NewRoot Learning Institute

We’re hiring!

NewRoot Learning Institute is looking for a bilingual Impact Coach to support educators, students, and school communities across Chicagoland through restorative practices, coaching, and whole-school support strategies.

This role is deeply relational and hands-on, partnering directly with schools to help strengthen belonging, connection, and social-emotional supports for young people and the adults who support them.

We’re looking for someone who is fluent in English and Spanish, experienced in school or youth-centered environments, passionate about educational equity, and grounded in humility, curiosity, adaptability, and relationship-building.

At NewRoot, we believe strong relationships are foundational to learning and growth. We’re excited to welcome someone who’s ready to help build more connected and supportive school communities alongside us.

-Hybrid work model
-30+ paid days off annually
-Paid parental leave + strong benefits
-Salary range: $58,800–$68,600

📍 Chicago-based role

Apply here: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4188743/NewRoot-Learning-Institute/Bilingual-Impact-Coach

Grateful to Educators for Excellence () for creating space for an important conversation on educator and student mental health.

Thank you to the fellow panelists, educators, advocates, and community members who showed up ready to engage in honest dialogue about what students need, and what educators need in order to sustainably support them.

We’re grateful to be part of a growing movement reimagining what support can look like in our schools.

Special thanks to everyone who joined us at the National Public Housing Museum () and helped move this conversation forward.

Introducing “Rooted Ecosystems” in Englewood

NewRoot has been awarded a grant from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) to pilot Rooted Ecosystems, allowing us to build onto our partnerships with schools and extend collaboration to youth-serving organizations, parents, guardians, and families.

We’re partnering with schools and community organizations to strengthen connection and alignment, so young people experience more consistency, care, and support each day.

Englewood youth-serving organizations: this is at NO COST to you.

Join a network offering:
• Facilitated sessions for staff and youth
• Collaboration with school and community partners
• Practical tools to strengthen relationships and team culture

Complete the interest form and see the flyer here: https://linktr.ee/NewRoot

Join us in calling for systemwide mental health support for educators and students.
We’re excited to share that NewRoot’s CEO, Rosa Zamora, will be speaking on a panel hosted by Educators for Excellence:

Systemwide Mental Health: Supporting Educators So Students Succeed
🗓️ April 28, 2026
🕔 5:00 – 6:30 PM
📍 National Public Housing Museum (919 South Ada St, Chicago, IL)

This conversation brings together leaders working to ensure schools have the conditions and support needed for both educators and young people to succeed.

Spots are limited, reserve yours today: https://e4e.org/event/chi-supporting-educators-for-students-succeed/

Grateful for an incredible partnership with and their volunteer team over the past few months.

This behind-the-scenes work strengthening strategy, systems, and clarity helps us show up better for schools and communities.

We appreciate you.

Please join us in welcoming Jerry Yelton (he/they) to NewRoot Learning Institute as our new Director of Development + Partnerships!

Jerry brings over a decade of experience in educational equity, LGBTQ advocacy, and fundraising leadership. They will lead our Partnership Development Team, strengthen local and national relationships, and help build a more sustainable future for our work alongside schools and communities.

Social Emotional Learning isn’t a class you attend once a week.

Social Emotional Learning is:
A teacher modeling how to pause before responding in frustration.
Students practicing how to disagree respectfully instead of shutting down.
A classroom reflecting together after conflict instead of pretending it didn’t happen.
An adult naming their own mistake and apologizing.

These aren’t soft skills to write off. These are the skills that keep students engaged, connected, and stay in school.