2025-2027 EAC Spotlight: Erin Acosta

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: Erin Acosta, Director/ Parent Educator

Tell us a little about your teaching journey — what subjects, grades, or communities have you served?

I’ve spent more than two decades in early childhood education. I started as a one-on-one paraprofessional aide and eventually facilitated parent and child classes and enrichment experiences like art, music, and movement. Those early roles helped me see how much young children learn through relationships and shared experiences.

I spent a significant amount of time working in Montessori education before stepping into early childhood administration during the pandemic. That time strengthened my appreciation for early learning spaces where children and adults gather each day to interact, experience diversity, and build connections.

Over the years I’ve worked throughout Chicago and the northern suburbs. Recently I moved to the southwest suburbs to manage a grant-funded early learning program that serves families in at-risk communities. It continues to keep me grounded in why strong, accessible early childhood programs matter so much.

What are some challenges or opportunities you see in education today that motivate your work?

One of the biggest challenges I see in early childhood education is access. For many families, the cost of early learning can place high quality programs out of reach, even though we know how much those early foundations support children’s development and long-term success.

I see a similar challenge for educators. Access to higher education and professional preparation can be difficult to navigate, especially for those already working in the field. Receiving the ECACE scholarship was a breakthrough moment for me after many years of trying to find a pathway to complete my degree. That opportunity changed the course of my personal and professional life.

How does being part of the EAC connect to your goals or passions as an educator?

Educators are my people! Being part of the Educator Advisory Council touches on the values that guide my career. In many ways, I feel like a living example of what policy investment can make possible. Opportunities like the ECACE scholarship opened a pathway for me to continue my education after years of trying to find a way forward. Because of that support, I was able to grow as an educator and step into new forms of leadership.

That experience gives me a strong sense of responsibility to carry that work forward. I care a great deal about programs and policies that build strong foundations for children and families, because when those foundations are in place communities are stronger as a whole.

While students and families are always at the center of this work, I also believe there is room to better support the educators who live this experience every day. Educators are part of the same ecosystem. When they have access to education, mentorship, and support, the entire field will grow stronger.

Can you share an example of a time you advocated for your students, school, or community?

I often reflect on the question of who is caring for those who care. That question has shaped the way I think about advocacy in early childhood education. While my work has always centered on children and families, I also believe it is important to speak up for the educators who make early learning possible each day.

I try to use my experience, education, and platform to advocate for the people who live this work every day. One way I am doing that right now is through research focused on the early childhood workforce with other ECEC collaborators. We are researching what supports could be implemented in licensed child care centers in Illinois to strengthen educator well-being such as benefits, access to education, and other supports that help educators sustain their work in the field.

What advice would you give students to help them stay inspired?

Relationships are everything! Connection is one of the most important things we can offer each other in learning spaces and in life. When things feel overwhelming, it can help to pause and ask where we can strengthen connections with others instead of trying to carry everything alone. I also hope students learn not to be afraid of adversity or challenges. We can do hard things, and growth often comes from working through them. At the same time, we are not meant to face those moments by ourselves. If a child grows up understanding that they are part of a community, and that there are people around them who care and will support them, then I feel I have succeeded as an educator.

Learn more about the Educator Advisory Council here.