NCE Wired | National College of Education

NCE Professional Development

When the going gets tough, the tough go to NCE for professional development courses. Now is not the time to stand still and hope for the best. It's time to get better credentials, be better prepared and get what you need to be the best educator you can be in these challenging times.

Now is the time to look to the professionals who really are the leaders in their fields. Educators who invented best practices. Teachers who aren't satisfied with the status quo and who still believe that they can do more for the children in their classrooms. A college of education that specializes in adult learners—and faculty who have been trained by some of the best teachers in Chicago and across the country.

Now is the time to invest in your career. In your profession. In education. In you. So invest wisely. The Center for Professional Development at the National College of Education. It's worth your time. Now. More than ever.

Registration Information

Important Registration Information

Students may register at any campus Registrar's Office using the NLU graduate registration form. If paying with a credit card, you may also FAX your registration to 847.465.4746. Current NLU students may also register via the web. Go to www.nl.edu. Follow the instructions to log on and register for classes. If you receive financial aid/student loans please write “FINANCIAL AID” at the top of your registration form. Remember to register early. Workshops and classes with low enrollment, regardless of the start date, will be canceled during the week of March 29, 2010. For questions regarding the Center for Professional Development workshops, contact Sheri Israelsen or Kerrie Butler at 847.947.5247.

New and Current Students
  • Option 1: in person at the Registrar's Office on any of NLU's campuses using the NLU graduate registration form. (download now)
  • Option 2: if paying with a credit card, FAX your registration to 847.465.4746.
  • Option 3: register online.
  • Remember to register early. Workshops and classes with low enrollment, regardless of the start date, will be canceled during the week of March 29, 2010.
  • Questions? Contact Sheri Israelsen or Kerrie Butler at 847.947.5247.
Important Dates: Spring 2010 Term
  • Feb. 22–Deadline for Mail-in Registration
  • Mar. 22–Deadline for Walk-in/Faxed Registration
  • Apr. 2–Winter Term Begins
Tuition Rates

Spring 2010—Graduate $327 per semester hour for all workshops. MC, Visa, Discover, AE are accepted for tuition payment.

Course Credit and Book Information

The number that follows the title of the course of workshop is the number of semester hours (sh) you can earn for it. A maximum of 15sh of CPD and transfer credit (approved) may be applied toward master's degree requirements or toward the C.A.S. program. Workshops are not offered for the purpose of satisfying course requirements for initial and/or additional certification. Advisor approval is necessary in order to apply workshop credit to a degree.

NEW NLU Virtual Bookstore
eCampus.com

Elgin, North Shore, Lisle and Wheeling campus students
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email: Erica Ethington
fax: 859.514.6826
business hours: 9am–5pm EST, shop online 24/7
forms of payment: Credit/Debit Cards: MC, Visa, Discover, AE
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Where would you like to learn?

  • On Campus

    • Chicago

      122 South Michigan, Chicago, IL 60603
      Check back often for updates and additions

      • MHE450 | Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers (3sh)

        This is a mathematics content course for prospective and inservice elementary school teachers. It addresses the concepts of a comprehensive elementary and middle school mathematics curriculum through reasoning and problem solving in the areas of patterns, number, geometry, measurement, data and chance. This course can be used to eliminate a general education mathematics deficiency and/or used towards an endorsement in teaching middle school mathematics.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 30773
        Thurs., 4/8—6/17, 5:00pm—9:00pm
        Instructor: E. Goldberg

      • MHE501 | Topics in Mathematics for Teachers: Number Concepts and Operations in the Elementary Middle School Mathematics Curriculum (3sh)

        This is a mathematics course for prospective and inservice teachers. It addresses the concepts of number and its operations as they occur in a comprehensive elementary and middle school mathematics curriculum using reasoning, problem solving and technology to understand its historical development as well as its applications in the areas of geometry, measurement and data and chance.

        Opportunities to see how number is essential to understanding other subject areas are included. This course can be used to eliminate a general education mathematics deficiency and/or used towards an endorsement in teaching middle school mathematics.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 30775
        Mon., 4/5—6/21, 5:00pm—9:00pm
        Instructor: P. Davlantes

    • Elgin

      No programs listed at this time.

    • Lisle

      850 Warrenville Road, Lisle, IL 60532
      Check back often for updates and additions

      • TIE584Q | Workshop/TIE/Curriculum Materials/Google Applications in Education (1sh)

        During this hands–on workshop, participants will learn and create projects and lessons using resources available free from Google. Learn strategies for incorporating iGoogle for content management, Google Earth, Google Maps and Google Sky for inquiry based projects, develop your own customizable search engine for your class and create collaborative projects with Google Docs.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 11283
        Sat., 3/13 and 3/20, 9:00am—4:00pm
        Instructor: L. Gray

      • TIE585AC Integrating Web 2.0 Applications into the Classroom (1sh)

        User generated content has driven the current wave of technology innovation delivered via the Internet. Many web–based applications, hereby known as Web 2.0 applications, have been developed in recent years, serving as a platform for social communication and collaboration. During the workshop, teachers will explore various online resources with a focus on implications for both professional and personal productivity. Participants will explore items such as wikis, podcasts, blogs, newsreaders, maps, start pages and online services for sharing documents, pictures and slideware presentations and will develop insight into how these applications can be used in the classroom with students.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 31249
        Sat., 4/24 & 5/1, 9:00am—4:30pm
        Instructor: TBA

      • CIC587F | WS/Curriculum and Instruction/Management and Discipline/Teacher Effectiveness Training (3sh)

        This is a three–semester hour graduate course. In this course teachers will learn and practice the principles of effective communication and problem solving skills essential to creating self–motivated, self–disciplined students within a climate of caring and cooperation. The course will also assist teachers in promoting a "Win–Win" approach to teamwork and collaboration while working with students, coworkers, parents and community organizations. The course will focus on Gordon's "Teacher Effectiveness" model and show how it is consistent with current research and can encourage student empathy and cooperation.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 30989
        Fri., 5/21, 6/4 and 6/18, 4:00pm—9:00pm
        Sat., 5/22, 6/5 and 6/19, 8:00am—6:00pm
        Instructor: W. Spitzer
        $40 material and book fee

      • MHE450 | Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers (3sh)

        This is a mathematics content course for prospective and inservice elementary school teachers. It addresses the concepts of a comprehensive elementary and middle school mathematics curriculum through reasoning and problem solving in the areas of patterns, number, geometry, measurement, data and chance. This course can be used to eliminate a general education mathematics deficiency and/or used towards an endorsement in teaching middle school mathematics.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 30772 Tues., 4/6—6/15, 4:30pm—8:30pm
        Instructor: J. Smith

    • Skokie

      5202 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077

      • CIC587F | WS/Curriculum and Instruction/Management and Discipline/Teacher Effectiveness Training (3sh)

        This is a three–semester hour graduate course. In this course teachers will learn and practice the principles of effective communication and problem solving skills essential to creating self–motivated, self–disciplined students within a climate of caring and cooperation. The course will also assist teachers in promoting a "Win–Win" approach to teamwork and collaboration while working with students, coworkers, parents and community organizations. The course will focus on Gordon's "Teacher Effectiveness" model and show how it is consistent with current research and can encourage student empathy and cooperation.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 30986
        Fri., 4/9, 4/23 and 5/7, 4:00pm—9:00pm
        Sat., 4/10, 4/24 and 5/8, 8:00am—6:00pm
        Instructor: W. Spitzer
        $40 material and book fee

      • RLL585J | WS/Language Arts/Instructional/Storytelling (1sh)

        This experiential workshop in learning to tell stories explores the power of folktales to motivate children's love of learning and enhance social as well as academic development. Students will view storytellers in person and on video, participate in drama activities and small group coaching. Passing this workshop entails the completion of an oral storytelling presentation, class participation, reading the required text and writing a brief response paper. Required text: Touch Magic by Jane Yolen. Suggested Reading: The Storyteller's Start–up Book: Finding, Learning, Performing and Using Folktales by Margaret Read MacDonald; Bringing Out Their Best: Values Education and Character Development through Traditional Tales by Norma J. Livo; Storytelling in Education by Pamela Cooper and Rives Collins; Stories Never Ending: A Program Guide for Schools and Libraries by Jan Irving.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 30987
        Sat., 5/1 and 5/15, 9:00am—5:00pm
        Instructor: S. Stone
        One required paperback

      • CIG585B | WS/Gifted Ed/Instr. Practices/Creative Strategies, Activities and Materials for Teaching Gifted Students (2sh)

        This workshop examines the vital role that creativity plays in promoting and supporting the creative, academic and intellectual growth of gifted students. It identifies their creative needs and abilities and demonstrates a wide range of proven strategies and activities for meeting these needs in all subject areas. A central feature of the workshop is an exploration of the visual and performing arts as a rich resource for designing creative, interdisciplinary units for high–ability learners. Participants will have opportunities to develop creative applications of their own and tailor ideas from the workshop to the unique needs of their students.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 30988
        Thurs., 4/29 and 5/13, 4:00pm—10:00pm
        Sat., 5/1 and 5/15, 9:00am—5:00pm
        Instructor: J. Smutny

    • Wheeling

      1000 Capitol Drive, Wheeling, IL 60090

      • MHE501 | Topics in Mathematics for Teachers: Number Concepts and Operations in the Elementary Middle School Mathematics Curriculum (3sh)

        This is a mathematics course for prospective and inservice teachers. It addresses the concepts of number and its operations as they occur in a comprehensive elementary and middle school mathematics curriculum using reasoning, problem solving, and technology to understand its historical development as well as its applications in the areas of geometry, measurement and data and chance. Opportunities to see how number is essential to understanding other subject areas are included. This course can be used to eliminate a general education mathematics deficiency and/or used towards an endorsement in teaching middle school mathematics.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 30774
        Sat., 4/10—6/19, 9:00am—1:00pm
        Instructor: M. O'Sullivan

      • ESR582E | Engaging Responsible Learners through Purposeful Assessment (1sh)

        Using a student–centered learning and accountability approach, participants will explore the essentials of engaging students in their learning process. Participants will experience a collaborative action research project to design and implement a flexible instructional plan that will encourage students to take ownership of their learning. Participants will co–create personalized learning plans with students to track identified learning outcomes based on learning and performance needs. Participants will invite students to choose from a set of options as evidence of their learning and purposeful assessment.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 31098
        Thurs., 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/20 and 5/27, 6:00—8:00pm
        Instructor: D. Wells–Papanek

      • RLL585U | WS/Literature/Instruction/Writing Across the Curriculum (1sh)

        This workshop will involve students with plans and actions for writing workshop and writing responses to non–fiction texts. Within this design, students will integrate into their pedagogy with those teaching approaches that have the highest probability of improving achievement for all students in all subject areas such as cooperative learning, affective learning and other research tools. This workshop can be used as an elective to fulfill the requirements for the Masters of Arts of Teaching Degree. This workshop cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the Reading Specialists degree. If possible, please bring content material with you to the workshop. The focus group for this workshop is grades 3 through 12. Three books will be available for purchase: "What a Novel Idea for grades 6 to 12," "Novel Ideas for Young People, grades 1–5" and "Reading and Writing to Learn" Recommended textbooks.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 31099
        Fri., 4/16, 4:30pm—10:00pm
        Sat., 4/17, 8:30am—5:00pm
        Instructor: K. Kuta
        $40 materials fee: pay instructor

      • MHE582M | WS/Math Ed/Topic/Statistics and Probability: Probability Activities for the Real World (1sh)

        Statistics and probability involve reasoning under conditions of uncertainty using empirical information. This workshop will investigate statistics and probability through data collection activities and probability experiments to help teachers develop an intuitive understanding of important concepts. Data from activities and probability experiments will be generated, collected, organized, and displayed in a variety of representations. Methods of data analysis will be investigated; inferences and predictions will be developed and evaluated. Also, data representations from public sources will be evaluated. This workshop is designed to take the fear out of learning probability. No prior probability knowledge is assumed. Participate in hands–on activities and experiments based on real–world examples from surveys, medicine, game shows, geography, insurance, sports, weather forecasting and more.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 31100
        Fri., 5/14, 4:30pm—10:00pm
        Sat., 5/15, 8:00am—5:30pm
        Instructor: D. Spangler
        $20 materials fee: pay instructor

      • TIE585AA WS/Tech in Education/Interactive Whiteboards (1sh)

        Interactive Whiteboards represent technology teaching tools that provide opportunities for increased student engagement. This hands–on workshop will review the various types of IWB's, technical concerns, content based activities and instructional strategies for using an interactive whiteboards in the classroom. The workshop will include information on how to create a $100 Wiimote system for your classroom.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 31250
        Sat., 5/15 & 5/22, 9:00am—4:30pm
        Instructor: TBA

  • Off Campus

    • Brookfield Zoo/Chicago Zoological Society

      3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513
      Contact: Lanis Petrik 708.688.8372 or Lanis.Petrik@czs.org
      Check back often for updates and additions

      • SCE585BZ | WS/Science Ed/Invasive Species (1sh)

        Look around you! You might be amazed to realize how many of the plants and animals in our landscape are not native to this area! Zebra mussels, garlic mustard, buckthorn, Dutch elm disease, emerald ash borers, sea lampreys and more affect our ecosystems. What actions can you (and your students!) do to prevent or solve problems? Staff from the Illinois Indiana Sea Grant and Brookfield Zoo join forces as we explore aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This class will focus on invasive and aggressive species and their effect on local and global ecosystems. Special attention will be paid to species that are problematic in the Chicago area.

        Please bring a sack lunch each day of the workshop. Upon registration, maps and driving directions will emailed to participants.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 31163
        Fri., 5/7, 4:30pm—10:00pm at Brookfield Zoo
        Sat., 5/8, 8:30am—4:30pm at Brookfield Zoo
        Instructor: L. Petrik

      • SCE585AS | Zoo Math for Educators (1sh)

        Math at the zoo can go beyond just counting the animals! Participants will use the facilities of the zoo to experience math activities that can be used or adapted for a classroom or focused field trip! Activities include animal observations, tallies and graphs of student inquiries, the "Banana Lab," hands–on animal Venn diagrams and more! Please bring a sack lunch each day of the workshop. Upon registration, maps and driving directions will emailed to participants.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 31097
        Fri., 5/21, 4:30pm—10:00pm at Brookfield Zoo
        Sat., 5/22, 8:30am—4:30pm at Brookfield Zoo
        Instructor: L. Petrik

      • SCE585BX | WS/Science Ed/Animals and Me (1sh)

        For Grades Pre–K to 3. Primate moms carry their babies in one arm for months, baby giraffes walk only hours after birth, baby polar bears grow from about one pound at birth to nearly 400 pounds in their first year! Compare size, families, homes and other aspects of animal life to our own. Develop an activity for teaching about animals in your classroom and take away pictures, crafts and more! Learn how humans compare to animals: our homes, our families, and even our size. Participate in activities designed to help children classify, compare and discover animals in fun and interactive ways. Develop classroom connections, and learn how to integrate information about animals into the classroom setting.

        Please bring a sack lunch each day of the workshop. Upon registration, maps and driving directions will emailed to participants.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 31164
        Fri., 6/4, 4:30pm—10:00pm at Brookfield Zoo
        Sat., 6/5, 8:30am—4:30pm at Brookfield Zoo
        Instructor: L. Petrik

      • SCE585BY | WS/Science Ed/Animal Dads (1sh)

        For Grades Pre–K to 8. The perfect weekend to talk about animal parents! Discover the range of fatherly behavior in the animal kingdom: from penguins who share parenting tasks to dolphin dads who never know their babies, from dads who might kill (and eat!) youngsters to devoted protectors of the family group. Discuss how your age range of students can understand animal parenting and get activities that will have kids up and moving and involved in many ways. Discover the parenting techniques of fathers in the animal kingdom, ranging from providing the total parental care to sharing the job to absence and even aggression. Observe a variety of animal species representing a variety of parenting styles. Teachers will develop techniques for integrating knowledge about Animal Dads into their curriculum. Please bring a sack lunch each day of the workshop. Upon registration, maps and driving directions will emailed to participants.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 31165
        Fri., 6/18, 4:30pm—10:00pm at Brookfield Zoo
        Sat., 6/19, 8:30am—4:30pm at Brookfield Zoo
        Instructor: L. Petrik

    • Eugene Field School—CPS Area 2

      7019 N. Ashland | Chicago, IL 60626

      • SCE510 | Physics for Teachers (3sh)

        As science educators journey through their development as exemplary science education practitioners, it is important for them to investigate different models of instruction. This course is designed to develop the use of Physics First as an instructional strategy through course delivery in the conceptual change model. The course will investigate the content of physics and further develop the educational practice of instruction through conceptual change. Students will relate the use of Physics First, and the use of conceptual change, to their quest for Best Practice as an exemplary science educator. Prerequisite: SCE504 or permission of instructor.

        Additional Details
        CRN: 30984
        Wed., 4/7—6/16, 4:00pm—7:00pm at Eugene Field School
        Instructor: L. Coirier
        Offered at the reduced tuition rate of $327 per semester hour.

    • Chicago Botanic Garden

      1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022
      Do not register for the following class through National-Louis University. Register online at www.chicagobotanic.org

      • SCE582BW | WS/Science Ed/Exploring Habitats: Wetland Flora and Fauna (1sh)

        Wetland study provides fascinating opportunities for outdoor investigations and hands–on exploration. This multidisciplinary course will utilize resources at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Shedd Aquarium to enhance participants' knowledge and experience in wetland ecology. The Garden's lakes provide an opportunity to identify critters and learn about plants and their vital roles in aquatic ecosystems. At the aquarium, both local and worldwide aquatic animals will be featured.

        Additional Details
        Sat., 4/24, 8:30am—4:30pm at Shedd Aquarium
        1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
        Sat., 5/1, 8:30am—4:30pm at Chicago Botanic Garden
        1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
        Instructor: E. Hodak

    • Spring Valley Nature Center

      1111 East Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60194
      Do not register for the following class through National-Louis University. Contact: Mary Rice 847.985.2100 or marice@parkfun.com

      • SCE585BW | WS/Science Ed/Science Inquiry and the Learning Cycle (1sh)

        Are your science lessons inquiry based, or does the thought of incorporating one more trend give you pause to wonder? Discover what you're already doing that falls within the realm of true scientific inquiry. Find ways to tweak your current teaching approach to access the best learning you and your students can engage in and explore additional possibilities. Content will focus on the natural sciences and incorporate proven pedagogy and the role of effective questioning techniques within the learning cycle. The workshop will be hands–on and guaranteed to be both enlightening and fun.

        Inquiry–based teaching occurs on a continuum. Discover which current teaching methods fall on that continuum and explore ways to expand the possibilities. Content will focus on the natural life sciences and incorporate proven pedagogy. The role of effective questioning techniques will be explored within the learning cycle and through hands–on activities.

        Additional Details
        Sat., 4/17, 8:30am—4:30pm at Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg
        Sat., 5/15, 8:30am—4:30pm at Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg
        Instructor: M. Rice

  • Online

    • CIC595B | Special Topics/Curriculum and Instruction/Death in Schools (1sh)

      Death enters the classroom, whether invited or not. As educators we have little knowledge of the ways in which children and adolescents understand death and how we can support them in their grieving. Students' academic lives can be greatly impacted by a significant death or trauma. Current events can exacerbate these issues. This workshop explores ways in which teachers can begin to deal with death and grief in a school context. The course consists of a two–week totally online experience. A final reflection paper is due one week after the end of the online session. Contact jmoore@nl.edu to complete online orientation as soon as you register.

      Additional Details
      CRN: 30985
      Online: Mon. 4/26 thru 5/9, final paper due 5/16
      Online Orientation required
      Instructor: J. Moore
      Questions: jmoore@nl.edu ext. 5192

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