Introduction

The Teacher Leader Endorsement option is for students who hold a previous master’s degree and a professional educator license. The program builds upon one’s own classroom experience, knowledge, and skills to further develop leadership and mentoring capacity that may be used in school or district-wide. The program builds leadership skills by teaching candidates to use research and data to improve educational outcomes, by increasing digital literacy and learning, and by fostering collaborative relationships within the school and community.

Credit hours required: 15

ADMISSION INFORMATION

The program admits students for the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Program Benefits

Northeastern Illinois University’s Teacher Leader Endorsement (only) program allows those teachers who have a master's degree and an Illinois teaching license to:

  • increase their leadership roles and job responsibilities by earning the Teacher Leader Endorsement as recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education
  • build upon the teacher’s own classroom experience, knowledge, and skills to further develop the teacher’s leadership and mentoring capacity that may be used school or district-wide (but not in the capacity of a school principal)
  • build leadership skills by using research and data to improve educational outcomes, by increasing digital literacy and learning, and by fostering collaborative relationships within the school and community
  • promote the understanding of diverse student populations in schools so as to develop personal and school-wide success that will ultimately improve the classroom, curriculum, student learning, and school culture. 

All Community Teacher Leader program core courses will be offered remotely from January 2022 until December 2023. This means that the weekly courses will meet virtually and synchronously on the same day of the week and at the same listed course time. There may be required course assignments or program requirements (such as meetings, orientations, ceremonies, informal gatherings, presentations, etc.), which will need to be conducted face-to-face and in-person. However, these will be sparse and students will be notified in advance. We cannot promise that all electives will be offered remotely.

Completion of the Teacher Leader Endorsement will satisfy all standards for teacher licensure as required by the Illinois State Board of Education. Northeastern Illinois University has not made a determination as to whether this education degree program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in any of the other 54 U.S. states and jurisdictions. Specific requirements for licensure or certification in states other than Illinois vary from state-to-state. In some cases, you may need to take additional coursework or exams to meet individual state requirements and/or you may need to complete background checks.

Career Options

Students will be able to pursue a multitude of careers including:

  • Teacher Leaders
  • Department Chairs
  • Educational Outreach Coordinator
  • School Board Leadership
  • Curriculum Developers
  • Lead School Improvement Committees

For more detailed career information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Academic Catalog Information

Take a closer look at the Teacher Leader Endorsement, and the courses offered toward the program.

Teacher Leader Endorsement

Department and Contact Information

If you are interested in the program or have questions, please contact the program coordinator at mactl@neiu.edu. For more information, visit the Community and Teacher Leaders webpage

Educational Inquiry and Curriculum Studies

About Northeastern

Northeastern Illinois University is home to students from all corners of the world and is one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the nation. Our small class sizes, flexible schedules and dedicated faculty can help you succeed in your studies.

We offer an education with value.

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