Northern Illinois University
College of Education

At the College of Education, we understand the challenges faced by school districts. We know how important it is to make sure your students and staff succeed, while addressing an extended reduction in instruction time and the trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We're here to help with services, programs and resources. Drawing on expertise from across campus, these offerings can help maximize Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.

To learn more about these programs, or to inquire about partnership opportunities not listed, please fill out our online interest form.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Wellness

We provide many ways to promote social-emotional learning and wellness among students, teachers and staff.

SEL Activities and Support

• After-school athletic development camp for students.
• Physical activity and life skills (holistic activities such as yoga for teachers, staff and students).
• Project Thrive (group therapy for students on anxiety, depression and other topics).
• Psychological social anxiety group therapy (for students transitioning between schools or returning to more in-person attendance after COVID).

SEL Educator Training and Resources

• Training and support groups on stress management and wellness topics.
• Assistance with social-emotional and behavioral challenges (social-emotional learning resources, data collection and interventions).
• Teaching personal and social responsibility (training on promoting personal and social responsibility through physical activity).
• Courses on trauma-informed practice in an educational setting (can be applied toward graduate certificate in trauma-informed counseling).

Upskilling Your Workforce: Endorsements and Licensure

Teachers can earn the following:

• Director of special education endorsement.
• English as a second language (ESL) and/or bilingual endorsement.
• Principal preparation endorsement.
• Technology specialist endorsement.
• Instructional coaching certificate.

Employees with associate degrees can obtain licensure with these accelerated programs:

• PLEDGE early childhood education LEAP.
• PLEDGE special education LEAP.

Professional Development

Teachers and staff members can build skills in the following areas:

• Compassion fatigue reduction strategies (webinar and continued consultation on post-COVID interventions).
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (customized discussions on a range of topics).
• Instructional strategies skills (series on math, reading, writing and daily living strategies).
• Internet safety and security (online training).
• Technology tutoring (workshops and online training).
• Technology integration and standardized assessment (workshop focused on toolbox design).
• Understanding technology infrastructure (online training).

Support Services

These services provide solutions in specific areas:

• Soundfield amplification system installation and training for teachers on communicative repair, classroom noise and transient hearing loss.
• P-20 College Bootcamp, which trains participants to help students and families prepare for college (available in English and Spanish).
• FACT 2.0, a community health and fitness program focused on underserved populations.