Maria G. Tellez is a 2022-2023 Teach Plus Illinois Early Childhood Educator Policy Fellow and an early childhood special education teacher in a preschool inclusive setting at Tonti Elementary in Chicago. Maria is a member of Tonti’s Local School Council. Prior to receiving her teaching degree, she worked as a teacher assistant and special education classroom assistant. Maria received her BA in Early Childhood Education with an Early Childhood Special Education Approval from Governors State University, University Illinois.