Teach Plus Illinois Early Childhood Educator Policy Fellow and kindergarten teacher at Oregon Elementary School in Oregon, Illinois. Having spent more than 20 years in early childhood education, she believes in a balance of play-based learning and developmentally appropriate academic practices to promote personal growth and progress. Previously, Cynthia held positions in infant and toddler care, preschool teaching, early childhood administration, and as a 2nd grade teacher. She earned her BA in elementary education from Northern Illinois University, where she also received early childhood endorsements. Cynthia holds dual graduate degrees in educational psychology from Northern Illinois University and curriculum and instruction from Olivet Nazarene University.
