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 guided by partners and thought leaders, and it underpins our pilot initiative: help new teachers be stronger and last longer.
Our Story
From Executive Director Dan Burkhalter
“What excites me the most about what we’re doing is the feedback I hear from teachers. Some acknowledge they’ve been fortunate to receive a great onboarding experience. But that experience isn’t universal, and there’s room for improvement.”
OUR VALUESExcellence
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.
OUR TEAMDan 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.
Liseth Contreras
PROGRAM MANAGER
Liseth Contreras is a life-long learner who is committed to helping teachers succeed.
She’s an expert in project management best practices, design thinking and agile methodologies and principles and a certified Project Management Professional and Scrum Fundamentals industrial engineer. Liseth is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
