2025-2027 EAC Spotlight: Dr. Christerralyn Brown
This fall, Advance Illinois welcomed the 2025-2027 Educator Advisory Council (EAC) cohort, bringing together educators across early childhood to postsecondary, representing the diversity across Illinois. In the next two years, they will deepen their policy knowledge, explore the root causes of the disparities we see in education, and take action together through advocacy efforts including legislative testimony, writing op-eds, and organizing their peers. As part of the 2025-2027 EAC Cohort Spotlight series, we look forward to introducing each member and highlighting their journeys as educators and the experiences they bring to this space.
Introducing: Dr. Christerralyn Brown, Clinical Professor
Tell us a little about your teaching journey — what subjects, grades, or communities have you served?
I started my career in education by teaching political science courses at the college level. I switched to secondary education because I wanted to be part of the community life of a high school and to support young people as they navigate the many choices they face during their teenage years. At the time, there were fewer pathways to transition into education from another career, so I joined Teach for America, where I taught English Language Arts and American Government at a charter school in downtown St. Louis. I then moved back to Southern Illinois and taught high schools in the region before starting my current role as Assistant Principal in Carbondale.
What are some challenges or opportunities you see in education today that motivate your work?
I am motivated by the urgent need to address educator shortages, improve workforce diversity, and ensure that preparation pathways are accessible, affordable, and responsive to community needs. Expanding high-quality apprenticeships and practice-based preparation models creates real opportunities to stabilize the special education workforce and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
How does being part of the EAC connect to your goals or passions as an educator?
Serving on the Educator Advisory Council aligns with my passion for influencing policy, elevating educator voice, and translating research and practice into sustainable systems change.
Can you share an example of a time you advocated for your students, school, or community?
One example of my advocacy includes leading cross-sector partnerships with Chicago Public Schools, regional special education cooperatives, and community colleges to launch registered teacher apprenticeship pathways that remove financial and structural barriers for aspiring educators while maintaining rigorous licensure standards.
What advice would you give students to help them stay inspired?
My advice to students is to stay curious, stay connected to your purpose, and seek mentors and communities that challenge and support your growth. Your voice and lived experience matter, use them to lead with courage, empathy, and impact.
Learn more about the Educator Advisory Council here.