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Teacher Preparation Programs National College of Education

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About Our Teacher Preparation Programs

Every child deserves great teachers, and NLU’s National College of Education prepares teachers who make a difference in the lives of the students they serve.

With a variety of licensure and degree options in early childhood, elementary, middle grades, secondary and special education, our programs do more than fulfill requirements for the initial Professional Educator License (PEL) in Illinois, they provide an essential foundation for aspiring educators to learn the art and the science of teaching.

And no matter the path you choose to become a teacher—whether you seek an undergraduate or graduate degree, licensure only,  a residency, or an alternative certification program—all of NLU’s graduate-level teacher preparation programs are typically completed in 1-2 years and include extensive field experiences, mentoring and coaching from master teachers, technology-forward courses taught by expert faculty, and a supportive community of practice.

Our Reputation

130 Years of Preparing Exceptional Teachers

Since pioneering the kindergarten movement in the 1880s, NLU has continually innovated to ensure that new teachers are well prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities embedded in our ever changing, complex, and diverse teaching and learning landscape. 

Why NCE's Teacher Preparation Programs?

Hands-On Teaching Experience

From the very beginning of your program, you’ll not only be learning the most current pedagogical methods in your courses, but you’ll be in the field working with students. Beyond simply observing, you’ll be engaging students, planning lessons and activities, and refining your practice with mentors and coaches.

Flexible Class Options

Build your degree around your busy schedule. Choose from full- and part-time traditional, residency, and alternative certification programs. Additionally, you’ll have the choice between online, in-person, and blended course formats, as well as the freedom to begin your degree any term during the academic year.

In-Demand Credentials and Endorsements

On your way to earning your initial teacher certification or M.A.T., you’ll be able to specialize your degree with endorsements to expand your skills and qualifications.

Faculty Excellence

Learn from faculty who bring years of research and on-the-ground PK-12 experience to the classroom. Our faculty continually update and improve programs in light of new scholarship and changes to the educational landscape, meaning you’ll be learning the most current best practices in the field.

A Commitment to Diversity and Equity

Join a university with a long-standing commitment to diversity and social justice. Named one of the Top 25 Most Diverse National Universities, we support diverse student populations through our culturally relevant pedagogy and initiatives with local school systems.

Our Clinically Focused Curriculum

Practice Based

Our practice based curriculum focuses on a core set of teaching practices partnered with field-learning opportunities that allow you to practice these core skills in diverse contexts and continually improve your teaching using coach feedback and self-reflection.

Clinically Focused

We collaborate with schools and districts throughout Chicagoland and across the state to get you into the field early and often. With faculty, supervisor, and mentor teacher support, you’ll apply and practice what you learn in your courses and gain practical experience that will pave the way to your high-impact teaching career.

Technology Enabled

Technology and digital learning tools are critical aspects of today’s teaching and learning environments.  Our candidates have opportunities throughout their coursework to learn about different digital applications and how to leverage technology tools to support student learning.

Internships, Residency, and Alternative Certification Programs

NCE’s collaborative partnerships with urban and suburban school districts provide a variety of pathways into teaching—particularly in high need areas such as Special Education, Early Childhood, and ESL/Bilingual Education. We have co-designed these opportunities with our partners based on the needs of their educators and their learners.

  • Our unique Year-Long Internship extended field experience model allows M.A.T. candidates to be hired as full-time, paid teaching assistants and gain a full academic year of classroom experience in tandem with the second year of their MAT program's coursework.
  • NCE’s one-year, intensive teacher residency program offers paraprofessionals and school community members the opportunity to learn alongside a mentor teacher four days a week while simultaneously completing their graduate studies.
  • In our two-year alternative certification program, NCE partners with Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to provide extended, hands-on classroom experience and preparation for aspiring early childhood teachers to serve in high-need Chicago schools. 

Our Degree Programs

Bachelor’s Degree Programs                                  
Master’s Degree Programs

Academic Programs

National College of Education (NCE) faculty and candidates use scholarly habits of mind and inquiry to affect pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade student learning. In partnership with schools and districts, we envision, articulate, and model democratic and progressive education, design dynamic learning environments, and work collaboratively in diverse communities and with diverse learners to meet the needs of all students.

Areas of Study

M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education M.A.T. in Elementary Education M.A.T. in Middle Grades Education M.A.T. in Secondary Education M.A.T. in Special Education M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Educational Leadership M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Reading M.Ed. in Special Education M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Learning Sciences Education M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership Ed.S. or Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership Ed.D. in Education Leadership Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning: Curriculum, Advocacy and Policy Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning: Disability and Equity in Education Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning: Reading, Language and Literacy Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Postsecondary Teaching and Instructional Leadership Ed.S. in School Psychology: Illinois Endorsements Effective Teaching in PK-12 E-Learning Environments Certificate Coaching and Mentoring Certificate Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning: Linguistic Diversity & Equity
All Programs

Your Next Step is Within Reach.

With over 135 years of excellence and 70,000 alumni, we provide an extraordinary education that’s within your reach.

 
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