Educator Leadership

Purpose: Uplift and co-create a space for educators to re-energize, connect, and support one another as they work to transform themselves, students, and their schools. The goal is to retain educators, address burnout, and promote racial and social justice.

Geographic Scope: Evanston/Skokie District 65 (IL, US)

Program Overview:

• Year-long cohort program starting in following academic year
• Participants: 10-15 educators (classroom teachers with diverse identities across race, ethnicity, age, experience, grades taught)
• Co-facilitation: Njoki Kamau and Robert Brown (consultants) with Alecia Wartowski (Executive Director)

Participant Outcomes:

• See themselves as agents of change
• Feel dignity and humanity
• Deepen racial consciousness and identity
• Feel restored and energized
• 100% of participants recommend program to others

Program Activities:

• Reflect on identity and leadership
• Connect with peers for support
• Dream about what's next for students and schools
• Develop a grant proposal for Foundation 65 support

Benefits:

• Stipend to compensate for out-of-school time
• Opportunity to fund classroom/school programs addressing racialized disparities and fostering dignity
• Space for racial consciousness work and intraracial/interracial dialogue
• Healing and restoration of humanity

Outreach Timeline:

• Outreach begins in March each year for participation the following academic year
• Educators invited to participate in spring for year-long cohort starting in fall

Educator Leadership Application Process

1. Reach out to Foundation 65 to be considered
   • Email: info@foundation65.org
   • Contact during March outreach period each year
2. Selection Process:
   • Educators typically invited in spring to participate in year-long cohort
   • Educators diverse in race, ethnicity, age, experience, and grades taught
   • Classroom teachers with wide range of social and positional identities
3. Program Timeline:
   • Year-long cohort starting in following academic year
   • Regular meetings throughout academic year
4. Expected Participation:
   • Attend cohort meetings and reflection sessions
   • Develop a grant proposal for Foundation 65 funding
   • Engage in racial consciousness work and dialogue
   • Receive stipend for out-of-school time