Educator Pipeline Group
Leveraging Expertise and Data Insights to Improve Educational Access
Illinois’ educator workforce is complex— the Educator Pipeline Group (EPG) comes together to craft proactive strategies and systems that strengthen and diversify our pipeline and prepare students for college and career success.
About the Educator Pipeline Group
Launched in 2019, the Education Pipeline Group (EPG) today represents over 90 organizations with members from state agencies, school districts, civil rights and advocacy groups, teacher voice organizations, institutions of higher education, and education management groups.
“The EAC created a thoughtful, well-structured space that allowed for authentic educator input. I felt seen, heard, and valued throughout my participation. The cross-sector conversations were rich, and it was refreshing to engage with colleagues from across the state who brought different perspectives but shared a commitment to equity and student success.”
Ernesto Saldivar Jr.
9th-12th
Maine Township High School
District 207
Our Organizing Principles
The principles that drive the work of the EPG are centered around the question: How can we work together to refine, advance, and support innovative strategies and systems to recruit, develop, and retain highly effective educators who reflect the diversity of Illinois and prepare students for college and career success to build stronger communities? What do we deeply believe, regularly defend, and fight to advance? Any solution would do the following:
Ensure all students have highly-effective, culturally-responsive educators who are prepared to support their academic, social, and emotional needs.
Ensure all aspiring and current educators have access to career exploration, preparation, induction, professional learning, and continued leadership opportunities.
Additionally, the group has worked to consider the educator pipeline holistically, from recruitment and preparation to retention, leadership, and growth, integrated diversity into each element.
Motivate individuals to pursue an education career in Illinois by increasing the desirability, prestige, and sustainability of the profession from early childhood through 12th grade.
Build upon and explore strategies that address the educator shortage and meet short term needs while maintaining high standards of quality that students need to succeed.
Cultivate an inclusive educational environment that recruits, develops, supports, and retains educators that better reflect the diversity of our state.
In addition to helping shape Advance Illinois’ education policy agenda, council members develop advocacy leadership skills to further advance educational equity statewide. EAC members:
Shape Statewide Policy: Influence policy decisions that impact your students and peers.
Grow as a Leader: Build skills in advocacy, community organizing, and public speaking.
Connect Across the State: Join a network of educators committed to equity and collaboration.
Are Heard: Ensure frontline educator voices are included in statewide education priorities.
For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Team at engagement@advanceillinois.org
“To be in a space with varied perspectives assisted me to look outside of my microscopic view. It challenged me, and it was a welcome challenge.”
Dr. Carla Stewart
Counseling
Higher Education
“I have enjoyed networking with other teachers from around the state and sharing our ideas and viewpoints. It really creates a sense of community.”
Megan Zamora
K-12th
Meridian Community Unit SD 223
Join the Educator Advisory Council
We’re looking for passionate, full-time educators from across Illinois, including:
Early childhood educators
K–12 public school staff (teachers, instructional coaches, counselors, deans, school leaders)
Higher education faculty and staff
You must be employed full-time in an educational setting—such as a school, college, university, or licensed childcare center—during the 2025–2027 school years
Application Information
Apply Now: Applications for the 2025–2027 cohort open July 1, 2025.
Priority Deadline: August 30, 2025
Rolling Applications Accepted Through: September 25, 2025
Applicants will be notified of decisions by the end of September. The first orientation session will take place in October.
✉️ Questions?
Contact Maty Ortega Cruz at engagement@advanceillinois.org
“It made me realize that while challenges may look different in each region, there are shared goals and systemic issues that unify us.”
Juan Pablo Esquivel
9th-12th
Noble Network of Charter Schools
“My proudest achievement as an EAC member is connecting with my peers and growing with them.”
Precious Allen
2nd
Chicago Public Schools
COMMITMENT AND EXPECTATIONS
Term Length:
November 2025 – June 2027
Meeting Schedule:
Monthly virtual meetings (typically the 3rd Tuesday of each month)
Three in-person convenings per year
Optional ad hoc meetings during the legislative session
Engagement Requirements:
Active participation in at least one statewide campaign (e.g., school funding, educator pipeline)
Attend at least one Springfield Advocacy Day per year
Lead a community engagement project in your region
Stipend:
Members receive a $1,800 annual stipend, distributed in two payments per year. Full participation is required.
Learn about the 2023-25 Educator Advisory Council
“I learned something at every meeting. I felt that my expertise was acknowledged. I was challenged to grow and look at my biases. I made such wonderful connections.”
Cara Craig
Prenatal-K
Childcare Network of Evanston
Find Advance Illinois blogs featuring EAC members below.
“Not a meeting went by when I was not struck by how much I could appreciate what a vast and diverse state this is in so many ways. Working with passionate people from so many different regions and contexts made me a better and fuller person.”
Bill Polasky
10th-12th
Meridian Community Unit School
District 223
