GYO-Northern
GYO-Northern supports Rockford residents in earning bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University (NIU) while preparing them to become dedicated educators in their communities. By covering the full cost of tuition, gap courses, textbooks, and technology, the program reduces financial barriers and empowers future teachers to build rewarding careers in education. In exchange, graduates commit to teaching in Rockford Public Schools for five years, fostering a sustainable pipeline of educators deeply rooted in the Rockford community. GYO-Northern represents a collaboration among the NIU College of Education, Rock Valley College, Rockford Public Schools, Wabongo Leadership Council, YMCA of Rock River Valley, and GYO-IL. Together, we are creating a lasting impact on education in Rockford, strengthening schools and inspiring excellence for generations to come.
We developed our program through a collaborative planning process that included input from students, parents, teachers, and community leaders, shaping the program’s design and ensuring it meets the unique needs of Rockford schools and families. Teacher candidates receive credit for prior work experience, comprehensive academic advising, and completion coaching to ensure success. Our program also integrates tailored curriculum elements, such as courses on Rockford's socioeconomic and historical context, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to support local students and families.
Contact Information
For more information about GYO-Northern, eligibility requirements, or the application process, please get in touch with us:
Program DirectorS
Dr. Sally Blake
Sblake1@niu.edu
(815) 753-9032
Office: Gable Hall 147B
Dr. Mike Manderino
Manderino@niu.edu
(815) 753-7467
Office: Graham Hall 119L
Program Benefits
GYO-Northern provides extensive support to help aspiring teachers overcome financial and systemic barriers. Program benefits include:
State-Funded Forgivable Loans
Candidates may receive up to $25,000 in forgivable loans to help cover tuition and related educational expenses.
Comprehensive Support
GYO programs may offer a range of resources, including transportation and childcare stipends, tutoring, laptop loans, and dedicated program staff to help candidates manage registration, financial aid, and campus resources.
Peer and Community Support
Candidates benefit from a network of peers and regular monthly meetings.
University Licensure Offerings
Participants in GYO-Northern can pursue teaching licenses in the following specializations:
Elementary Education
By aligning our licensure offerings with district needs, we ensure that you are prepared to step into a role where you can make an immediate and significant impact.
GYO-IL Eligibility Requirements
We're looking for individuals committed to making a difference in their communities. To be eligible for GYO-Northern, an applicant must:
Be a paraeducator (e.g., tutor, coach, school staff), parent and community leader, or student with a non-traditional background (i.e., one who did not go directly to a four-year college after high school) in our region.
Commit to teaching in a hard-to-staff local public school or a hard-to-staff position in Illinois for five years.
Meet academic and admissions standards for their chosen teacher preparation program.
Meet GYO program standards, which include maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher, attending monthly cohort and coordinator meetings, and adhering to performance standards.
More details & get started:
Recruitment and the application process for our next cohort are expected to start in Spring 2026. For additional information on how to apply, email Jennifer Johnson at jjohnson41@niu.edu or Ashley Thomas at ashley.thomas@rps205.com.
Key Partners
Our strength lies in our collaborative partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations dedicated to enriching education in the Rockford community.
