The teaching profession is rapidly changing, and we need innovative and dynamic educators with cutting-edge skills to guide students in the 21st century. Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy provides teachers with those skills through a sequence of institutes focused on advanced teaching topics such as instructional coaching, next generation science teaching, gifted education, school climate, and social and emotional learning.
Choose whether to take the classes for graduate credit, or for professional development hours only. If you register for Professional Development below, you will be signing up to take the institute for Professional Development hours only. If you wish to receive graduate college credit, you must apply to Northwestern's Master of Science in Education Program as an "Intensive Summer Institute" student.
The summer institutes will be delivered remotely in 2021. Because of the remote instruction, most of the institutes will run for a full 6 weeks, rather than as 1-week intensives.
Professional Development
No application process; just register. Each institute provides 30 PD hours and costs $1,500. The fee is paid at the time of registration.
Register now for Professional DevelopmentGraduate Credit
Apply online. You can apply either for a full master's degree in Teacher Leadership, or as a student-at-large for the intensive summer institutes only. You will need to submit official transcripts as part of the application. If admitted, you will register for courses through CAESAR and will be billed the regular MSEd tuition rate for each course ($3,804 for summer 2021). Each course taken for graduate credit is 2-and-2/3 semester hours.
Apply for Graduate CreditSummer 2021 Institutes
Foundations of Instructional Coaching
June 21 – July 28
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:30 – 6 p.m.
Instructors: Alison Gordon & Sharon Sheehan
This Institute explores a variety of approaches to the coaching of teachers and other educational personnel. Topics include effective communication, new teacher induction, using data and feedback to improve instruction, and questioning strategies to promote reflection and growth. Participants will actively practice observing instruction and utilize tools to engage in coaching conversations that will enhance teacher practice and student learning.
The Science of Social & Emotional Learning
June 21 – July 28
Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Instructor: Tim Dohrer
This Institute will explore the science and research behind the five SEL skill areas of Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Empathy, Relationship-building, Decision-Making and how to make these skills intentional and explicit in classrooms. Participants will learn directly from Northwestern neuroscientists and researchers, as well as conduct their own research on how to integrate SEL skills into lessons and classroom practices.
Leading for Equity
June 22 – July 29
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Marcus Campbell
This Institute challenges teacher leaders to think deeply about their own identity and those of their students, colleagues, families, and communities. It explores the ways school leaders must take up issues of equity, social justice, and power to improve schools for all stakeholders. Participants will delve into tools such as data, research, culturally responsive teaching, and professional learning to create an action plan that will bring equity into the forefront of their leadership.
Leading Professional Learning for Teachers
June 22 – July 29
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:30 – 6 p.m.
Instructors: Alison Gordon & Ben Collins
This Institute reviews current research and standards for professional development with adult learners. In particular, it examines the knowledge needed for supporting teacher learning through the establishment of collaborative learning communities. Participants will examine strategies and supports for teacher learning at their schools by looking at existing structures and practices and designing more effective plans to achieve desired outcomes.