North Central College partners with Illinois Principals Association

New partnership expands program outreach for its Master of Education in Educational Leadership

North Central College’s School of Education and Health Sciences and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies recently became a Value Added partner with the Illinois Principals Association (IPA). This partnership affirms the College and IPA’s common mission to advance learning through effective educational leadership. In addition to providing a 20 percent tuition reduction for educators enrolled in North Central’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program with a principal mentor who is an IPA member, the partnership will help meet the growing need for qualified educational leaders in Illinois.

“This partnership with the Illinois Principals Association enables North Central College to provide important learning opportunities and financial support for the state’s next generation of educational leaders,” said North Central College President Troy D. Hammond. “With the generous support of the Kern Family Foundation, we will also be able to deliver our character education initiatives to more educators throughout the region.”

North Central College is committed to inspiring well-equipped, principled and responsible leaders. Through a 4.5-year, $3.2 million grant—the College’s largest private grant ever—North Central is launching character initiatives designed to have a lasting impact on educators, aspiring leaders and administrators. These initiatives focus on social, emotional and ethical competencies with an ultimate goal of nurturing and fostering cultures of character in the school systems in which they serve.

“The IPA is grateful for the opportunity to partner with an outstanding institution like North Central College.  Their focus on the character development of aspiring school leaders is timely and will serve both the profession and ultimately young people well.  We are glad to support their efforts.” Stated Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director of Illinois Principals Association.”

“Becoming a Valued Added partner of the Illinois Principal Association allows North Central to share news about our Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program with administrators who support the advancement of their teachers,” said Dr. Marci J. Swede, dean of North Central’s School of Education and Health Sciences. “Together we can create a synergy between aspiring principals and well-respected leaders throughout the state.”

The partnership also extends the College’s ability to reach educators currently underrepresented in administrative ranks, including those who work in underserved communities and who demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of character in the school setting.

For more information about the College’s character initiatives and Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program, visit northcentralcollege.edu/character-initiatives.