Alternative Principal Endorsement Program
Why earn a Principal Endorsement?
The Alternative Principal Endorsement program is designed for educators who already hold a master’s degree in an area of education and want to add a principal endorsement.
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AU launches Alternative Principal Endorsement program for aspiring school leaders
In an effort to help address the school leader shortage in Illinois, Aurora University launched the Alternative Principal Endorsement program in fall 2023.
In Aurora University’s Alternative Principal Endorsement program, you will be able to earn your principal endorsement in just one year through a unique combination of internship activities and micro-credentials.
Our principal internship is designed to meet Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements and National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards. Throughout the internship, you will gain knowledge and apply skills and dispositions related to school leadership.
While completing internship activities, you will also complete corresponding microcredentials. These microcredentials, which were developed by the Ed Leaders Network (ELN) and vetted by outside organizations, will allow you to earn badges that will be displayed in your Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) account.
Additional requirements for the Principal Endorsement include passing evaluation training and the two principal endorsement tests.
After admission to the program, students will register for internship coursework through Aurora University. Registration and payment for all microcredentials will be handled through Ed Leaders Network.
Candidates for the program must hold a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) and have completed a master’s degree in an area of education prior to the start of their first semester.
Career opportunities
- Assistant principal
- Athletic director
- Dean
- Department chair
- Director of teaching and learning
- Principal
Get hired by the best
Our graduates have been hired in a variety of schools across the state of Illinois. These include public, private, parochial, and special education settings.