Albany, NY - May 18th, 2015 - The New York chapter of America Achieves has begun accepting applications from teachers and principals who want one of the 50 positions in the New York Educator Voice Fellowship where they will help shape educational policy and public attitudes.
This 10-month, non-profit program is the second of its kind offered in three states by America Achieves, and it runs from September 2015 to June 2016.
The 50 selected educators will work to elevate their voices in public conversations about teaching and learning. The Fellowship is designed to help educators assume leadership roles in their communities and influence education policies at the local, state, and national levels.
Amanda Barney, one of the most recent New York chapter Fellows, reflected upon her experience: “I enjoyed collaborating and learning more about how to elevate my voice. I feel grateful for this amazing Fellowship and the opportunity it gave me to learn from inspiring educators.”
The Fellowship gives participants a greater opportunity to participate in the important educational conversations that are taking place in the public arena on topics such as the instructional shifts to college and career-ready standards. A primary goal of the Fellowship is to help elevate public perception of the teaching profession.
Participants in the program will become involved in outreach to the media (e.g. letters to the editor), local and state government leaders (e.g. delivering testimony in committee hearings), and community organizations (e.g. presentations at civic clubs).
Participants in the 10-month program receive a stipend, and they are expected to devote an average of up to two hours per week to their activities, most of which focus on various ways (including social media) to broadcast their in-school expertise to the public.
“We have heard repeatedly from program participants that this Fellowship has provided a valuable opportunity for them to have a positive impact on our system of education,” said Sheri Wallach, State Manager, New York Educator Voice Fellowship. “At the same time, the Fellows improve themselves professionally, while associating with colleagues, mentors and community leaders in a productive way.”
The three state Fellowships, now in their second year, are made possible by a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Any teacher or principal interested in applying for the Fellowship should go to NYedvoice.org/apply and fill-out the online form before July 3. Successful applicants will be notified Aug. 1.
About America Achieves
Based in New York City, and founded in 2012, America Achieves is a non-profit organization that helps communities and states leverage policy, practice, and leadership to build high-quality educational systems and prepare young people for success in careers, college, and citizenship. America Achieves sponsors the three-state Educator Voice Fellowship, which offers opportunities to teachers and principals in Colorado, Michigan and New York to get involved in high-profile public discussions about educational issues. “Our Schools, Our Voices.”
