Horizons 4U - Tuition Reimbursement

The Horizons 4U tuition reimbursement program begins in the fall. Registration for universities and colleges typically begins in July. U-46 employees can apply for this program throughout the year. This program has been approved by the Board of Education, and will be assessed prior to the start of each school year.

The program offers 100% tuition reimbursement through the MUNIS system (excluding books and all other fees). Employees will be reimbursed by the District after completion of coursework each semester. Payment receipt of that semester of courses from the university or college, and a scanned version of grades and credit given for the courses must be submitted through MUNIS for reimbursement.  This process continues for each semester until the degree, licensure or certification has been completed. 

Employees can receive financial assistance available through a third party. Information will be available upon request. 

The agreement has been designed to be for no less than 5 years once you have completed the degree/endorsement/certification or job enhancement that was supported by the HORIZONS 4U program.  Being a part of the HORIZONS 4U program does not afford an employee a guarantee of being hired into a new position.  The HR process must be followed by applying, interviewing, and being selected into a position. There will be a written agreement that will be reviewed and signed prior to commencement of the Horizons 4U tuition reimbursement program for each individual applicant. There will be a meeting with each individual employee to discuss the details of the entire program, their goals, and how to complete each step to ensure reimbursement and completion of a degree or licensure. 

Yes - Teachers who are looking to add to their current endorsements are eligible to participate in the Horizons 4U program for tuition support for endorsements.  However, teachers cannot use the program to pursue a Master's Degree or Doctorate.  Those academic credits can be used for salary advancement per the Elgin Agreement guidelines.

The Horizons 4U program is to support individuals to pursue their PEL (Professional Educators License).  We do not support individuals who are looking to obtain their Administrative Certifications.  Some of your completed coursework might transfer to completing your teaching degree(PEL) and that can only be assessed by a University or College.  A U-46 Horizons 4U team member can take an initial assessment, and guide you through next steps.   The ISBE link here can assist with some of this information.

Yes and no. Depending on your area of focus while you pursue a PEL for teaching, some of your completed coursework might transfer to your new teaching degree, or you're eligible for an MAT degree.

Some bachelor degrees also qualify for alternative licensure in education, and that would need to be assessed by ISBE. A U-46 Horizons 4U team member can take an initial assessment, and guide you through next steps. The ISBE Directory of Approved Programs link can assist with some of this information.