Educator Advisory Council

 

Educators’ Voices in Education Policy

The best education policy is grounded in the experience and input of those on the front lines of education every day. For this reason, Advance Illinois formed the Educator Advisory Council (EAC) composed of educators from across the state.

 
 

EAC members have shaped the Illinois education policylandscape by:

  • Advocating for equitable and adequate school funding
    (Funding Illinois’ Future)

  • Sharing the significance of equitably investing in excellent teachers
    (Teachers for Illinois’ Future)

  • Creating data-driven policy reports

 

In addition to helping shape Advance Illinois’ education policy agenda, council members develop advocacy leadership skills to further advance educational equity statewide. EAC members:

  • Influence policy recommendations and advocacy strategies

  • Develop leadership skills in influencing policy, which includes media training and testifying at key legislative hearings

  • Network with policy leaders, including legislators and leadership from agencies and districts around the state

For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Team at engagement@advanceillinois.org

Welcome EAC Cohort

In December 2023, Advance Illinois welcomed the 2023-2025 EAC cohort, bringing together educators who span from early childhood to post-secondary, and represent the rich diversity of the state.

Members of the 2023-25 Educator Advisory Council

  • Precious Allen

    2nd
    Chicago Public Schools
    ABOUT ME

  • Flor Carter

    9th-12th
    Waukegan Public Schools
    ABOUT ME

  • Bob Chikos

    9th-10th
    Crystal Lake School District 155
    ABOUT ME

  • Breana Calloway

    PreK-8th
    Chicago Public Schools
    ABOUT ME

  • Cara Craig

    Prenatal-K
    Childcare Network of Evanston
    ABOUT ME

  • Teresa Eden

    Elementary 3th-5th Title 1 Reading
    Meridian CUSD 223
    ABOUT ME

  • Juan Pablo Esquivel

    9th-12th
    Noble Network of Charter Schools
    ABOUT ME

  • John Giffin

    9th-12th
    Vienna High School
    ABOUT ME

  • Cassandra Hays

    9th-12th
    Trico District 176
    ABOUT ME

  • Laura Jordan

    Kindergarten-2nd
    Springfield School District 186
    ABOUT ME

  • John Milosovic

    4th-12th
    West40 ISC
    ABOUT ME

  • Elizabethe Ocon Calderon

    Diverse Learning
    Chicago Public Schools
    ABOUT ME

  • Bill Polasky

    10th-12th
    Meridian Community Unit School District 223

  • Alexandra Renko

    4th
    South Beloit District 320
    ABOUT ME

  • Ernesto Saldivar Jr.

    9th-12th
    Maine Township High School District 207
    ABOUT ME

  • Dr. Carla Stewart

    Counseling
    Higher Education

  • Rebecca Wattleworth

    9th-12th
    Warrensburg Community Unit School District 11

  • Dr. Kamilah Williams

    K-12th / College
    Illinois Central College

  • Megan Zamora

    K-12th
    Meridian Community Unit SD 223

  • Michelle Zurita-Sharpe

    PreK
    Chicago Public Schools
    ABOUT ME