Distinguished-Professors-of-Practice

As a means of recognizing faculty members of distinction, National Louis University has established the Distinguished Professors of Practice Award and named Carlos M. Azcoitia, Ed.D. and Jim Schott, Ph.D. as its first recipients. Azcoitia has been named Distinguished Professor of Practice – Community School Leadership and Schott has been named Distinguished Professor of Practice – Educational Leadership and Community Outreach.

“The position of Distinguished Professor of Practice is designed to attract and recognize high-caliber faculty with strong track records, great reputation and strong community connections, who will lend distinction to National Louis today and in the future,” said Provost Christine Quinn. “We are so pleased and feel privileged to recognize Carlos and Jim with our inaugural awards. They truly personify distinction in their areas of practice.”

Azcoitia came to NLU as a school founder and activist in the Community Schools movement, and was deputy chief of education for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) with CEO Paul Vallas and Arne Duncan in addition to having been a teacher, community school principal and steering committee member of the National Coalition of Community Schools. He is an assistant professor in Educational Leadership at NLU and has brought his connections and a wealth of experience and knowledge to many NLU students.

“I am honored to be one of the pioneers of this recognition especially as an alumnus of NLU,” said Azcoitia. “Educational leaders have to be community activists for quality instruction and the interdependence of school, family and community for student success. We shall continue to advance our relentless advocacy for access, innovation and excellence.”

In nominating Azcoitia, Adeline Ray, senior manager, Community Schools Initiative for CPS, said, “His comprehensive community school concept has set the standard for extended learning opportunities and leadership development for students, as well as for teachers, parents and community members.”

“In addition to being a natural mentor and an effortless leader, Carlos has an unparalleled passion for education. While some are content to merely advocate for excellence in public education, Carlos is a "do-er". Throughout his career, Dr. Carlos Azcoitia has been a tireless advocate for children, families and the Community Schools movement. Carlos has helped to institutionalize Community Schooling policy within CPS,” said Elizabeth F. Swanson, deputy chief of staff for education, Office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago.

Schott has been assistant professor of Educational Leadership at NLU in Orlando, Fla., since 2000. He has extensive experience in grades K – 12, including as a superintendent. He has brought his connections and a wealth of experience and knowledge to NLU and to many NLU students. Said Schott of the honor, “I will use this recognition not so much as an expression of what I have achieved, but as an inspiration for what I might still do.”

“Jim Schott is one of the most respected educators in the state. He was an outstanding superintendent in Orange County (Florida) – one of the largest school districts in the nation. During his 13 years as superintendent, he was also a highly effective mentor,” said Robert L. Bedford, former Florida schools superintendent and now CEO Emergent Design and Development, Inc., in support of Jim’s nomination.

Says Alison Hilsabeck, dean of NLU’s College of Education, “The position of Distinguished Professor of Practice is designed to attract individuals of great reputation and potential influence to NLU in order to advance our mission through their advocacy. In Jim's case, he has already delivered on this hope and expectation many times over. He deeply believes in the power of education to overcome racial prejudice, poverty, and injustice and has been a model of unrelenting advocacy in these areas.”Distinguished Professors of Practice Named

As a means of recognizing faculty members of distinction, National Louis University has established the Distinguished Professors of Practice Award and named Carlos M. Azcoitia, Ed.D. and Jim Schott, Ph.D. as its first recipients. Azcoitia has been named Distinguished Professor of Practice – Community School Leadership and Schott has been named Distinguished Professor of Practice – Educational Leadership and Community Outreach.

“The position of Distinguished Professor of Practice is designed to attract and recognize high-caliber faculty with strong track records, great reputation and strong community connections, who will lend distinction to National Louis today and in the future,” said Provost Christine Quinn. “We are so pleased and feel privileged to recognize Carlos and Jim with our inaugural awards. They truly personify distinction in their areas of practice.”

Azcoitia came to NLU as a school founder and activist in the Community Schools movement, and was deputy chief of education for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) with CEO Paul Vallas and Arne Duncan in addition to having been a teacher, community school principal and steering committee member of the National Coalition of Community Schools. He is an assistant professor in Educational Leadership at NLU and has brought his connections and a wealth of experience and knowledge to many NLU students.

“I am honored to be one of the pioneers of this recognition especially as an alumnus of NLU,” said Azcoitia. “Educational leaders have to be community activists for quality instruction and the interdependence of school, family and community for student success. We shall continue to advance our relentless advocacy for access, innovation and excellence.”

In nominating Azcoitia, Adeline Ray, senior manager, Community Schools Initiative for CPS, said, “His comprehensive community school concept has set the standard for extended learning opportunities and leadership development for students, as well as for teachers, parents and community members.”

“In addition to being a natural mentor and an effortless leader, Carlos has an unparalleled passion for education. While some are content to merely advocate for excellence in public education, Carlos is a "do-er". Throughout his career, Dr. Carlos Azcoitia has been a tireless advocate for children, families and the Community Schools movement. Carlos has helped to institutionalize Community Schooling policy within CPS,” said Elizabeth F. Swanson, deputy chief of staff for education, Office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago.

Schott has been assistant professor of Educational Leadership at NLU in Orlando, Fla., since 2000. He has extensive experience in grades K – 12, including as a superintendent. He has brought his connections and a wealth of experience and knowledge to NLU and to many NLU students. Said Schott of the honor, “I will use this recognition not so much as an expression of what I have achieved, but as an inspiration for what I might still do.”

“Jim Schott is one of the most respected educators in the state. He was an outstanding superintendent in Orange County (Florida) – one of the largest school districts in the nation. During his 13 years as superintendent, he was also a highly effective mentor,” said Robert L. Bedford, former Florida schools superintendent and now CEO Emergent Design and Development, Inc., in support of Jim’s nomination.

Says Alison Hilsabeck, dean of NLU’s College of Education, “The position of Distinguished Professor of Practice is designed to attract individuals of great reputation and potential influence to NLU in order to advance our mission through their advocacy. In Jim's case, he has already delivered on this hope and expectation many times over. He deeply believes in the power of education to overcome racial prejudice, poverty, and injustice and has been a model of unrelenting advocacy in these areas.”