VOCEL Educators

The VOCEL Educators learning community helps teachers translate their knowledge, visions and goals to action with the support of a coach and peer group ready to help one another thrive. Learn, grow, lead, as part of the VOCEL Educators learning community!

Purpose

VOCEL believes that when teachers thrive, their students do too! The Learning Community brings together early childhood educators dedicated to exploring play-based learning, adult mental health and social-emotional growth, and developmentally appropriate practice. Through coaching, joyful collaboration, and peer support, teachers gain the tools and confidence to bring their visions for play and learning to life in the classroom.

Benefits for VOCEL Educators

  • Supportive group professional development, with ISBE credit available

  • Coaching tailored to your classroom's needs

  • Microgrants to support your classrooms and school improvement plans

  • A network of early educators across Chicagoland

  • A joyful celebration to wrap up the session!

Program Commitments

To get the most out of this experience, we ask for participants to:

  • Attend quarterly group sessions, available in person and virtual, between September & May

  • Collaborate and problem solve challenges with a small cohort of educators

  • Engage in quarterly coaching calls with VOCEL Coaches

  • Network with a supportive community of educators at events (happy hour, workshops, etc.)

Eligibility

We prioritize Pre-K, Kindergarten, First & Second grade teachers from schools who meet a combination of the following criteria:

  • Work in schools with student populations of 75% or higher free and reduced priced lunch

  • Be able to dedicate time and human resources to focused improvement effort with support from administration (ideally 2-3 teachers per school)

We’re currently accepting applications! Want to learn more? Email Haley Ford at Haley@VOCEL.org with any questions.

Apply Now!