Teacher Voice in Education Policy
The best education policy is grounded in the experience and input of those on the front lines of education every day – Illinois’ students, parents, teachers and principals. For this reason, Advance Illinois convened the Educator Advisory Council (EAC).
Educator Advisory Council members have:
- Advocated in a campaign for equitable and adequate school funding along with giving every student in the state the education they deserve (Funding Illinois’ Future)
- Shared expertise in conversations regarding investing in excellent teachers for all students (Teachers for Illinois’ Future)
- Created policy reports such as Making Assessments Work
The council gathers to share their vital perspective, provide feedback and inform Advance Illinois’ education policy agenda while building their own leadership in advocating for issues that advance educational equity statewide.
Educator Advisory Council members:
- Meet monthly, or as needed, throughout the school year, either in-person or virtually
- Convene in-person three times per year
- Participate in sub-committee groups based on expertise, interest and skills development
- Provide feedback on policy recommendations and advocacy strategies
- Participate in advocacy training and opportunities that will develop their leadership in influencing policy, including media training, providing public testimony at key hearings, community engagement and more
- Gain access to a network of policy leaders, including legislators, and agency and district leadership from around the state
For more information, please contact Jessica Ramos at jramos@advanceillinois.org.
Members of the 2019-21 Educator Advisory Council
Co-Chairs
Jennifer Smith
Middle School Science, Monticello School District
Rebecca Wattleworth
High School Science and Math, Warrensburg-Latham Community Unit School District 11
Members
Sabrina Alexander
Elementary Pre-K-4 Special Education Teacher, Chicago Public Schools
Jacob Carlson
High School 9th and 11th ELA, Bethalto Community Unit District 8
Rick Coppola
Middle School 7th grade ELA: Reading and Writing, Chicago Public Schools
JaNay Dodson
High School 9th – Biology 12th – Anatomy and Physiology, Chicago Public Schools
Teresa Eden
Elementary 3-5 Title 1 Reading, Meridian CUSD 223
Kali Goldberg
Early childhood Blended Special Education and At-risk, Maywood District 89
Bella Ibarra
Blended Pre-K, Ridgeland School District 122
Rebecca Kinnee
High School Instructional coach/9th grade English, District 214
Twyla Lee
Alternative High School 10-12 Social Studies, East St. Louis School District 189
Brian Lotter
Middle/High School 5-12th Grade Instrumental Music, Staunton CUSD 6
Elissa Rabin
High School 9th grade Multicultural Literature, Chicago – Noble Network
Brad Rossi
High School Assistant Principal, Chicago Public Schools
Kevin Rutter
High School 11-12th Career and Technical Education, Chicago Public Schools
Evelyn Sanchez
High School 9-12th Grade School Counselor, Argo CHSD 217
A. Janelle Scharon
STEM Dean of Instruction, Noble Network of Charter Schools
Jamar Scott
Elementary K – 5 Principal, Springfield Public Schools 186
Crysta Weitekamp
High School, Exceptional Needs English and Science, Springfield Public Schools 186
Corey Winchester
High School 11th (US History) and 12th (Sociology of Class, Gender, and Race), Evanston District 202