By teachers, for teachers
ELP’s mission is to enhance and improve the quality of public education by empowering new teachers to succeed in their profession.
In 2018, a diverse group of education advocates came together to share ideas for enhancing the teaching profession.
After much discussion and research, we concluded that empowering teachers to succeed in their work - and thereby stay in the profession - was the most fundamental thing we could do.
This belief forms the essence of Educators Leading the Profession (ELP). It signals a new approach that is union-led, research-backed, and guided by partners and thought leaders.
It also underpins our initiative: help new teachers be stronger and last longer.
How it all began...
Our Approach
Three simple but powerful principles guide our support model and our work as an organization.
Build relationships
Intentionally connect and develop relationships with the people around us.
Tap into existing assets
Identify and use the knowledge and resources in our community.
Use quality systems
Use existing practices to reflect on and continuously improve what we are doing.
How ELP helps New Teachers become effective faster
New Teachers’ told us they became more effective teachers during the 2023-24 school year.
The top areas where New Teachers felt more equipped as the year unfolded including:
Adapting instruction to student needs
Supporting English language learners
Connecting with unmotivated students
The connections New Teachers made with their ELP supports made a big difference:
94% enjoyed working with their mentors and coaches.
79% said that ELP helped them get through the year.
71% would seek advice from their mentors and coaches in the future.
Program Values
Excellence
We deliver high-quality, relevant and effective solutions to help new teachers succeed.
Teacher Focused
Teachers’ input, ideas and experiences are at the heart of everything we do.
Optimism
We want the very best for teachers and believe in the future of the profession.
Collaboration
We value diverse perspectives and working closely with partners.
Proud to be union-led
ELP was founded by eight education associations in the Midwest and thought leaders in the education community.
Illinois Education Association
Indiana State Teachers Association
Iowa State Education Association
Michigan Education Association
Education Minnesota
Ohio Education Association
Nebraska State Education Association
Wisconsin Education Association Council
ELP Team
Dan Burkhalter
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dan works with individuals and organizations that are committed to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning in America’s public schools.
His unique skill set and experiences allow clients to enjoy a high return on reform investments and actions.
During his tenure at the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), Dan led continuous organizational improvement efforts while managing week-to-week execution of plans and crises responses, learning first-hand how to lead change and how to address the pitfalls and roadblocks along the way.
Dan has assembled a team of experts and partners to help implement and guide ELP’spilot.
Amanda Porter, MA
PROGRAM MANAGER
Amanda is a certified Georgia Educator and a PMI Certified Associate in Project Management.
She brings both experience in operations and 8+ years in training and education in the US, Afghanistan, and South Korea to the program. Amanda holds a BA in Business Management and MA in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Howard University.
Tom Mosgaller
ELP CONSULTANT
Tom brings over 35 years of community and organizational development experience to our ELP team.
He has served as past president of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), chair of the board of Badger Rock Middle School, Madison, Wisconsin , and member of the national Public Health Foundation board.
In addition, Tom continues to serve as a teacher and leadership coach nationally and internationally.
Monika Jansen
ELP CONSULTANTMonika is CEO and Kick-Ass Copywriter and Strategist at her marketing agency, Jansen Communications.
She has more than 15 years of experience helping clients across a variety of industries create and share kick-ass content so they can generate leads and meet their business goals.
Here at ELP, she serves as our editor, interviewing guest authors, writing blog posts and newsletters, and keeping our website content updated.
Robert Adams Jr, Ph.D.
ELP CONSULTANTRobert is an anthropologist based in Boston, MA.
He has worked on international and domestic education policy for over 20 years. He is an ardent proponent of educator leadership.
