School of Education Viewbook

A GREATER PURSUIT

School of Education

A STEP AHEAD

YOUR RIGHT PLACE NPU’s School of Education’s small class sizes, experienced faculty,

The world of education is changing rapidly. To teach effectively, you need to do more than just keep up. At NPU’s School of

solid reputation, supportive environment, and hands-on focus are

Education, our experienced faculty, hands-on approach, and focus on ethical leadership will equip you to take the next step in

the foundation for your success. Everything we offer is designed to

your career and stay one step ahead of the curve. We will prepare you to transform communities, have a positive impact on

build your skill set, open doors, and advance your education career.

students, and serve a diverse society as a creative, dedicated, and compassionate education professional. This is more than a degree.

Sound good? Then you’ve come to the right place.

IT’S A GREATER PURSUIT.

The exact program you want.

TRANSFORMATIVE

INTENTIONAL

In today’s ever-changing society, it is more important than ever for educators to adapt efficiently and effectively. Our expert faculty spends time in the field to master the latest best practices, and regularly contributes to advancing the framework of education. They will teach you best practices in education—and prepare you to lead and transform others wherever your career takes you.

From career success to making a difference, we will walk with you to achieve your vision of success. Our graduates are fully prepared to pass licensing exams, but that is only the beginning. At NPU’s School of Education, every class and every experience is designed to help you apply the best knowledge and best practices inside real-world classrooms.

EXPERIENTIAL

COLLABORATIVE

You know it better than most: Effective learning takes place both in schools and out in the world. Through diverse clinical opportunities, a wide network of partner schools, and committed professional study groups, we will give you meaningful hands-on experience at every turn.

We are part of a community of schools, neighborhoods, and people—and whether it is a lecture inspired by real challenges facing a local public school or a neighborhood-centered educational partnership, our community makes us better. When you graduate, that collaborative experience will help ensure the success of every student you serve.

DEDICATED One hallmark of graduates from NPU’s School of Education is dedication to the craft of education. Wherever they go, our graduates invest fully in their students while serving and shaping a global society. That begins with a supportive educational environment, where our faculty and staff will take the time to meet your individual needs. Small class sizes, flexible scheduling, and one-on-one mentoring are a big part of our investment in you, and the foundation of your future investment in others.

“There is nothing more rewarding, fulfilling, and satisfying for me as a professor than when I see my students expand on their ideas and soar on the knowledge and experience that they have acquired from class instruction. We strive to help students achieve their fullest potential and live lives of significance and service, both within the educational arena and outside of it.”

— DR. ANGELYN BARTOLOMEI School of Education

With four innovative master’s degree programs, five approval or endorsement options, and a post-bachelor’s teacher license program to choose from, we offer the degree or program you need to reach your goals as a professional educator. Strong clinical options—combined with a strong foundation of core classes—ensure that you will graduate with the specialized, practical, sought-after skills you need to take the next step in your career.

A reputation for excellence.

Our name carries weight. For more than five decades, NPU’s School of Education has graduated dedicated, compassionate, forward-thinking educators and leaders, ready to meet the unique challenges of today and tomorrow. Your degree offers more than a teaching license—it equips you with a network of educational partners, committed faculty, and alumni ready to help you succeed as an educator or administrator.

A tailored fit.

With classes lasting seven to eight weeks, offered on evenings and weekends at either our main Chicago campus or satellite Arlington Heights campus, we’re ready to build a program that fits your life. All that flexibility—alongside a new streamlined course schedule—means you can become a licensed teacher in two years or advance your teaching career in just 12 to 24 months.

PROGRAMS THAT MATTER Whether you are changing careers or advancing your teaching career, NPU’s School of Education has the

BECOMING A TEACHER?

ALREADY A TEACHER? Master of Arts in Educational Leadership Gain the foundational abilities you need to step into a teacher leader or principal role. Learn practical education-focused administrative and executive-level skills from our experienced faculty—including instructional leadership, teacher assessment, team building, and community relations—all while becoming the kind of ethical leader schools seek.

program to get you exactly where

Master of Arts in Education

you want to be.

Enhance your existing skills as a professional educator and take the next step in your teaching career. Expand your knowledge of teaching practice and educational theory through meaningful coursework tailored to you—including teacher leadership, social management, and more. Graduate ready to make your own significant contributions to the educational community.

Master of Arts in Literacy, Language, and Culture Grow the right skills and knowledge base to effectively educate students in multicultural classrooms. Prepare to succeed in diverse learning communities and advance your career with a language endorsement that matches your goals. Engage with our experienced faculty, step into ESL programs to gain valuable hands-on experience, and become equipped to serve students and families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

Endorsements and Approvals Expand and develop your career as a professional educator by building your expertise in a specific area: • Bilingual Endorsement • ESL/ELL Endorsement • LBS1 Special Education Approval • Middle School Endorsement

“Never did I think in my first year as an Assistant Principal I would be faced with a global pandemic, but with the care, support, and preparation I received through my Master’s program at North Park, I was as prepared as one could be to work through an unforeseen crisis impacting education. I am incredibly proud and humbled to serve the Arlington Heights community, and I am proud to be an alumnus of North Park University.” — J ULIA PEMBERTON, ’18, MASTER’S IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Master of Arts in Teaching Complete your master’s degree and become a licensed teacher in the State of Illinois. Choose one or more of five licensure options and gain the specific skills and knowledge you need to pass the necessary exams and become an exceptional educator. Learn from our compassionate, accomplished faculty and gain vital, hands-on classroom experience alongside a small group of future teachers who share your passion for educating the next generation.

Licensure options for both programs: • Early Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 2) • Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) • Middle Grades Education (Grades 5–8) • Senior High (Grades 9–12) •K –12 Education (Art, Foreign Language, Music, and Physical Education)

“In the year and four months that I was a graduate student at the University I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge. The broad spectrum of classes I took assisted in building the core foundation of the teacher I am today. Another benefit was the class sizes were small which enabled me the opportunity to have close and organic relationships with my professors and peers. I take with me a community of lifelong friends that I’ll never forget.”

— ERIK ABRON ’20

Teacher Licensure This program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree recognized by the State of Illinois who wish to be licensed to teach without earning an additional degree.

FULLY PREPARED Earning your degree, license, or

endorsement from NPU’s School of Education will empower you to teach, serve, and lead effectively. As a caring educator, you will become equipped to serve and transform diverse learning communities with compassion, dedication, and expertise.

Impacting communities through education.

Our graduates are excelling as educators and leaders in Chicago Public Schools and throughout suburban districts, including Evanston, Skokie, Niles, Northbrook, Crystal Lake, Arlington Heights, and more. Alumni also teach in American schools in Egypt, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, and Costa Rica.

OUR MISSION

“A school’s vision is the compass pointing a leader in the direction of best practices. The program at North Park intertwines this theme of vision into each course, guaranteeing that each student will walk away with the most crucial and useful ‘GPS’ tool for educational leadership.

North Park helped me recalibrate my leadership in the sense that it pointed me in the right direction to do my job well.”

The School of Education prepares competent, respectful, and reflective professionals who are dedicated to serving diverse learning communities.

— CAMMY CZARNIK

Dean, The Willows Academy

APPLICATION CHECKLIST: EDUCATION DEGREES Bachelor’s degree Two professional or academic recommendations O fficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended Completed online application at northpark.edu/soe/apply A dditional requirements for specific programs at northpark.edu/soe

DETERMINE YOUR COST • Visit northpark.edu/soe/financialaid to see up-to-date tuition and scholarship information.

•M eet with our admissions team to discuss financial aid and scholarship options.

•F ile your FAFSA at fafsa.gov, if necessary.

ENROLL That is all there is to it. Once you complete your application, we will let you know if you are accepted within two weeks. Then, we will build a tailored plan to help you earn your degree, license, or endorsement, and advance your career as a professional educator.

COME SEE FOR YOURSELF

One of the best ways to learn about North Park University is to attend an information session where you will have an opportunity to learn more about admission requirements, experiential learning opportunities, and financial aid.

We look forward to meeting with you soon!

• Attend an informational session online or at our Chicago campus.

• Schedule a personal appointment with an admissions representative.

• Sit in on a class.

Plan your visit at northpark.edu/soe

School of Education Office of Graduate Admissions 3225 West Foster Ave. Box 40 Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 244-4880 www.northpark.edu