Bridget Belcastro can’t forget the conversation. She was majoring in English at NIU, eager to become a teacher, and heard something thoroughly laughable as she and some classmates carpooled to Jefferson High School in Rockford. “I was a junior or a senior
Read moreU-46’s first principal prep cohort nears August completion of master’s degrees
When Gladys Crespo graduated from high school in her native Puerto Rico, she planned to become an engineer. That was her initial path in college as well, but it didn’t last. “I ended up teaching other students what they needed to do,
Read moreRockford Principal Prep program adds six Elgin U-46 candidates to new cohort
One year after the NIU College of Education launched an innovative program in principal preparation for the Rockford Public Schools, a second cohort has begun. This fall, the new group includes six aspiring administrators from School District U-46. Ryan Corcoran, Huff Elementary
Read morePrincipal Residency Program creates model for development of school leaders
Growing up in Rockford, Amber Lee-Black found a home – and a life’s direction – on the basketball courts. “I didn’t want to go to work every day dreading going to work,” said Lee-Black, who played hoops for Auburn High School, Highland
Read moreCollege of Education, RPS 205 launch Rockford Principal Residency Program
The Northern Illinois University College of Education and Rockford Public Schools will launch this fall an innovative partnership to develop school leaders to serve the needs of Rockford-area schools. This cohort-based program is designed to improve academic and social-emotional learning outcomes from
Read moreJacobs HS Principal Barb Valle reflects on NIU-launched administrative career
Most parents would love to hear that their daughter wanted to become a teacher. Not Barb Valle’s, however, who were less than thrilled when she dropped her original major in International Business. “I’m originally from Princeton, Ill. I had a wonderful, wonderful
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