Graduate Level Coursework Offered to Licensed Teachers at Discounted Tuition
CHICAGO (May 2017)—Filling high need positions in the Chicago Public School (CPS) system requires continuing education specialization beyond an undergraduate teaching degree. Important additional training combined with costly tuition to cover continuing education studies prompted the launch of the CPS Continuing Endorsement Program. Starting this spring, North Park serves as one of 15 Illinois Universities chosen to partner with CPS and participate in the program offering CPS teachers an opportunity to further develop their credentials – all at reduced tuition. The 15 Partner Illinois Universities tuition discounts range from 5% to 61% with North Park offering a 50% discounted tuition to CPS teachers.
For licensed teachers, the Continuing Endorsement Program provides access to graduate-level course work as well as additional endorsements, licenses, and a variety of master degree options. Programs begin Spring 2017 and are offered on campus, online, at CPS schools, and in hybrid formats. North Park CPS Partner courses range from bilingual to principal preparation where teachers can further develop their skills in these endorsement areas. “We encourage all staff (CPS) to explore these programs because even if you aren’t changing focus, these skills can enhance your practice and help address students’ diverse needs in your existing classrooms,” remarked Matt Lyons, CPS Chief Talent Officer in a letter North Park received.
“High-needs areas like Bilingual and Special Education require additional training and this program is a perfect opportunity to offer licensed teachers continuing education at a reduced tuition so they can go back into the classroom and meet the needs of these students,” stated Dr. Rebecca L. Nelson, North Park Dean, School of Education.
With school districts around the country facing challenges filling high-need positions, CPS reached out to North Park to participate in educating teachers so they can accommodate a diverse student learning profile. “North Park’s School of Education has a long-standing partnership with CPS and we are one of the select universities chosen to offer advanced coursework and licensure for CPS teachers,” expressed Dr. Nelson.
As an approved provider for CPS in the Continuing Endorsement Program, North Park sees this joint partnership with CPS as an effective pathway to both address serving a diverse student population and making it financially feasible for working teachers to obtain additional training.
For more information, please contact Linda Pastorello at lpastorello@northpark.edu or 773-244-5613.