Gerri Songer served as an educator for Township High School District 214 over the past 30 years. While appointed Education Chair for her Education Association (EA), several articles she authored were highlighted by Diane Ravitch, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education.
As EA Legislative Chair and Legislative Director for Northwest Suburban Local 1211 Teachers’ Union–IFT/AFT, Ms. Songer worked with Sen. Laura Murphy to establish the Cards 4 Kids Act, legislation allowing low-income students in unincorporated areas access to library resources without having to pay nonresident fees. She also collaborated with Sen. Julie Morrison, drafting SR982 Hazardous Material Near School, adopted February 2020. Ms. Songer now advocates for amendments to the Public Community College Act and Illinois School Board Code to facilitate teacher participation in shared governance, allowing a faculty member to participate as a non-voting member on school boards in an advisory capacity.
Citizen Advocacy Center recognized Ms. Songer’s efforts with a Citizen’s Initiative Award for acting on behalf of her community regarding an issue of public health and safety. She’s traveled the state as a speaker for Sierra Club and is a co-lead on a local campaign. Civic participation also includes youth ministry and volunteer work for Lake County Emergency Management Agency.
Ms. Songer has earned four degrees, including Educational Leadership and Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education, and English/Language Arts. She holds three certifications: Administration, Secondary Education, and Special Education.