Jason Dónes —
From CPS Student to CPS Teacher, to CPS Dad.
He knows what our classrooms need — because he’s been in them his whole life.
Early Years
Jason grew up right here in Humboldt Park and is a proud Puerto Rican. His journey began as the son of a single mother who worked hard to give him access to quality education. As a product of Chicago Public Schools, he attended Newberry Academy and Lane Tech, experiencing firsthand the diversity and richness of the CPS system — as well as the systemic challenges it faces.
After graduating from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Jason began supporting students in Chicago’s West Side schools. This early experience solidified his commitment to equity in education and set the stage for his lifelong advocacy.
Lived Experience
Jason’s 14-year career in education has taken him from the classroom to nonprofit leadership, always with a focus on equity and improving outcomes for Black and Brown students. As a CPS teacher, he taught in schools all across Chicago.
Jason’s expertise in culturally responsive teaching led him to co-author Illinois’ first-ever culturally responsive teaching standards, creating a pathway for more inclusive classrooms across the state.
He was recently reelected for a third term on Moos Elementary’s Local School Council, where his own son attends school and is now the LSC Chair.
Grounded in his experience as a CPS student and fueled by his responsibility as a CPS parent, Jason will continue his life's work by bringing representation to parents and working-class families on the Chicago Public School Board.
Advancing a Community-led Education Movement
Today, Jason serves as the Chief of People & Operations at Beyond100K, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the STEM teacher shortage and creating pathways for more diverse and inclusive classrooms. In this role, he leads efforts to develop equity-driven strategies across talent, culture, finance, and strategic planning. Jason’s work at Beyond100K allows him to collaborate with educators and policymakers across the country, always advocating for public education solutions that put community first.
Jason is deeply embedded in District 3 communities and is actively working alongside community groups, including Parent Mentors, youth leaders, and restorative justice practitioners to ensure that the priorities of District 3 are influenced by those who live and work in the community every day. He believes that true progress is achieved through co-governance and collective effort, where communities determine the future of their public schools — not billionaires and outside forces seeking to line their own pockets.