Teacher Apprenticeship Program (Para to Bachelors) – Program Overview

This program offers paraeducators the instruction, coaching, and classroom experience they need to step-up to become effective teachers.
In a cohort-based apprenticeship program, paraeducators will earn a fully accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. They will learn and earn college credit within an actual classroom alongside their students, in an environment that allows for gradual assumption of responsibility.

This program meets ISBE requirements and is offered through Lake Erie College. Participants must have an Associate’s degree and will be required to complete 60 credit hours. 

Master of Education (MAT) – Program Overview

The Master of Education in Teaching and Learning enables participants with a bachelor’s degree in another field to become elementary educators. A Master’s of Teaching and Learning: Secondary is also offered, and enables participants with a bachelor’s degree in corresponding fields to become secondary educators.

These programs are designed for participants working in classrooms as long-term substitutes or on temporary teaching certificates. They consist of courses centered on foundational skills for instruction, such as curriculum, classroom culture, and quality instruction. The programs are designed to lead to alternative teaching certification in qualifying states.

This degree is aligned to the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) core teaching standards, which outline the common principles and foundations of teaching practice that cut across all subject areas and grade levels and are necessary to improve student achievement. Teachers who successfully complete this degree have demonstrated these skills within their classrooms and schools through portfolio-based artifacts.

Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement – Program Overview

The Teaching English Language Learners Certification Program is portfolio-based and designed for educators to become proficient in teaching english as a second language. Participants complete six courses (18 credit hours) listed below, made up of 18 micro-credentials (MCs). This learn-by-doing program is designed for current teachers with regular access to students. All artifacts participants create will come from classroom practice. They are then uploaded to the BloomBoard platform for assessment. 

Participants will be included in a cohort of NCISC teachers and will receive a dedicated 1:1 coach. The program begins with an orientation and then 6-synchronous, 1-hour Zoom sessions facilitated by the coach in order to provide all the necessary supports for completion of the first portfolio. From there, participants are free to work asynchronously in small groups or individually as they continue through the rest of the first course and subsequent courses. Throughout the entire program they have the continued support of a faculty advisor as needed.

This program meets ISBE requirements and is offered through Oklahoma Christian University. This program can be completed in 1-2 years (depending on number of courses taken per semester) at a total cost of $6,300 for NCISC district educators.

LBS1 Endorsement – Program Overview

The Illinois Special Education Licensure Program is portfolio-based and designed for educators to become proficient in teaching students with disabilities and earn an LBS1 Endorsement. Participants complete four courses (12 credit hours) listed below, made up of 12 micro-credentials (MCs). This learn-by-doing program is geared toward current teachers with regular access to students. All artifacts participants create will come from classroom practice. They are then uploaded to the BloomBoard platform for assessment. 

Participants will be included in a cohort of NCISC teachers and will receive a dedicated 1:1 coach. The program begins with an orientation and then 6-synchronous, 1-hour Zoom sessions facilitated by the coach in order to provide all the necessary supports for completion of the first portfolio. From there, participants are free to work asynchronously in small groups or individually as they continue through the rest of the first course and subsequent courses. Throughout the entire program they have the continued support of a faculty advisor as needed.

This program meets ISBE requirements and is offered through Oklahoma Christian University. Upon completion of all 4 courses, educators will need to take the LBS1 test. This program can be completed in one year (if a participant takes two courses per semester) at a total cost of $4,200.00 for NCISC district educators.

Program Benefits