2025-2027 EAC Spotlight: Madeline Wood
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: Madeline Wood, Music Educator
Tell us a little about your teaching journey — what subjects, grades, or communities have you served?
This is my fifteenth-year teaching band in Illinois. I am so lucky to teach students starting in fifth grade until they graduate high school. I find this privilege immense–I get to be their teacher for nearly half of their lives.
What are some challenges or opportunities you see in education today that motivate your work?
I am motivated to work toward more equitable public schools for all learners. I am particularly interested in creating more joyful, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ students, educators, and families.
How does being part of the EAC connect to your goals or passions as an educator?
I am thrilled to be connected to a group of passionate, advocacy-orientated educators through the Educator Advisory Council. I appreciate their knowledge and the ways they challenge me to dig deeper into education policy and advocacy.
Can you share an example of a time you advocated for your students, school, or community?
Through Teach Plus, I advocated for the passing of The Racism-Free Schools Act. My working group met with organizations and lawmakers to build momentum, and eventually help pass, The Racism-Free Schools Act.
What advice would you give students to help them stay inspired?
Whatever interests you in school–music, art, weightlifting, physics, civics–dive in completely.
Learn more about the Educator Advisory Council here.