Who will teach me?

Qualified and caring faculty

You want to know: Are the teachers at CLC any good? Do they know their stuff? Are they helpful and friendly?

Yes, yes and yes! The instructors at CLC live to inspire. They help you achieve. They prepare you to transfer to a 4-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree. They teach you to apply practical skills so you can start or advance your career with confidence.

Their goal: helping you become the very best version of yourself.

Your instructors make a difference

Seeing that a-ha moment, when learning clicks for a student, is what drives our faculty.

Inspiring you to succeed is the reason we do what we do. We create an engaging and collaborative space to learn. We help you pursue your interests and stretch your perspective.

Our faculty change lives. In this video, six CLC faculty and staff are surprised to learn how they inspired past students and impacted their lives for the better.

Your instructors are accomplished

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have post-graduate degrees. They teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. Instead of doing research, their focus is you. Their priority is providing you a quality education.

Most of our instructors have worked in the fields they teach. By sharing their expertise, you learn skills you can use in the real world. With their support, you gain confidence to take on bigger challenges.



Listen to their insights


CLC Connects podcast taps the expertise of CLC faculty. Get to know our instructors as they share their knowledge about a variety of interesting topics.

CLC Connects - The Podcast


Explore their expertise


Your instructors are welcoming

We get where you’re coming from. No matter how much schooling you’ve had or where you are in life, we’re here to help you achieve.

Class sizes at CLC are small—about 15 students—so we know you by name and provide personal feedback. Have questions? Reach out! We’re accessible and want to hear from you.

We’re a diverse group. We understand the challenge of being the first person in your immediate family to attend college. Nearly 49% of students at CLC are first-generation students.

We connect you to resources to support your academic journey and personal well-being. We help you build your community.

In this video, five CLC professors discuss their experience teaching students like you and why they enjoy it.


What students say about instructors


  • Photo of CLC graduate Elizabeth Cannon

    Elizabeth Cannon

    Graduate

    At CLC, I didn’t just learn from instructors but from industry professionals. They know what employers are looking for, and they teach with that mindset.”


    Elizabeth was a Legal Studies student at CLC. She then earned a bachelor’s degree from Columbia College of Missouri and a law degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law.

    Read Elizabeth's story

    Photo of CLC graduate Elizabeth Cannon
  • An instructor teaches students in the lab about digital sound.

    Carlos Curiel

    Graduate

    “It all comes down to the professors. They care a lot about your success. They really want to help you out.”


    Carlos studied Digital Media and Design with a focus on photography and videography. The skills he developed at CLC led to jobs at Jostens and Zillow.

    Read Carlos' story

    An instructor teaches students in the lab about digital sound.
  • Kendra Anderson

    Kendra Anderson

    Student

    “I've never had a professor that wasn't helpful, didn't go out of their way to help me.”


    Kendra is studying education and Spanish at CLC. She plans to transfer to a 4-year school to earn a bachelor's degree to become a certified bilingual teacher, teaching in both English and Spanish. 

    Read Kendra's story

    Kendra Anderson
  • Photo of Kenneth Dante

    Kenneth Dantes

    Transfer student

    "It felt like a community because there were actually those teachers that have time for you. During class, I knew I could have that relationship with them."


    Kenneth studied literature at CLC, then transferred to Elmhurst University. While at CLC, he worked on film projects in and around Chicago to gain experience and build his network. He now works in Los Angeles as a background production assistant for major streaming shows.

    Read Kenneth's story

    Photo of Kenneth Dante
  • Photo of student in welding and fabrication class

    Kyle Thorne

    Graduate

    "While I love the space and equipment, it was the instructors that kept me at CLC. They helped make sure I learned the right way, and I had fun doing it."


    Kyle took welding and fabrication classes at the CLC Grayslake campus and Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee. He then started his own mobile welding business. Kyle is one of many CLC graduates bringing their skills to the world of manufacturing.

    Read Kyle's story

    Photo of student in welding and fabrication class
  • Photo of Luzbeth Perez

    Luzbeth Perez

    Graduate

    “I accomplished goals I never thought I could in my time at CLC. I earned straight As and became part of the honor society. I started drawing art! CLC is a place where you can succeed in your education.”


    Luzbeth studied Digital Media and Design at CLC. At first she struggled in class but with support from CLC faculty, she graduated magna cum laude.

    Read Luzbeth's story

    Photo of Luzbeth Perez
  • Close up of hands wiring HVAC device

    David Brent

    Graduate

    “CLC is a great place to receive an education. It has ample resources and genuine people who care not only about the student but the person who wants to be successful.”


    David earned a Residential Heating Technician Certificate at CLC with help from the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant.

    Apply to attend CLC cost free

    Close up of hands wiring HVAC device
  • Close up of welder at work with sparks flying

    Ian Velasquez

    Graduate

    “At CLC I learned all the skills I need to enter the welding and fabrication industry one step ahead of everyone else. The teachers were attentive and helpful throughout my time in the program.”


    Ian earned a General Welding Certificate at CLC. A Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant paid for his education so he can start a career in a high-demand field.

    Learn about the WEI grant

    Close up of welder at work with sparks flying
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Meet CLC faculty

Attend a program information session and learn about the programs they teach.

Sign up for a program info session

Why should you choose CLC...

How will CLC help me to be successful?

Explore the many free ways we support your personal journey, education and well-being.

How will I balance school with work/life?

CLC focuses on a multi-faceted approach to keep all aspects of your life in equilibrium. We’ll help you make sure you have enough time to do everything you need to tackle in a day.

What's it like to be a student at CLC?

On campus or online, there are plenty of ways to get the full college experience.

How will CLC help me to transfer or get a job?

Whether your goal is to transfer or get in a job right away, CLC has advisors and career navigators available to guide you.

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