This fall, English teacher Kayleigh Wonch reached an exciting milestone in her graduate school journey: she officially earned her Reading Teacher endorsement through the Illinois State Board of Education. Kayleigh is currently completing her Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Coaching (CIC) at National Louis University, a program she began nearly three years ago. By Winter 2025, she will graduate with her full degree.
Balancing coursework, practicum hours, and clinical requirements with full-time teaching has been no small feat, but Kayleigh was motivated by her desire to grow both as a classroom teacher and as a literacy specialist. “I wanted to deepen my knowledge of reading instruction and intervention while also gaining skills in coaching and curriculum design,” she shared.
The program provided her with hands-on experience assessing and supporting readers, as well as a strong foundation in equitable teaching practices. “I’m grateful for the collaborative professors and peers I’ve learned alongside, even in asynchronous courses,” Kayleigh reflected. “The best part has been seeing a direct connection between what I study and what I do in my classroom every day.”
Congratulations, Kayleigh! We’re proud of your hard work and can’t wait to see the ways you continue to impact students through your learning!