More Than Just a Seat at the Table: Reflections from Our Educator Advisory Council

At Advance Illinois, we believe that policy is strongest when shaped by those directly impacted by it. This includes the voices of educators across the state who work every day to support Illinois students and communities.

That belief is at the heart of the Educator Advisory Council (EAC). The EAC is a 20-person statewide cohort of passionate, diverse, and committed educators working together to influence education policy and promote equity.

As we prepare to welcome the 2025–2027 cohort, we asked our most recent group of EAC members to reflect on what the experience meant to them. Their words speak to the power of community, the importance of advocacy, and the transformation that happens when educators step into policy spaces and own their voice.

I appreciated our differences and similarities.

“I appreciated our differences and similarities. I liked learning about what was going on in different areas of the state as well as different districts and programs. I also liked connecting with people who had shared experiences. It reminds you that you are not alone in this profession.”

Megan Zamora, K-12 Educator, 2021-2025 EAC Member

I felt that my expertise was acknowledged. 

“I learned something at every meeting. I felt that my expertise was acknowledged. I was challenged to grow and look at my biases. I made such wonderful connections.”

Cara Craig, Early Childhood Care Provider,  2023-2025 EAC Member

I now feel better equipped to engage policy makers, write op-eds, or organize others around key education issues. 

“The EAC made advocacy and policy feel more accessible. Through briefings, testimony opportunities, and real-time updates on legislation, I now feel better equipped to engage policymakers, write op-eds, or organize others around key education issues.”

Juan Pablo Esquivel, K-12 Educator, 2023 - 2025 EAC Member

Seeing this group build up support for the needs of students in Illinois and create opportunities that weren't there before was empowering.

“At the time Advocacy and DEI were areas that I felt confident dabbling in. I knew that I should be teaching my students how to do that, so I wanted to grow my understanding and skills for them. EAC met my expectations by allowing me to see how that is done on a mass scale. Seeing this group build up support for the needs of students in Illinois and create opportunities that weren't there before was empowering.”

Teresa Eden, K-12 Educator, 2021-2025 EAC member

These are just a few of the voices that remind us why the EAC matters. It’s not just about being heard– it’s about building power, influence, and collective action for education equity across Illinois.

Interested in joining the next cohort?

Applications are open for the 2025–2027 Educator Advisory Council!
📅 Apply by August 30th (priority given to applicants who apply before this deadline)
🔗 CLICK HERE TO APPLY
📧 Questions? Contact engagement@advanceillinois.org