September 28, 2023 -- Downers Grove, Ill. -- Downers Grove North High School English teacher and Department Chair Christopher Bronke has been selected to serve on The Carnegie Educator Advisory Panel. The panel consists of nine secondary teachers and school-based leaders from across the nation.
During the 2023-2024 school year, advisors will provide counsel on key initiatives, particularly the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s high school redesign initiatives. Advisors will also share their stories of impact, lessons learned, and experiences in today’s educational system.
“I am excited to partake in a learning journey with other respected educators to design programs that respond to the changing needs of students and the educational landscape,” said Bronke.
Bronke has served as the English department chair at Downers Grove North High School since 2012; prior to this role, he was an English teacher at Downers Grove South High. He has held numerous teacher leadership positions at the national level, including a seat on the Teacher Advisory Council for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, currently serving as the Past Chair for the Conference on English Leadership, and recently finishing his term serving on the Executive Committee for the National Council of Teachers of English.
“I am thrilled to see Chris play a critical role in developing different educational policies and programs to further the advancement of the program and ensuring all students have the opportunity to live a life full of ambition,” said Dr. Hank Thiele, District 99 Superintendent.
The nine selected panelists will be instrumental in molding the Future of Learning portfolio, specifically emphasizing secondary education innovations.
“New tools, programs, and methods are needed to provide students with more engaging learning opportunities inside the classroom, and Chris is the type of educator and leader who brings new ideas, experiences, and inspiration to the world of education. “ said Principal of Downers Grove North High School Dr. Courtney DeMent.
The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to drive transformational change in education. Enacted by an act of Congress in 1906, the Foundation has a history of creating change in the education sector, including the Education Testing Service, the GRE, and the Carnegie Classifications for Higher Education. The Foundation was also instrumental in forming the U.S. Department of Education and Pell Grants.
For more information on the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, visit carnegiefoundation.org