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National Institute for Professional Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a section below to learn more.
When should I login to The National Institute for Professional Practice?
Students should login to the National Institute for Professional Practice to do any of the following:
  • Register & pay for courses in the MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching program
  • Complete any of the courses in the MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching program
  • Complete any of the courses in the MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy program
  • Complete any of the courses in the Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching program
  • Complete EDAM 5030, EDAM 5035, EDAM 5036, EDAM 5037, and EDAM 5038 in the MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning program
When should I login to the Wilkes University Portal?
Students should login to the Wilkes University Portal to do any of the following:
  • View & request a transcript
  • Register & pay for courses in the MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning program
  • Register & pay for courses in the MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy program
  • Register & pay for courses in the Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching program
  • Complete EDAM 5031, EDAM 5032, EDAM 5033, EDAM 5034, and EDAM 5039 in the MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning program
Who should I contact if I have problems logging into The National Institute for Professional Practice?
Contact The National Institute for Professional Practice at 888-235-6555.
Who should I contact if I have problems logging into the Wilkes University Portal?
Contact the Wilkes University Help Desk at 866-264-1462.
Is Wilkes accredited?
Yes. Wilkes University is Middle States Accredited. Wilkes University is an accredited Institution approved and monitored by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Is Wilkes a fully online university?
No. Wilkes University’s campus is located in Wilkes-Barre, PA and was established in 1933.
What online programs are offered between The National Institute for Professional Practice and Wilkes University?
  • MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching
  • MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning
  • MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy
  • Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching
  • Complete EDAM 5030, EDAM 5035, EDAM 5036, EDAM 5037, and EDAM 5038 in the MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning program
Does the MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching program result in a certification?
No. People who successfully complete the program will earn their Master’s degree and a certificate from Dr. Robert Marzano, but will not earn a certification.
Does the MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning program result in a certification?
No. People who successfully complete the program will earn their Master’s degree, but will not earn a certification.
Does the MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy program result in a Reading Specialist Certification?
No. People who successfully complete the program will earn their Master’s degree, but will not earn a Reading Specialist Certification.
What is a Letter of Endorsement?
A Letter of Endorsement is not a degree, and it is not a certification. A Letter of Endorsement is a 12 credit graduate program. People who complete a Letter of Endorsement will receive a certificate of completion from The National Institute for Professional Practice and Wilkes University.
How much time will a program take to complete?
The timeline to complete one of the online graduate programs is flexible and is determined by each individual student.
  • The online graduate programs must be completed within six years.
  • The MSEd: Major in The Art & Science of Teaching program can be completed in three years, with an accelerated degree track.
  • The MSEd: Major in 21st Century Teaching & Learning Degree can be completed in two years, with an accelerated degree track.
  • The MSEd: Major in Early Childhood Literacy Degree can be completed in two years, with an accelerated degree track.
  • The Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching can be completed in 1 year, with an accelerated degree track
Do any of the online programs require a thesis or comprehensive exam?
There is NO thesis or comprehensive exam to be completed at the conclusion of coursework. However, the MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching and the MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy programs have a 6-credit practicum serving as the capstone experience for the degree.
Do any of the online programs accept transfer credits?
No. Currently, none of our online courses allow for transfer credits, due to the job-embedded piece of the courses.
If I am enrolled in a different graduate program, will my institution accept courses in these online programs to transfer and apply to my current program?
All colleges and universities reserve the right to accept or deny transfer credits according to their own policies. If you are interested in transferring a course to your current institution, it is recommended that you seek approval in advance from your advisor or program director. Be prepared to explain where the course fits into your current program (have the Wilkes course number and description available), and which core or elective you are hoping to replace.
Who do I contact if I am having problems registering for a course?
Contact the National Institute for Professional Practice at 888-235-6555.
What is a study group?
A "study group" is the term we give to the group of individuals who are taking the same class with the same facilitator.
How many people will be in my study group?
In most courses, study groups are comprised of 5-10 learners. However, EDAM 5031, 5032, 5033, and 5034 can have up to 20 learners in a study group.
Can I take a course with teachers or coaches from my own building or district?
During the registration process you are able to choose the section of the course that you would like. If you and your colleagues choose the same section, you will be taking the course together.
Can I choose the facilitator for my course?
During the registration process you are able to choose the section of the course that you would like. Each section has a pre-assigned facilitator that you will be able to view.
What is the cost for a 3 credit course?
For the MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching, the 2009-2010 approved tuition rate is $1330 per 3 credit course.

For the MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning program, the MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy program and the Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching, the 2008-2009 approved tuition rate is $1071 per 3 credit course.
The 2009-2010 tuition rate will be determined in August of 2009.
Is there a specific order in which I need to take courses?
Students make their own schedules, but there are pre-requisites in each program.
  • MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching
    • EDAM 5040 must be completed before taking any other courses in the program.
    • Prior to taking EDAM 5048, all of the previous courses in the program must have been successfully completed.
  • MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning
    • EDAM 5030 must be completed before taking any other courses in the program.
    • Prior to taking EDAM 5039, all of the previous courses in the program must have been successfully completed.
  • MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy
    • EDAM 5001 must be completed before taking any other courses in the program.
    • Prior to taking EDAM 5012, all of the previous courses in the program must have been successfully completed.
  • Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching
    • EDAM 5012 must be completed before taking any other courses in the program.
    • EDAM 5020, must be completed before taking EDAM 5021.
What is the grading scale?
The grading/scoring is as follows:

4.0 A 94-100% Academic achievement of superior quality
3.5 B+ 87-93% Academic achievement of good quality
3.0 B 80-86% Academic achievement of acceptable quality in meeting graduation requirements
2.5 C+ 75-79% Academic achievement of adequate quality but below the average required for graduation
2.0 C 70-74% Academic achievement below the average required for graduation
0.0 F Below 70% Failure. No graduate course credit
When can I view my final grade in a course?
Wilkes University posts grades to student accounts within 10-15 business days after the session ends. Once grades have been posted, students can access their grades at anytime by logging into the Wilkes portal.
How do I view or order my official transcript?
To request a transcript, follow the steps below.
  • Log in to your student account through
  • Select the "Student Services" tab
  • Choose "My Transcripts"
  • Choose "Request an Official Transcript"
Who do I pay for my course?
For the MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching, students will pay the National Institute for Professional Practice.

For the MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning program, the MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy program and the Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching, students pay Wilkes University.
How do I pay for a course?
To pay for a course in the MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning program, the MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy program and the Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching, follow the steps below.
  • Log in to your student account through mywilkes.wilkes.edu
  • Select the "Student Services" tab
  • Choose "Pay by Credit/Debit" or "Pay by Web Check"
To To pay for a course in the MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching, follow the steps below.
  • Login to you student account through The National Institute for Professional Practice
  • Register for a course
  • Enter credit card information when prompted
When do I pay for a course?
For the MSEd: The Art & Science of Teaching, payments to The National Institute for Professional Practice is due at the time of registration.

For the MSEd: 21st Century Teaching & Learning program, the MSEd: Early Childhood Literacy program and the Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching, payments are due to Wilkes University 30 days after the course ends.
For graduating students, payment for course must be made prior to graduation.
What is the withdraw policy?
Students who withdraw from a course after it has begun, will be entitled to an adjustment of tuition according to the refund schedule. Contact The National Institute for Professional Practice at 888-235-6555 for the most recent refund schedule.
How do I withdraw from a course?
To withdraw from a course, follow the instructions below.
  • Call The National Institute for Professional Practice at 888-235-6555 to request a withdraw form.
  • Complete the withdraw form and fax it to The National Institute for Professional Practice at 717-845-3480.
Before a refund will be processed, there must be an official withdrawal form on file at the National Institute for Professional Practice. The date of official withdrawal will be determined by the date the withdraw form is received.
If I have never applied to Wilkes University and I wish to pursue a degree program, what do I need to submit to the University?
  • Online Application
  • $35 Application Fee
  • Official Undergraduate transcripts
  • Copy of Teaching Certificate
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
If I have previously attended Wilkes University and I wish to pursue a new degree program, what do I need to submit to the University?
  • Online Application. Indicate on the application that you have previously attended the University.
  • Copy of Teaching Certificate (if you have not previously submitted)
  • Two Letters of Recommendation (if you have not previously submitted)
If I have never applied to Wilkes University and I wish to take a graduate course, but I do not plan on pursing a degree program, what do I need to submit to the University?
  • Online Application. Indicate on the application that you are a "Non-Degree" seeking student.
  • $35 Application Fee
If I have previously attended Wilkes University and I wish to take a graduate course, but I do not plan on pursing a degree program, what do I need to submit to the University?
  • Online Application. Indicate on the application that you are a "Non-Degree" seeking student.
How do I apply to become an online facilitator?
Applying to become a facilitator can be completed online in a matter of minutes. To apply, please visit the Faculty page of this website.
What are the qualifications needed to become a graduate facilitator?
  • Master's Degree (must correspond to subjects facilitated)
  • Minimum of 5 years experience in an age appropriate classroom in a public school system
  • Experience in adult education (effective interpersonal skills)
  • Basic computer application skills (email, word processing, etc.)
  • Must have access to a computer, printer, Microsoft Word, and have internet access (broadband connection required)
  • Must have deep content knowledge
  • Must have a knowledge of current research in subject area
  • Must have philosophical alignment with the series
  • Must be student-centered in his/her approach to learning, both with online learners and K-12 learners
  • Must be committed to detail — timeliness; responsiveness to the learner; responsibility to the learner
Is there training required to become a graduate facilitator?
Yes. Once you are approved as a graduate facilitator, you will be required to successfully complete a 6 week online training course.
What are the expectations of a graduate facilitator?
  • Provide weekly online office hours
  • Actively participate in online discussions
  • Score work according to rubrics provided
  • Provide timely, high quality feedback to support learner growth
  • Schedule & score coursework so it is completed within the time period allotted by the approved academic calendar
  • Meet the quality and performance standards set by The National Institute for Professional Practice