2025-2027 EAC Spotlight: Juletta Ellis
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: Juletta Ellis, Center Director
Tell us a little about your teaching journey — what subjects, grades, or communities have you served?
I began my career as a 7th and 8th grade ELA teacher in Staunton, a small community in south central Illinois. I held that position for 13 years before wandering into the fields of administration. I served as the PreK-8 assistant principal for 2 years in that same district and then made the move to become a junior high principal in Pana for 5 years. From there, I took the position of Litchfield High School principal for 4 years, which helped expose me to career and technical educational opportunities and the impact they have on the students in our rural communities. That passion developed and led me to my current position at our area career center, SCI, where I hold the position of Director.
What are some challenges or opportunities you see in education today that motivate your work?
I have always worked in rural communities, all of which have had a high poverty rate. I see the challenges that come with the rural settings, including lack of access to opportunities, students from non-traditional families (i.e. parents are incarcerated or otherwise not involved), food insecurities, lack of housing, substance abuse disorders, etc. However, all of these students deserve a chance, and through education, that chance can blossom into something life changing. Particular to my current work, I have seen how access to career and technical education can be life-changing for so many students. Not only are these students more likely to graduate; they are also given access to well-paying careers by earning industry credentials, certifications, and college credit while in high school. It is amazing to see cycles of poverty broken through the power of education!
How does being part of the EAC connect to your goals or passions as an educator?
EAC provides the avenue to continue to advocate for students and for something I am so passionate about, which is breaking barriers and providing access to post high school success.
Can you share an example of a time you advocated for your students, school, or community?
Since SCI is so new (just opened in 2023), I feel I have been continually advocating for CTE funding to support this important work. We have to keep telling stories, like the one of M, a student who enrolled in our Laborer's Construction Craft Apprenticeship program. He completed the two-year cycle of the course, and his work ethic and aptitude in the field helped him to obtain a full scholarship from a regional contractor. Because of this, he is able to pursue his dream of construction management with no financial burden. He is a first-time college student, and this is truly life changing for him. I want all students to have that possibility!
What advice would you give students to help them stay inspired?
Work hard, make connections, be dependable! Those will take you far no matter what field you choose to pursue!
Learn more about the Educator Advisory Council here.