More than 180 representatives and supporters of the Grow Your Own Teachers program filled the Rotunda at the Illinois State Capitol for this event, cheering as legislators, other policy makers, and GYO candidates spoke about the values and achievements of the program, and the importance of continued legislative support.
Here is State Representative Linda Chapa-LaVia, the Chair of the House Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations committee, speaking forcefully about her own path to achievement and the importance of schools and teachers that respond to and use the cultural strengths of the families they serve:
