North Central College partners with Midwest Principals' Center

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 have partnered with the Midwest Principals’ Center (MPC), a Chicago-based organization that provides professional development and continuing education programs for area school districts and educational leaders. The partnership affirms the College’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree with eligibility for principal endorsement as a program infused with leadership virtues and character reflection, both of which are critical tools for successful school leaders. The agreement also provides a 20 percent tuition benefit for full-time employees of MPC-member school districts who enroll in a Master of Education degree program at North Central.

“This partnership advances North Central’s ability to offer a strong educational leadership degree program aimed at providing candidates with the knowledge and experiences necessary to foster a culture of character within their schools,” said North Central College President Troy D. Hammond. “Thanks to the generous support of the Kern Family Foundation, we’re able to deliver character education initiatives to more educators throughout the region.”

North Central College is committed to inspiring well-equipped, principled and responsible school 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 to nurture and foster cultures of character in the school systems in which they serve.

“North Central’s partnership with Midwest Principals’ Center will form a powerful alliance between two esteemed organizations,” said Dr. Bruce Spitzer, professor of education and chair of the department of education at North Central. “Together we’ll be able to provide an enhanced network of support from seasoned professionals for our emerging leaders.”

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 have demonstrated a commitment to fostering a culture of character in the school setting.

According to Denise Welter and Larry Hyde executive co-directors of Midwest Principals’ Center Association, “We believe that cooperation with professional organizations such as North Central College enhances the work of the Center, providing additional opportunities that develop, affirm, and support school leaders.”

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