We Believe In Your Best

• Teacher Preparation Programs: For students who are not licensed teachers, these Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) programs prepare students to begin their teaching careers and earn their Professional Educator’s License (PEL).
• Advanced Professional Programs: For licensed teachers looking to earn graduate-level specializations, endorsements, or certificates to advance in their careers as professional educators.
• Educational Leadership Programs: For candidates looking to assume leadership roles at their schools, districts or universities. These programs prepare candidates for roles as teacher leaders, administrators, principals, superintendents and more.

In addition to these degree programs, NCE also offers in-demand endorsements, approvals and certificates educators can use to expand their skills and advance in their careers.

NCE has been preparing exceptional teachers for over 130 years, ever since our founder, Elizabeth Harrison, pioneered the Kindergarten movement in the 1880s.

With a focus on diversity, community impact, and field- and practice-based curriculum, the College prepares teachers using hands-on learning and regular feedback from mentors and coaches.

In addition, more than 80 NCE graduates have gone on to win the prestigious Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award, more than any other institution in Illinois.

In the past year:

• NCE has conferred 861 degrees and served 3,486 students
• 82% of MAT graduates work in Illinois public schools
• 71% of MAT graduates serve in high-need schools
• 131 alumni are principals in Chicago Public Schools

Many of NCE’s programs are offered completely online, and some are offered in a blended format that combines online coursework with on-campus meetings and in-person field experiences.

Our Advanced Professional programs and Educational Leadership programs, especially, are designed to fit the schedules of working teachers and education professionals.

Check your desired program’s page or contact an Enrollment Specialist to learn about online options and available modalities.