National-Louis University Hosts Rahm Emanuel’s Press Conference Outlining His Proposed Plan for Teacher Education Expansion

CHICAGO--During a press conference at National-Louis University (NLU) today, Rahm Emanuel, former White House chief of staff to President Obama and current Chicago mayoral candidate, spoke about his proposed plan to double the number of teacher training academies in Chicago, should he be elected mayor. He shared his plans for teacher education expansion from the site of NLU because the institution has been the partner of the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), a privately funded nonprofit established in 2001. NLU has partnered with AUSL for nearly 10 years to develop a new model of teacher preparation and has trained the vast majority of AUSL teachers. This, coupled with NLU’s strong foundation and reputation of excellence in educating future teachers, made the institution a logical place for Emanuel to speak about his education improvement plans.

NLU leaders Nivine Megahed, president, George Litman, vice president and Alison Hilsabeck, dean of the National College of Education, had an opportunity to speak separately with Emanuel about the most pressing issues in teacher preparation education. Students and staff from the AUSL also joined in the discussion.

In his remarks to reporters, Emanuel outlined his proposed plan for improving the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), including doubling the number of teaching academies, which he hopes would graduate more than 1,000 teachers and improve at least 35 high-need schools by the end of his first term.

As a leader in teacher preparation education, NLU has a unique interest in Emanuel’s proposed plan for improving CPS. NLU sees the issues that face CPS on a daily basis and has a strong and locally-oriented investment in the quality of teacher preparation. In addition to the university’s partnership with AUSL to push the design of teacher preparation to a new level, faculty also spends time in CPS and conducts research that is sensitive to the specific contexts of the schools and communities. NLU is part of a collaborative of 22 schools of education serving the Chicago metropolitan area and has strong partnerships with schools across the metro area.

To view photos of the press conference, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/56765608@N03/sets/72157625551660316/

To view video of the press conference, go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm3KbUa_ufY