2025-2027 EAC Spotlight: Pavithra Loganathan
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: Pavithra Loganathan, Assistant Center Director, TLE
Tell us a little about your teaching journey — what subjects, grades, or communities have you served?
I began my teaching journey as an early childhood teacher, supporting young children in their foundational learning and development. I then advanced to an Enrichment Director role, where I created and led engaging programs in areas like music, movement, and the arts. Currently, I work at The Learning Experience, continuing to support early learners in a structured and nurturing environment.
What are some challenges or opportunities you see in education today that motivate your work?
A key challenge in education today is supporting children’s social-emotional needs, as many come with diverse experiences. At the same time, this creates an opportunity to provide more individualized and engaging learning. This motivates me to create a nurturing environment that supports each child’s growth and development.
How does being part of the EAC connect to your goals or passions as an educator?
Being part of the EAC connects to my passion for continuous growth and collaboration in education. It gives me the opportunity to share ideas, learn from other educators, and stay informed about best practices. This supports my goal of creating meaningful learning experiences and continuously improving the way I support young children’s development.
Can you share an example of a time you advocated for your students, school, or community?
In my role as an early childhood educator, I once advocated for a child who was struggling with social-emotional skills in the classroom. I worked closely with the child’s family and my team to create a consistent support plan, including structured routines and positive reinforcement strategies. By communicating regularly and adjusting our approach to meet the child’s needs, we were able to help them build confidence, improve interactions with peers, and feel more successful in the classroom. This experience reinforced the importance of collaboration and speaking up to ensure every child receives the support they need.
What advice would you give students to help them stay inspired?
I would encourage students to stay curious and open to learning new things every day. It’s important to ask questions, explore your interests, and not be afraid to make mistakes, because that’s how you grow. Surround yourself with positive influences and remember that learning can be fun and meaningful when you stay engaged and believe in yourself.
Learn more about the Educator Advisory Council here.