Cosmetology Educator Program at Aveda Institute Chicago
Turn your cosmetology license and experience into a teaching career. Learn to lead, mentor, and inspire the next generation of hair professionals, right here in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.
Chicago · Cosmetology Educator

Credential
Cosmetology Educator Certificate
Total Hours
1,000 hrs or 500 hrs
Schedule
Day (Full-Time)
Next Start
Contact admissions
Leads To
IL Cosmetology Instructor License
Course Overview
Everything you need to build a career in Education
Our Cosmetology Educator program prepares licensed cosmetologists to become confident, effective teachers. You'll learn teaching theory, lesson planning, classroom and clinic-floor instruction, student assessment, and the mentorship skills that shape successful graduates.
You'll learn how to teach technical cutting, color, and styling with a philosophy of wellness, accountability, and student success alongside experienced educators. Much of your training is practical, spent teaching under supervision.
The program prepares you to sit for the Illinois cosmetology teacher licensing exam. A current Illinois cosmetology license is typically required to enroll.
The primary purpose of the instructor course is to train the student in the basic teaching skills, educational judgments, proper work habits, and desirable attitudes necessary to pass the applicable licensing examination. The program includes resume writing, interviewing, and job search skills.

By the Numbers
Program at a Glance
Program Options
Hours by Subject
Instruction shall be a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on (practical and technical) experience. The minimum subjects and number of hours shall be as follows for each category of training:
*Schedule will be approved by Institute Director or Designate
Educational Psychology Topics in educational objectives, student characteristics and development, the learning process, and an evaluation of learning that relates to teaching. These hours shall be waived on behalf of cosmetology teacher students who have completed a course in Educational Psychology at an accredited college or university.
20Teaching Methods (Theory) Topics in individual differences in learning, lesson planning and design, lesson delivery, assessment of learning performance, classroom management, student motivation and classroom climate. These hours shall be waived on behalf of cosmetology teacher students who have completed a course in Teaching Methods-Secondary Level at an accredited college or university.
20Application of Teaching Methods Preparation and organization of subject matter to be presented on a unit by unit basis and presentation of subject matter through application of varied methods (lecture, demonstration, testing and assignments). Presentations must provide teaching objectives to be accomplished and correlate.
150Business Methods Inventory, recordkeeping, interviewing, supplies, State Law, electrical devices, personal grooming and hygiene, OSHA standards.
50Student Teaching Under the on-site supervision of an Illinois-licensed teacher. The student teacher shall present theoretical and practical demonstrations to students in the basic curriculum.
260Post-Graduate School Training All subjects in the basic cosmetology curriculum (see Section 1175.530), including theory and practice. Presentation of material must include the concepts that are intended to be taught and the skills to be acquired during the various phases of basic education.
500
*Schedule will be approved by Institute Director or Designate
Educational Psychology Topics in educational objectives, student characteristics and development, the learning process, and an evaluation of learning that relates to teaching. These hours shall be waived on behalf of cosmetology teacher students who have completed a course in Educational Psychology at an accredited college or university.
20Teaching Methods (Theory) Topics in individual differences in learning, lesson planning and design, lesson delivery, assessment of learning performance, classroom management, student motivation and classroom climate. These hours shall be waived on behalf of cosmetology teacher students who have completed a course in Teaching Methods-Secondary Level at an accredited college or university.
20Application of Teaching Methods Preparation and organization of subject matter to be presented on a unit by unit basis and presentation of subject matter through application of varied methods (lecture, demonstration, testing and assignments). Presentations must provide teaching objectives to be accomplished and correlate.
150Business Methods Inventory, recordkeeping, interviewing, supplies, State Law, electrical devices, personal grooming and hygiene, OSHA standards.
50Student Teaching Under the on-site supervision of an Illinois-licensed teacher. The student teacher shall present theoretical and practical demonstrations to students in the basic curriculum.
260
The approved program for a 500-hour Teacher Training Course shall be based on 2 years of practical experience and shall consist of the Teacher Training Curriculum outlined above with the exception of the 500 hours of post-graduate training.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the course requirements, the determined graduate will be able to:
- Project a positive attitude and a sense of personal integrity and self-confidence.
- Practice proper grooming, effective communication skills, and visible poise.
- Understand employer-employee relationships and respect the need to deliver worthy service for value received.
- Perform the basic skills necessary for teaching, including writing lesson plans, performing lectures and demonstrations, directing student projects, using library resources and audiovisual aids, conducting theory class instruction and measuring student achievement, supervising clinic operations, and maintaining required student records.
- Apply the theory, technical information, and related matter to ensure sound judgments, decisions, and procedures.
To keep their skills current, the graduate will continue to learn new and current information related to techniques, communication skills, and teaching methodologies to improve teaching skills.
Instructional Methods
The Institute is committed to providing quality education utilizing a method of instruction that engages all learning styles. Instructional methods include, but are not limited to, theory and lecture, hands-on workshops, clinic floor practice, audio/video presentations and instruction, online research, textbooks, assignments, and visiting guest educators.
A Day in the Life
See yourself Here



From lesson planning to leading the clinic floor, our educator candidates spend their days teaching real cosmetology students under expert guidance.
Learn to Lead
TRAIN FUTURE PROFESSIONALS
Instructor training focuses on the skills that make a great educator, not just technical mastery, but the ability to teach it.
Curriculum Delivery
Lesson planning and engaging delivery of theory and technical hair content grounded in Aveda's education standards.
Clinic-Floor Supervision
Supervising students with real guests, coaching cutting, color, safety, and guest care in real time.
Student Success
Assessment, feedback, and mentorship that carries students from enrollment to licensure and career.
Tuition, Kit & Financial Aid
A clear picture of your Investment
Program Tuition
Request a personalized cost breakdown
Total program cost including required fees, tailored to your schedule and aid eligibility.
- Program Tuition: $7,950 (1,000 hours) or $5,350 (500 hours) , total program cost
- Federal financial aid available to those who qualify (1,000 hour program only.)
- Scholarships & grants
- Flexible monthly payment plans
- 1-on-1 support from our financial aid team
Your Student Kit
Included
Professional tools and products you'll use in class and keep for your career.
- Pivot Point Instructor textbook

Student Success
HEAR FROM OUR FUTURE PROFESSIONALS
“I liked Aveda's high graduation rate, which gave me peace of mind and made me feel I'd be successful at this school. Overall, Aveda offers a positive professional environment that sets you up for success and helps you reach your goals, which is something I strive for.”
“Since I started at Aveda, I've noticed positive growth in myself and my mindset as I learn about the art of hair. I enjoy the positive and supportive atmosphere and feel like I belong for once in my life.”
“The teachers are all wonderful people!”
Upcoming Start Dates
Find the start that Fits Your Life
Upcoming start dates for this program are being finalized. Contact admissions for the next start date and application deadline.
FAQ

