With a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, Whitesboro Intermediate School’s 5th grade science and social studies teacher, April Ollila, has a passion for impacting students beyond the classroom.
Earlier this spring, she applied for Teach Plus, a nonprofit organization that trains and empowers teachers to drive change in education policy and practice.
After an intense interview process that included essays and group and individual interviews, Ollila learned in May that she had been chosen as a first-year fellow for the program. Only 50 teachers are chosen from across the state, and many of those are returnees.
As a fellow, Ollila will spend the year meeting with other fellows and working groups to identify areas in education that need to be changed at the local, state and (possibly) federal level.
Topics could range anywhere from student/teacher mental health to equitable funding. Ollila’s training has already begun, as she spent July 15-17 in Austin, Texas learning about policy landscape and how to advocate for solutions.
“Texas is so big,” Ollila said. “It’s interesting to me to see how, with such a diverse population of teachers and students, legislation is trying to make laws that fit everybody. This has already been an eye-opening experience.”
Ollila will have opportunities to work directly with local legislators, State Representative Reggie Smith and State Senator Drew Springer. Because this is a legislative year, Teach Plus fellows will also have an opportunity to visit the State Capitol while legislators are in session. They’ll be able to look at current bills so that, next year, they may be able to help write bills.
“Teachers are the biggest advocates to impact legislators, because we’re able to tell those leaders what it’s really like in the classrooms,” Ollila said. “Teach Plus wants teachers from all ages, all grade levels, all subjects from public and charter schools to help impact student learning.”
Teach Plus provides its fellows with the skills, tools and resources they need to be able to effectively communicate with legislators and advocate for positive change in the classroom.
From identifying impactful testimonials to learning how to address politicians from the capitol floor, Teach Plus ensures its participants are set up for success.
“I’m used to speaking in front of fifth graders,” Ollila said. “I’m not used to addressing a room full of adults.”
Luckily, Teach Plus provides all the support teachers will need to be successful in their role as fellows.
This fall, Ollila, who grew up in Whitesboro, will begin her 22nd year as a WISD teacher.