North Chicago CUSD 187

What is the Residency Program?

The North Chicago CUSD187 residency program is a collaboration between the National College of Education at National Louis University (APPLY to NLU) and District 187 that offers a pathway to teaching for those with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Residents will gain hands-on experience in a district school, with a mentor teacher, and pursue a graduate degree in elementary education. Upon successful completion of the program, and a commitment to work in D187 for at least four years, you will be hired for a full-time teaching job in the district.

Here’s what the Teacher Residency Program means for YOU!

• Receive your professional educator license (PEL) in elementary education, master’s degree and a teaching position in D187 in 12 months
• Complete the residency in the district you will teach in after receiving your PEL
• Pair master’s-level coursework at NLU with a full-year, mentored classroom apprenticeship
• Receive stipends to help with living expenses and discounted university tuition

Here’s How it Works

Year one (Summer 2020-May 2021):

• Residents will complete 12-months of accelerated courses toward their PEL in elementary education, plus one course in the bilingual/ESL track while gaining hands-on experience in a mentored classroom. During the summer, residents will be in NLU graduate-level courses full-time beginning in June and into August. Once the school year begins, Residents will spend: 
  • Four days a week in a D187 classroom with a mentor teacher
  • One day a week taking graduate-level courses toward their M.A.T. and initial PEL in elementary education. 

Upon completion of year one of the program:

• Residents must commit to working in D187 as a certified bilingual/ESL teacher for at least four years 

During your first year first of teaching (Summer 2021-May 2022):

• Residents will take the remaining five courses required for bilingual or ESL endorsement on the initial PEL as a teacher of record in their own classroom.

 

Who should apply?

The ideal candidate believes that all students should be empowered to write their own story of success to pursue and realize their unique purpose. We believe that every child deserves a great teacher!

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any area and a GPA of 3.0 in the final 60 hours of your bachelor’s degree.