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The Forum on the Future of Public Education

The Forum on the Future of Public Education strives to bring the best empirical evidence to policymakers and the public.

The Forum draws on a network of premier scholars to create, interpret, and disseminate credible information on key questions facing P-20 education. The Forum pursues original research and facilitates collaboration between researchers and policymakers to examine the pressing issues shaping the future of public education. Key constituencies of the Forum include scholars who influence research, policy and practice; policy makers and policy making bodies at all levels; members of the media who influence public opinion; foundations, organizations, business groups and others who support, criticize and advocate for reform; and citizens who make choices about education for themselves and their children.

America is witnessing a drastic redefinition of the policies and practices associated with “public education.” Too often, discussions around the future of public education are strong on passion but short on actual evidence. The Forum for the Future of Public Education is filing that gap by building a resource of objective, research-based insights on key educational issues. We are establishing an open venue- a true public forum to debate controversial and consequential policy issues that will shape American’s future.

Graduates in Chicago selected as Teach Plus fellows

Oct 4, 2017, 14:00 by the College of Education at Illinois
Two College of Education at Illinois graduates who are now elementary schoolteachers in Chicago were selected for the Teach Plus Teaching Policy Fellowship, a selective leadership program for effective teachers.

Two College of Education graduates who are now elementary schoolteachers in Chicago were selected for the Teach Plus Teaching Policy Fellowship, a selective leadership program for effective teachers.

During the yearlong fellowship, Amanda Kirshner ’04 C&I and La’Tia Taylor ’11 C&I will take part in a specially designed course of study in policy and advocacy, with the goal of developing skills to advocate for policies that will better serve students and teachers in Illinois.

Amanda KirshnerKirshner is a kindergarten and first-grade teacher in a multi-age classroom at Prescott Elementary School.

 

La'Tia TaylorTaylor is a kindergarten teacher at Thomas A. Hendricks Elementary Community Academy. 

 

The College of Education graduates will also collaboratively work on key education issues and interactions with district and state decision-makers.

The 15 new fellows come from traditional district and public charter schools in Illinois. Many of the incoming teachers have won teaching awards and hold teacher leadership roles with their various schools and districts.

“We’re looking forward to another exciting and impactful year ahead,” said Josh Kaufmann, executive director of Teach Plus Illinois. “Our new fellows bring expertise from across the state, and share a passion for improving education for Illinois students.”

Taylor said she has always been a passionate advocate for her students and for all students in Chicago.

“As a current teacher and Teach Plus fellow, I look forward to using my voice to positively influence policies that affect the learning experiences of my students and my teaching practices,” Taylor said.

Jesse Faber, an agricultural science educator at Pontiac Township High School and two-time graduate of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois, was also selected for the fellowship.

Learn more about Teach Plus.