The North Central College graduate leadership programs are grounded in virtue ethics and emphasize the development of leader virtues, leader character and the cultivation of practical wisdom. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Instructional Coaching fosters the development of instructional coaches/teacher leaders who value collaboration, best practices, professionalism, research and networking in order to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom through instructional coaching. The Instructional Coaching program prepares candidates to provide support to teachers as they work to improve practice based on collaboration, inquiry and consultative feedback. Candidates are also prepared to facilitate job-embedded professional development designed to positively impact student growth. The goal of the Master of Education in Instructional Coaching program is to prepare instructional coaches/teacher leaders who will go forward and support the continuous improvement of instructional practices and increased student growth in their school communities.
The Master of Education in Instructional Coaching program is aligned to the Teacher Leader Model Standards, the Illinois Council of Instructional Coaching standards, and the Danielson Framework. It is a program requirement that each candidate in the develop a standards-based portfolio that reflects their growth and development of instructional coach/teacher leader competencies.
Candidates complete seven required core courses with an emphasis on student and teacher growth, change dynamics, professional development planning, coaching, advocacy and teacher leadership in the school environment. Two additional electives are selected from courses that can apply towards a Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) endorsement or the North Central College Trauma Informed Educational Practices for Children and Adolescents Certificate.
The Instructional Coaching program is designed to maximize the candidate’s potential to continue studies for endorsements and certification beyond completion of the Instructional Coaching program:
- Completion of the 34 credit hour Instructional Coaching program allows candidates eligible for the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) teacher leader endorsement.
- Twelve credit hours from the program (MEDU 500, MEDU 535 and MEDU 536) can apply towards the North Central College Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree; a program that leads to th ISBE principal endorsement, should a candidate wish to continue studies at NCC within the required time frame.
- Six credit hours in electives can be taken towards
- LBS1 endorsement or
- the Trauma Informed Educational Practices for Children and Adolescents Certificate
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