NxtGEN Residency
First introduced in May 2024, the NxtGEN Residency Program provides opportunities for individuals to teach in Oswego Community Unit School District 308 while simultaneously furthering their own education through classes at Aurora University. This program allows people to receive teaching certifications or additional endorsements, ultimately aiding SD 308 in addressing the current teaching shortage observed nationwide. NxtGEN aims to support the district in improving student performance and helping staff fulfill their career aspirations while enhancing employee retention.
The NxtGEN Residency Program’s inaugural cohort consists of 21 teacher residents and ten leader residents. Three of those residents - Isabel Garcia, Jonathon Bormann, and mentor Ali Wooden - shared their positive experiences.
NxtGEN Pathways
NxtGEN Pathways![]()
NxtGEN Pathways
Pathway 1 (Teacher Pathway) - Earn a Bachelor's in Special Education with an English as a Second Language Endorsement
Earn your bachelor's degree in just two years with SD 308 and Aurora University! Our program is open to anyone with an associate degree and provides a fast-track pathway to become a licensed teacher with special education and/or English Learner (EL) endorsements. Designed with working professionals in mind, our cohort format allows you to leverage past work experiences for credit, cutting down on time and cost.
- With a 34% tuition discount—the first of its kind for a Bachelor’s program—the total program cost remains under $23,000 and is eligible for FAFSA and scholarships.
- Access to specialized coaching in special education ensures that you’ll gain practical skills and guidance throughout.
- Courses are taught in our district in short, eight-week class formats.
Pathway 2 (Teacher Pathway) - Earn a Master's in Elementary Teaching with ESL OR LBS1 Endorsements
Licensed educator accelerated program cohort format that incorporates a prior learning assessment so working educators can receive credit for past work experiences. One year program and then student teaching as a teacher or co-teacher of record. Upskill paraprofessionals, other school employees and second-career changers with a bachelor degree to become licensed teachers with a Learning Behavior Specialist and/or English as a Second Language endorsement(s). Courses are taught in our district in short, eight-week class formats within our district.
- Participating educators will complete all field experiences and student teaching in your district, allowing you to stay employed while participating in our cohort program.
- Cost is kept under $10,000 for the entire program.
- Participating educators are eligible for FAFSA and scholarships.
- Courses are taught in our district in short, eight-week class formats.
Pathway 3 - Alternative Principal-Endorsement Pathway
Our cohort-based Principal Residency Program prepares and promotes current members of our team who know and understand the local culture and who want to stay and grow in it. Our principal internship is designed to meet Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements and National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards.
- The Alternative Principal Endorsement program is designed for educators who already hold a master’s degree and a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) in an area of education and want to add a principal endorsement.
- You will be able to earn your principal endorsement in just one year through a unique combination of internship activities and coursework.
- Additional requirements for the Principal Endorsement include passing evaluation training and the two principal endorsement tests.
- Cost is kept under $9,000 for the entire program.
