Abilene Christian University is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Region One Education Service Center (ESC) to offer fully online degree programs and professional development pathways for aspiring educators, teaching professionals and administrators in the South Texas region.
Focused on addressing the ongoing teacher shortage crisis in South Texas, ACU and Region One are creating innovative pathways for future teachers to obtain their teaching certification, undergraduate degree or graduate degree. This partnership also aims to enhance the skills of future and current district leaders by offering exceptional opportunities to earn graduate degrees to further advance their leadership capacities.
“ACU Online and Region One are committed to offering innovative and effective educational solutions that cultivate the next generation of educators in South Texas, rooted in excellence and a strong sense of vocational purpose,” said Dr. Daniel P. King, executive director for Region One ESC.
The partnership includes four key pathways, providing specialized programs for high school students, paraprofessionals, certified teachers and district administrators.
Classroom to Career: In collaboration with Region One, this program connects motivated high school students interested in education careers with mentoring faculty members to earn dual credit towards an associate’s degree. This prepares them to enter their school’s talent pool of qualified teaching aides upon graduation. Students will have the opportunity to work as certified instructors within their district and be offered guaranteed admission, with reduced tuition rates, into ACU’s online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies program. This prepares them to become fully licensed teachers in their home district within two years after high school graduation.
Level Up: Focused on enhancing instructional quality at Region One schools, this program allows current paraprofessionals to earn their undergraduate degree and teaching certification through co-enrollment in ACU’s online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies program and Region One’s Educator Certificate Program.
Advancing Teachers: As classrooms become more diverse and technologically advanced, the need for qualified teachers grows. ACU’s online Master of Education in Instruction and Learning program enables current educators to improve their skills by becoming master teachers capable of enhancing learning for their students and peers. This program equips teachers to handle the increasing diversity in today’s classrooms and advance their careers into administrative roles.
Doctor of Education Program for Leaders: ACU’s online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership programs will equip Region One teachers to excel in strategic leadership, human organization and collaboration to make a difference in their schools and communities. These programs enhance administrators’ gifts and talents through reflective practice and guide individuals in finding personal meaning and purpose in their work with students and staff.
“Region One serves a significant Hispanic student population that needs certified, professionally trained teachers and campus administrators,” said Jessica Manning, chief enrollment and partnerships officer for ACU’s Dallas campus. “This partnership allows us to align each individual’s career goals with their unique strengths and aspirations, providing exceptional opportunities both aspiring and current educators. Through this partnership, ACU continues to expand its role by offering innovative online programs and advocating for qualified educators across the state.”
ACU’s online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas and include 14 bachelor’s degrees, 16 master’s degrees, three doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificate programs and ten graduate certificate programs. For more about Region One programs offered through ACU Online, visit acu.edu/region-1.