Educator voice is so often overlooked in developing public – particularly educational – policy. Our teachers are trusted leaders and experts in their field, and extremely qualified to advocate for and inform the policies which affect our schools and community.

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PEF partners with the Benwood Foundation and Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga to lead an 18-month Teacher Policy Fellowship to support these leaders in driving change from the inside, out, as well as elevating teacher voice and the teaching profession.

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Teacher Policy fellows will delve into local, state and federal policies that affect students in Hamilton County. They will learn from educational and community leaders, working together as a cohort in advocating for policies supporting their students. The scope of Teacher Policy Fellows will expand beyond that of other such fellowships by exploring issues outside of schools, such as poverty, crime and other social issues which directly affect students and families in Hamilton County.

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Part graduate seminar and part Leadership Chattanooga, the cohort will meet monthly to learn about policies and our community, to develop the skills necessary for effective advocacy and to take action in changing Chattanooga for the better.

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