The marble floors of the Illinois State Capitol building echoed with purpose as nearly 50 teacher education students from Illinois State University arrived for their third annual Redbird Educator Advocacy Day. They came with postcards in hand, questions prepared, and a mission to understand how democracy shapes the classrooms they'll soon lead.
This wasn't a field trip. It was preparation for a career that extends far beyond lesson plans and grading papers.
Building Advocates Before They Become Teachers
The College of Education partnered with the Cecilia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center, the Efaw Center for Educator Excellence, and the Center for Civic Engagement to create an experience that transforms future educators into active participants in the legislative process. The day's attendance and influence have grown each year, reflecting a deeper commitment to civic engagement within educator preparation programs.
"Every teacher plays a role in furthering democracy," said Dr. Monica Noraian, director of the Cecilia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center and a lead organizer of the day. "Advocacy is something that has to be learned, practiced, and experienced, not just read about."
The preparation started weeks before the Springfield visit. Students worked with Aspiring Educators, an education-related student organization, and volunteers from the Center for Civic Engagement to study pending legislation, understand voting processes, and examine current education policy debates. They wrote advocacy postcards addressing specific bills—the same postcards they would later hand directly to lawmakers.
That connection between campus preparation and Capitol conversation created something tangible: a direct line from classroom discussions to policy decisions.
Inside the Legislative Process
Students spent their day immersed in the mechanics of government. They attended committee hearings where education bills were debated. They observed floor discussions where votes were cast. They toured the Capitol building, learning its history and function. Most significantly, they met face-to-face with legislators.
These weren't formal presentations or rehearsed speeches. The meetings were structured as conversations where students introduced themselves, shared their experiences in teacher education programs, and asked questions about policies affecting their future careers. Topics ranged from funding for higher education to teacher preparation standards and workforce policies.
Legislators, in turn, gained direct insight from those entering the profession—perspectives that statistics and policy briefs can't fully capture.
"It's important for students to realize they have an impact on what happens in government," Dr. Noraian explained. "It's not just about voting—it's about sharing informed perspectives and advocating for change."
Learning From Multiple Perspectives
The day included a lunch panel featuring legislators, political candidates, and alumni working in government roles. The diverse panel offered students a comprehensive view of public service across the political spectrum, demonstrating how different approaches and philosophies shape educational policy.
For students pursuing Illinois licensure and careers in teaching programs, this exposure to varied viewpoints provided context for understanding how classroom policies originate and evolve. The panel discussions reinforced that educational leadership extends beyond school buildings into legislative chambers and policy offices.
Impact That Extends Beyond One Day
Some students return year after year, each visit deepening their understanding of how advocacy works and why it matters. The experience shifts their perspective on their role in education. They leave Springfield understanding that their professional responsibilities include not just teaching content but also shaping the conditions under which they teach.
The initiative reflects Illinois State University's broader commitment to preparing Redbird educators who can lead both inside and outside the classroom. Through programs offered by the School of Teaching and Learning, the Department of Special Education, and the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations, students develop skills that extend into community engagement and policy advocacy.
"Advocacy plants the seeds for the future," Dr. Noraian reflected. "When students learn how to engage now, they're more likely to continue that work throughout their careers."
Your Voice in Education's Future
The College of Education at Illinois State University continues to expand opportunities for students to connect their academic preparation with real-world civic engagement. Whether you're considering a career in special education, educational administration, or classroom teaching, programs at Illinois State University prepare you to be more than an instructor—they prepare you to be a leader.
Interested in joining a community where future teachers learn to advocate for the profession? Visit education.illinoisstate.edu to explore teacher education programs, schedule a campus visit, or learn about upcoming Open Houses and admitted student events. Follow the College of Education on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected with what's happening in the Redbird educator community.
