{"id":673,"date":"2018-06-05T21:22:00","date_gmt":"2018-06-05T21:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/?p=673"},"modified":"2022-07-08T23:41:15","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T23:41:15","slug":"elevating-my-advocacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stand.org\/illinois\/our-stories\/elevating-my-advocacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Elevating My Advocacy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a former teacher who recently left the classroom, I know I will never leave behind the education issues I care about. So when I began to explore my role as an advocate outside of the classroom, one program that jumped out at me was Stand\u2019s Policy Fellowship. The detailed policy discussions, the conversations with advocates from across the state, and the chance to advocate and influence policy discussions all piqued my interest. The Fellowship has expanded my understanding of civic and political advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2017-2018 Fellowship focused on student college and career readiness in Illinois. While the majority of my previous work centered around elementary education, this experience allowed me to explore the opposite end of the education system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stand\u2019s policy team provided regular informational workshops surrounding the impacts of the Post-Secondary Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Additionally, we engaged with community members, elected officials, and experts in the field who deepened our understanding of the postsecondary landscape in Illinois \u2013 and where advocates like us could make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One conversation that I particularly enjoyed was with Katharine Gricevich of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Her discussion on higher education access and affordability resonated with my interest in advancing opportunities and outcomes for students from underserved areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also had the opportunity to visit the Illinois Capitol<\/a> with other Stand Fellows. While in Springfield we spoke with legislators about student college and career readiness. During these conversations, I was excited to learn that legislators were interested in hearing my perspective as a former educator. These discussions further encouraged my passion for advancing teacher voice and influence within political discourse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I reflect on these impactful conversations and experiences as a Stand Fellow, I am excited and motivated to continue my advocacy efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before participating in the Stand Fellowship, I was unsure of how to scale my advocacy impact. Now I am eager to continue my civic and political engagement efforts in support of educational excellence and equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also hope to stay connected with Stand\u2019s work in Illinois and the Fellows across the state. Their passion for education has deeply impacted my own work and approach to advocacy. I know that my advocacy will continue and that I will remain engaged with these issues in the future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As a former teacher who recently left the classroom, I know I will never leave behind the education issues I care about. So when I began to explore my role as an advocate outside of the classroom, one program that jumped out at me was Stand\u2019s Policy Fellowship. 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