Empowering Educators: Advance Your Career with IRC and NLU
Together, we are shaping the next generation of educators to meet a growing demand.
Since 1972, the Illinois Resource Center (IRC) has supported educators working with linguistically and culturally diverse students. In partnership with National Louis University (NLU), the IRC provides Bilingual and ESL endorsement programs that help educators create effective learning environments for English language learners and advance their careers.
Leverage your endorsement earned through the IRC toward a Masters or Educational Specialist degree at NLU. After completing the endorsement, you are over halfway done to earning NLU’s Curriculum & Instruction degree!
Advantages:
- Move up the pay scale
- Earn higher qualifications
- Use Financial Aid and Scholarships
STEP ONE: We’ll connect you with one of NLU’s Enrollment Specialists to help you explore which option below* is right for you and your career goals. Email Melanie Fernandez at melanie.fernandez@nl.edu to get started.
STEP TWO: Apply at NLU!*
- Complete NLU’s online application - select Master’s or Post Masters and then Curriculum & Instruction
- Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions from which you received a degree.
- Complete the essay prompts
- Complete NLU’s online application - select Endorsement and then English as a Second Language (ESL) or ESL/Bilingual Education
- Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions from which you received a degree.
*Regardless of which option you choose, you must be admitted to NLU in order for NLU to recommend you for entitlement to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for any endorsements earned.
Financial Supports Available
By opting to apply your endorsement to a degree program at NLU, you will unlock additional potential financial resources such as:
- Graduate student loans
- Loan forgiveness
- TEACH Grant
- Partner tuition benefits
- More!
Be sure to check with your employer’s HR team about any tuition reimbursement or other professional development benefits they may provide toward endorsement and/or degree programs.
