Alumni of the Year Nominations Open Now!
Nominate some for Alumni of the Year today!
Each year, Teach For America Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana honors alumni who are shaping educational excellence across classrooms, schools, and systems in our region. These Alumni of the Year Awards recognize exceptional teachers, school leaders, and systems leaders whose leadership creates meaningful, measurable impact for students. Each honoree will receive a $5,000 award and be recognized in Spring 2026.
We know that many of the most powerful stories of impact come from those who witness the work firsthand—colleagues, partners, parents, and other alumni. The 2026 nomination cycle is now open through December 16, 2025. Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination. By submitting a nomination, you’re helping us identify and celebrate the alumni whose dedication and results deserve recognition and uplift our network of changemakers. Thank you for helping us recognize the educators and leaders making a measurable difference for students across our region.
Harnessing Your Strengths: Turn Your Top 5 into Your Next Opportunity
Gallup’s CliftonStrengths is a research-backed self-assessment that helps you identify your top talents and understand how you naturally think, feel, and work—providing a strong foundation for self-reflection, personal growth, and more intentional career development.
Alumni can join a team-based Gallup Strengths workshop led by a certified Strengths Coach to receive a free CliftonStrengths code and discover their Top 5 strengths. Through collaborative activities and guided reflection, alumni will explore how to understand and apply top 5 strengths in professional settings, recognize how strengths combine and show up in your career, and leave with a strengths-based elevator pitch that can be used in interviews and networking opportunities.
Register:
Save the Date - 2026 ISBE Career Connections Conference
Mark your calendars! The 2026 ISBE Career Connections Conference, "Ignite Learning: Spark Success in CTE," is set for May 5-6, 2026, at the Bone Student Center on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal. This event will bring together educators, administrators, and industry partners for a jam-packed two days of learning and networking with CTE professionals around the state of Illinois. More details about conference sessions, speakers, and registration will be shared by ISBE in the coming months. Stay tuned!
Corps Member Graduation
Join us for an evening of celebration for our graduating corps members!
The festivities will take place at Little Black Pearl (1060 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653).
Registration form coming soon…
Celebrating our 35th Year
Prepare to connect, learn, co-create, and recommit—to each other and to the future of excellent education for all.
We’re bringing together alumni from every era of TFA’s history, alongside corps members, supporters, partners, and community leaders. This gathering promises to inspire and energize us all, sparking bold action that creates lasting impact in communities across America.
Join us for this extraordinary convening, featuring thought-provoking panels, dynamic presentations, interactive workshops, and immersive experiences led by some of the most prominent voices across education and other industries.
Together, we’ll explore critical topics like the future of education, innovation and technology, civic leadership, and community-driven impact.
Sign up for email and text messages to receive:
Exclusive updates
Early access to tickets
Speaker announcements
Ways to get involved
And more!
Stay Connected: https://cloud.email.teachforamerica.org/35thoptin
2025 Jingle Mingle Celebration
Celebrate the end of the year with us at Punch Bowl Social, a night of food, drinks, games, and good vibes with the TFA Chicago–NWI community.
When: Wednesday, December 10, from 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: Punch Bowl Social - Fulton Market, 310 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
What’s included: Free food, drinks, gifts and games (karaoke, darts, and arcade!).
Parking & Transportation: Paid parking may be available nearby; public transit and rideshare encouraged.
Attire: Come comfy and festive, whatever helps you feel your best!
Who can come? 21+. Open to all TFA alumni and current corps members.
Join us to unwind, connect, and reflect on the year.
Questions? Reach out to Diana Diaz at diana.diaz@teachforamerica.org.
RSVP Here to save your spot! RSVP required by December 1st.
LEE x Teach For America Chicago Career Circuit
Join the LEE and Teach For America communities for a Saturday-morning, café-style experience designed to support your next career move. Enjoy career coaching, résumé reviews, updated headshots, and opportunities to build meaningful connections at The Chicago Career Circuit: Coaching and Coffee for Your Next Move.
During this event, you’ll rotate through four stations designed to elevate your professional journey and empower you as you navigate your next step:
• Policy and advocacy coaching
• Bring your résumé for review and real-time updates
• Refresh your headshots
• Network with LEE and TFA members actively hiring for various roles
Spots are limited.
Location: Studio at The Franklin, 227 West Monroe Street (Enter on the 115 S Franklin side)
LEE CPS Leadership Dinner: Building Local Power Together
Across Chicago, local school councils are growing as a powerful platform for leadership. Parents, teachers, staff, and community members are stepping up to influence decisions at the school level, advocate for student needs, and build stronger connections between schools and communities.
This Chicago Public Schools Leadership Dinner is designed to bring together past and present local school council members for an evening of connection, shared learning, and leadership development.
Together, we will:
Celebrate the impact of local school council members across the region.
Network across counties and districts to exchange strategies and insights.
Explore how to deepen your leadership both within councils and beyond.
Learn how LEE can serve as a partner for professional development and pipeline building into broader community, policy, and elected leadership.
Whether you are new to local school councils, a seasoned leader, or alumni of this work, your presence helps strengthen a growing movement of local leaders shaping the future of Chicago Public Schools.
Location: TBD
REGISTER HERE
Career Acceleration Series 6: AI-Powered Teaching, Future-Ready Careers
Educators have always been at the heart of meaningful learning, and their impact is more valuable than ever. In partnership with Apple's Community Education Initiative, this session will honor that legacy while exploring how AI is transforming the way educators teach and students learn.
This virtual session makes it easy to join from anywhere, with interactive opportunities for discussion, hands-on exploration, and connecting with peers. Together, we will explore digital dilemmas in AI and discover how Apple Intelligence and other Apple tools can be effectively used in everyday classroom settings and help you grow professionally.
Whether you’re just beginning your journey with AI or looking to extend your practice, you’ll gain practical examples and strategies that keep educators and learners at the center of the AI conversation.
In this session, we will:
· Explore scenarios and questions that will deepen your understanding and learning of AI fundamentals.
· Celebrate the work of teachers by hearing inspiring stories of innovation and impact.
· Explore how Apple Intelligence and other AI tools can support innovative teaching practices, enhance classroom instruction, and foster your professional development.
Volunteer with Braven as a Leadership Coach
TFA is partnering with Braven, a national nonprofit that empowers college students with the skills, experience, confidence and networks to land a strong first job after graduation. Braven is offering two virtual volunteer opportunities where TFA alums can continue to facilitate growth for the next generation of leaders after their time in the Corps! Each of the roles below are intentionally designed to ensure that you both grow professionally and make an impact on college students embarking on their early career paths: Leadership Coach Program (January–May; ~2-3 hours per week)
Coaches facilitate Braven’s Accelerator course, guiding small groups of Fellows through career-building experiences and a real-world business challenge. Braven does all of the planning and provides all the materials you will need. This is a strong opportunity for anyone interested in developing or improving their leadership skills, especially people management skills. Volunteers meet weekly on Zoom at a set class time and build their own management and team leadership skills in the process. Learn more.Professional Mentor Program (February 16 – May 8; ~1 hour per week)
Mentors provide one-on-one support to college students who are navigating the job or internship search. Volunteers help Fellows strengthen their professional materials, build connections in their fields of interest, and gain confidence. This is a strong opportunity for anyone looking for the chance to build their skills in providing feedback and one-on-one support. Learn more.The final deadline for the Leadership Coach Role 12/3/25 and final deadline for the Professional Mentor Role 12/22/25. Apply through this application link: https://link.braven.org/TFA_LC-PM
Career Acceleration Series 5: AI for Impact: Mapping Your Mission-Driven Career with Precision
Format: Interactive Workshop (75 minutes)
Hosted by: Teach For America Career Center and Jeremy Schifeling and Omar Garriott, The Job Insiders
This session is open to corps members, TFA alumni, TFA staff, and members of the TFA network
Want to grow your impact and move into a role where your collective career experiences truly shine? This session will teach you how to leverage the power of AI to identify, clarify, and pursue your next high-impact career move. Whether you’re exploring a transition across sectors or deepening your leadership in education, this AI-powered experience will help you:
· Translate your skills: Learn to use AI to decode job descriptions and rewrite your experience, including TFA experience—like data-driven instruction or community organizing—into recruiter-ready language.
· Map your top 10 roles: Use AI tools and AI-informed data to generate your personal Top 10 list of roles where TFA alumni are leading change.
· Stack-rank with strategy: Prioritize opportunities based on your values—mission alignment, compensation, growth, and flexibility—using AI-informed insights and sorting.
· See what a career roadmap could look like: Leave with samples of a career map with goals, skills, and TFA experience—with real job titles, real salary data, and real potential.
This workshop is designed for impact-driven alumni who are curious about how artificial intelligence can be a strategic career planning partner—not a threat. Join us to explore how AI can help you reflect, refocus, and reimagine what’s possible next.
Help us collect 100 winter coats for Hamline Elementary students
Hamline Elementary, led by alumna Natasha Ortega, is collecting new winter coats for students. We at Teach For America want to see our network contribute 100 coats by December 5th. Click here to sign up to contribute. Please have coats delivered to Natasha Ortega, Hamline Elementary, 1548 W 48th St, Chicago, IL 60609. Thank you for helping to keep Chicago students warm this winter!
Career Acceleration Series 4: Breaking Into the C-Suite: Executive Pathways in Education & Social Impact
Format: Virtual Fireside Chat + Live Q&A (60 + 15 minutes)
Hosted by: Teach For America Career Center, Axis Talent Partners, JoHo Talent Network, and Spencer Stuart
This session is open to current corps members and TFA alumni.
Join us for an illuminating virtual conversation designed to accelerate your journey into executive leadership within education and the broader social impact sector. This fireside chat brings together expert panelists—including executive recruiters and seasoned alumni leaders—who will unpack what it takes to rise to the C-suite.
We’ll explore:
· How executive search firms operate and how to get on their radar
· The leadership qualities and experiences top recruiters seek
· Strategies for positioning yourself for senior-level roles
· Current hiring trends in education and social impact
· How TFA’s new senior talent matching service, Ascend can support your next leadership move
This session is a must-attend for alumni ready to lead at the Superintendent, CEO levels. You’ll leave with insider knowledge, a deeper understanding of the evolving leadership landscape, and an invitation to join TFA’s growing pipeline of senior talent.
Career Acceleration Series 3: Fuel Your Career of Impact: Networking with Purpose in the TFA Alumni Community
Format: Virtual Session (60–75 minutes)
Hosted by: Teach For America Career Center
This session is open to current corps members, TFA alumni, and TFA staff.
Your career is shaped not only by what you know, but by who you’re connected to and how intentionally you build those relationships. This session is a hands-on workshop for alumni at all stages who want to sharpen their networking skills, share their stories with confidence, and activate the power of the TFA network.
Together, we’ll explore strategies to:
· Build authentic connections that reflect your values and aspirations
· Identify mentors, collaborators, and champions within the alumni community
· Sustain momentum before, during, and after professional gatherings
You’ll leave with a personal networking action plan you can use immediately; whether in your current role, at a local alumni meetup, or when thousands of alumni gather at the 35th Anniversary Summit in October 2026.
Because when we connect with purpose, we don’t just grow our careers, we expand our collective impact. This session is open to current corps members, TFA alumni, and TFA staff.
Career Acceleration Series Session 2: Building Your Financial Future: Smart Strategies for Every Stage of Your Career
Format: Virtual Session (60–75 minutes) Hosted by: Teach For America Career Center and Horace Mann
This session is open to current corps members, TFA alumni, TFA staff and members of the TFA network
The careers of TFA alumni are deeply shaped by their time in the classroom—and while the pursuit of educational equity can take many forms, it should never come at the expense of financial security. Financial wellness isn’t a one-time goal—it’s an evolving strategy that grows with you. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for your next leadership transition, this session offers practical support for every stage of your journey. Co-hosted by the Teach For America Career Center in partnership with Horace Mann and other financial partners, the session will equip early- and mid-career leaders with the knowledge and tools to make informed, values-aligned financial decisions. Participants will gain insights, practical tools and strategies tailored for educators and leaders in social impact fields—from managing student debt, to planning for retirement and more.
What we’ll cover:
· Wealth-building & investing: Explore educator-aligned investment strategies and long-term planning approaches, including questions about emerging investment strategies (e.g. crypto).
· Financial protection: Understanding home, auto, and life insurance options.
· Funding your vision: Resourcing passion projects—from classroom initiatives to entrepreneurial ventures.
· Navigating transitions: Building financial confidence through career pivots, job changes, and milestone planning.
Led by trusted financial professionals who understand mission-driven work, you'll leave with tools, templates, and resources to help you:
· Strategies to strengthen your financial literacy
· Templates and tools to build long-term stability
· Resources to support career mobility and future planning
Join us to turn financial planning into a mission-aligned practice—and take the next step toward lasting impact and financial resilience. All registrants to this session will receive a $25 Donors Choose gift card.
Harnessing Your Strengths: Turn Your Top 5 into Your Next Opportunity
Gallup’s CliftonStrengths is a research-backed self-assessment that helps you identify your top talents and understand how you naturally think, feel, and work—providing a strong foundation for self-reflection, personal growth, and more intentional career development.
Alumni can join a team-based Gallup Strengths workshop led by a certified Strengths Coach to receive a free CliftonStrengths code and discover their Top 5 strengths. Through collaborative activities and guided reflection, alumni will explore how to understand and apply top 5 strengths in professional settings, recognize how strengths combine and show up in your career, and leave with a strengths-based elevator pitch that can be used in interviews and networking opportunities.
Register:
Career Acceleration Series Session 1: Design Thinking for a Lifetime of Purpose-Driven Career Impact
Format: Virtual Workshop (60–75 minutes)
Hosted by: Teach For America Career Center and Mission Collaborative
This session is open to current corps members, TFA alumni, TFA staff and members of the TFA network
Unlock your potential with Mission Collaborative at our upcoming Career Acceleration Series session. Dive deep into a personalized career planning process designed to help you build a career that aligns with your passion and values for educational equity. This interactive workshop will guide you through a design thinking process that includes self-reflection, defining career criteria, and exploring viable paths to ensure your work is aligned to your aspirations. Registrants of the session will also learn about an exciting new benefit available exclusively to the TFA alumni network in Mission Collaborative’s upcoming Career Design Program. Hosted in partnership with Mission Collaborative, and facilitated by three TFA and Career Design Program alumni, this session is for those exploring what’s next or ready to make a move, and primed to create their own career roadmap.
25th Anniversary Homecoming Summit
Join us for the 25th Anniversary Homecoming Summit, a weekend-long convening October 3-4 2025.
Deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards
Since 1970, the Illinois State Board of Education has sponsored the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year program to honor educators who have made significant contributions to our state's public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Awards are presented in seven categories: classroom teachers, early career educators (teachers 1-4 years), school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteers, and teams. Application materials are evaluated by a selection committee composed of individuals who represent a variety of educational organizations. All awardees are honored at an annual banquet in the Spring. Send a message to awards@isbe.net if you have questions about the program.
Learn more here
The Leadership Greater Chicago Signature Fellows Program
The Leadership Greater Chicago Signature Fellows Program application cycle for the Class of 2027 will open in October. Candidates are required to complete an online application, which includes two required letters of recommendation. For candidates who have a disability, please email our team to request accommodation(s) to ensure full participation in the process.
Since LGC's founding in 1983, nearly 1,400 of Chicago’s best and brightest leaders have completed the LGC Signature Fellows Program. We look forward to another year of exemplary candidates and selecting another transformational class to join our 40-year legacy of building and strengthening the pipeline of civic leaders who will lead the future of the City of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Region.
Interested in applying? Sign up below to receive more information about the program, information sessions, deadlines and more.
https://lnkd.in/gmW5S4Dg
RSVP - Flow Together Wellness & Connection
Join us for an evening designed to recharge, reflect, and build community with Teach For America alumni and corps members. We’ll begin with guided intention-setting through journaling, flow into an accessible all-levels yoga session led by Eunice Yu (Baltimore ’12) — mats provided and yours to keep! — and end with time to mingle.
Whether you join us on the mat or simply stop by to connect with others, this gathering is for you. Come as you are, take a pause for wellness, and be part of a community-centered space leading into our 25th Anniversary Homecoming Summit.
RSVP here by September 12th: https://forms.gle/HqQzZwqE79jgTHiL8
Join an Education Happy Hour in Oak Park!
Join Jim O’Connor, CPS Board Members Jessica Biggs & Carlos Rivas, and Bridget Lee from the ALL Fellowship for an evening with fellow education advocates.
This happy hour is a great opportunity to network, engage in thoughtful conversations, and reconnect with others passionate about education.
📅 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, July 30
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: 1 Lake St (a brewpub), Oak Park, IL 60302
We’ll be gathering on the second floor
✅ RSVP by July 25
Feel free to share this invitation with your network—everyone passionate about education is welcome!
Please email Jim O’Connor with questions: joconnor2009@gmail.com
Apply now to the Mikva Challenge Educator Fellowship!
The Mikva Challenge Educator Fellowship is a yearlong paid professional development opportunity offered in partnership with the CPS Department of Social Science for Chicago-based educators working with students in grades 5–12.
Through eight synchronous sessions and a weekend workshop, fellows deeply engage with Mikva’s Issues to Action framework, gaining tools to lead real-world civic learning and support students in addressing community issues. Participants collaborate with Mikva staff and peers, apply what they learn in their own contexts, and develop a showcase project that highlights youth leadership and civic engagement. Read the attached Fellowship Overview to learn more.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through August 15 (priority given to early applicants): https://lnkd.in/gPPsxvSf
Applications are reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the application will close on August 15!
Summer Vibes & TFA Ties CM and Alumni Happy Hour
🌿 Summer Vibes & TFA Ties is a relaxed happy hour bringing together Corps Members and TFA alumni across Chicago & NWI.
🤝 Come build authentic connections, grow your network, and help welcome the newest members of our TFA community.
🍴 Food, drinks, and an ice cream cart included!
📍 Park & Field | 🗓️ Friday, July 18 | ⏰ 4:00–6:30 PM
👉 RSVP here by July 14: https://forms.gle/CbKdBXb54xRHxDvL6
Tacos & Connections
Come celebrate PRIDE with us! There will be tacos, drinks, and time to build meaningful community to support one another. #youcansitwithus
If you have any dietary restrictions please let us know in your RSVP or email Katie at Katherine.beyer@teachforamerica.org
RSVP Here: https://pp.events/bzywkW7r
CM of Color Cocktails & Conversation
Join us for an evening of Cocktails (& Mocktails) and Conversation! Join in community with your fellow incoming corps members of color and meet dynamic alumni leaders of color. This and future events will allow us to build deeper conversations, build lasting relationships, and make meaningful connections that will serve you along your education and leadership journey in the Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana. Open to all.
RSVP Here: https://pp.events/bZpKn9Wp
Sky's The Limit: 2025 Alumni Induction
Join us as we host a celebration to induct our second-year corps members into alumnihood!
Coffee with Bridget Lee, Executive Director, ALL Chicago Fellowship
Are you curious about Chicago’s shift to an elected school board? Thinking about running, supporting a candidate, or simply want to better understand how CPS is governed? No matter where you are on your journey, this event is for you! Come join us and get informed, inspired, and involved.
Coffee with Bridget Lee, Executive Director of ALL Chicago on June 4 from 5:30-7:30pm at Little Black Pearl located at 1060 E.47th St, Chicago, IL 60653.
Please RSVP here by Friday, May 30.
Attend the Dominican University Benefit Gala
You're invited to the Dominican University Benefit Gala!
Join TFA alum Melissa Connelly and fellow supporters on the evening of Thursday, May 8, at Dominican’s picturesque campus in River Forest for an unforgettable night of music, performances, and great food—all in support of student scholarships.
This year’s special guest is Broadway’s own Alexander Hamilton, Miguel Cervantes!
Get your tickets now and be part of this inspiring evening.
📅 Date: Thursday, May 8
📍 Location: Dominican University, River Forest
🎟 Tickets & Info: dom.edu/benefit
We hope to see you there!
25th Anniversary Gala
Save the date to celebrate for our 25th Anniversary Gala!
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Aon Grand Ballroom, Navy Pier
Register - EBF Advocacy Day in Springfield
Join us in Springfield on Tuesday, April 29th, to advocate for at least $550 million for the K-12 Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) formula! Your support is crucial to ensure legislators understand the importance of this investment for our schools. To participate, fill out the registration form by Tuesday, April 15th.
Headshots & Happy Hour
TFA Chicago-NW Indiana alumni—let’s reconnect! Join us for Happy Hour & Headshots on Thursday, April 10, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM for a fun evening leading up to the 25th Anniversary Gala.
✨ Here’s what to expect:
📸 Free professional headshot
🍸 Complimentary drinks & appetizers
🤝 Great company & connections – Catch up with fellow alumni!
🔹 RSVP required https://forms.gle/16Xn5f18bMWLbAsB6
Hope to see you there! 🎉
Attend the ISBE School Wellness Conference
Join the Illinois State Board of Education School Wellness Conference at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Registration is only $20 for the 2-day conference! Cost of registration includes breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, April 8 as well as breakfast on Wednesday, April 9. The conference will end at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9. If you would like to attend one of the two pre-session administrator academies on Monday, April 7 the cost is another $10 and includes admin academy credit and lunch. Register here.
Apply - Teach Plus Opportunities
Teach Plus Illinois is thrilled to announce five different fellowships for educators this fall:
the Chicago Change Agent Fellowship (due April 21),
the K-12 Policy Fellowship (due April 7),
the Early Childhood Educator Policy Fellowship (due April 7),
the Affinity Group Facilitator Fellowship (due May 16)
Project Connect Plus (due May 16), a new, free professional learning opportunity for kindergarten teachers
Teach Plus Illinois’ programs are highly selective leadership opportunities for outstanding teachers looking to expand their influence without leaving the classroom. They span the 2025-26 school year and offer selected teachers a generous stipend for their time and effort.
The Change Agent Fellowship supports Chicago teachers who see a problem they want to address at their school, the Policy Fellowships are for teachers throughout Illinois who want to advocate for policy change on behalf of their students, and the Affinity Group Fellowship is for teachers who want to facilitate supportive environments for teachers of color. Lastly, Project Connect Plus provides professional development to kindergarten teachers about how to conduct formative assessment to guide your instruction, using powerful and playful Instructional Routines that support children’s language, literacy, and early mathematics. Grow as a teacher leader by exploring one of these five opportunities!
For all programs, Teach Plus Illinois is seeking cohorts of excellent educators who reflect the cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity of our students. Additionally, applicants:
Are teachers with at least two (2) full years of teaching experience by August 2025
(not required for Project Connect Plus)Have a track record of success teaching students
Are ready to dedicate time and passion to their fellowship
For more information on any of the five, please contact Kimberly Nguyen at knguyen@teachplus.org. Applications are due between April 7 and May 16, 2025, depending on the program.
Complete the Regional Alumni Survey
TFA Alumni – Help Us Improve Career Support & Networking!
We’re building stronger career resources for TFA alumni in Greater Chicago-NWI and need your input!
Take 5 minutes to share your insights.
Win a $50 Visa gift card (40 winners!)
Check your email for your survey link. Didn’t receive it? Click here!
Your voice helps us build a stronger alumni network—let’s make it happen!
#TFAAlumni #CareerGrowth #Networking #TFAChicagoNWI