BA with Teacher Certification – Elementary or Early Childhood, National-Louis University

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the program?
2. What is special about this program?
3. What are the eligibility requirements for the program?
4. What is a cohort?
5. Where do the courses meet?
6. What is the length of the program?
7. What certification and endorsements will I receive upon completion of the program?
8. What if I want certification in Secondary Education?
9. How do I apply to National-Louis?
10. Is financial aid available?
11. What is the tuition?
12. Whom can I contact to see if my transcripts have been received and are being evaluated?
13. Whom can I contact to check on the status of my application or for further information?

1. What is the program?

   The program is a partnership among National-Louis University (NLU), 10 school districts and 6 community colleges, working to bring teacher certification programs in Elementary Education and Early Childhood to three regions in Illinois. One of those regions is the Northern region which includes: East Aurora, Carpentersville, Dolton, Markham, South Holland, and Harvey Public Schools, Waubonsee Community College, McHenry County College, and South Suburban College.

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2. What is special about this program?
   1. Convenient class schedules offered at local community college campus locations.
   2. Fixed tuition rate for the duration of the program.
   3. Instruction via a Cohort Model, with 15-20 students taking courses together for the entire program.
   4. Hands-on experiences in schools while you are in cohorts.
   5. Instructional support from knowledgeable faculty and advisors.
   6. State-of-the-art teacher preparation that fully integrates best practice into the curriculum.

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3. What are the eligibility requirements for the program?
   1. An associate's degree or equivalent (AA or AS) from an accredited community college. (There are certain courses mandated by the State of Illinois for all those seeking teacher certification. You will need to complete those mandated courses.)
   2. Completion of required General Education coursework. (There are certain courses mandated by the State of Illinois for all those seeking teacher certification. You will need to complete those mandated courses.)
   3. A 2.5 GPA.
   4. Successful completion of the Illinois Teacher Certification Basic Skills Test.

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4. What is a cohort?

   A cohort is a group of 15-20 students who go through the program together. Benefits of the cohort include: small class size, one-time registration for all coursework, group support and networking opportunities.

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5. Where do the courses meet?

   At local community colleges.

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6. What is the length of the program?

   The BA in Elementary Education takes approximately 2 years full-time; 3 evenings per week or 2 days and 1 evening, depending on if you are at Elgin or MCC. The BA in Early Childhood Education takes approximately 18 months full-time; 2 to 3 evenings per week.

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7. What certification and endorsements will I receive upon completion of the program?

   A BA from NLU in Elementary or Early Childhood Education and you will be eligible to apply for a teaching certificate granted by the State of Illinois. The McHenry County College cohort will focus on Elementary Education.

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8. What if I want certification in Secondary Education?

   MCC and NLU also offer a MAT in Secondary Education. Contact Linda Sidlo, Graduate Enrollment Representative, at Linda.Sidlo@nl.edu or call (800) 443-5522, extension 8053 with questions on the MAT Secondary Education program.

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9. How do I apply to National-Louis?

   You can apply online at www.nl.edu/applyonline. Official/sealed transcripts, letters of recommendation, and Basic Skills test scores should be sent to:

   National-Louis University
   Office Of Admissions
   1000 Capitol Drive
   Wheeling, IL 60090

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10. Is financial aid available?

    Yes. Contact NLU's Office of Financial Aid, at 1 (800) 443-5522, extension 5350 or extension 5395.

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11. What is the tuition?

    Please check online at www.nl.edu to find current tuition rates.

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12. Whom can I contact to see if my transcripts have been received and are being evaluated?

    Call 1 (800) 443-5522, extension 5151 or 1 (888) NLU-TODAY, extension 5151.

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13. Whom can I contact to check on the status of my application or for further information?

    Caroline Loizzo
    Program & Enrollment Representative for Elgin Community College, Rock Valley College and McHenry County College
    1 (800) 443-5522, extension 8051

    McHenry County College contact information:

    Marie V. Frostman
    Phone: (815) 479-7559
    Email: mfrostma@mchenry.edu

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