The Ed Leaders Network is proud to partner with Aurora University in Illinois to support their Alternative Principal Endorsement Program. This innovative program allows for aspiring school leaders who hold a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) and master’s degree in an area of education to earn their principal endorsement in just one year through a unique combination of internship activities and Micro-Credentials. Aurora University’s principal internship is designed to meet Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements and National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards. Throughout the internship, participants will gain knowledge and apply skills and dispositions related to school leadership.

The M.S.Ed in Education Administration at Southern Illinois University Carbondale provides aspiring education leaders with the skills and certification needed for impactful roles in K-12 settings. Tailored for licensed teachers, our program offers a seamless path to earning a Principal Endorsement alongside a master’s degree. Students can now complete up to 12 credits of the required M.S.Ed program coursework through Micro-Credentials offered through Ed Leaders Network (ELN). IN partnership with the Illinois Principals Association (IPA), SIU Carbondale will accept a combination of ELN Micro-Credentials to substitute for up to four designate courses (12 credits). Students will take the remaining 24 credits required for the program through SIU Carbondale.