Abilene Christian University is excited to announce a new partnership with Region 14 Education Service Center (ESC) to offer fully online degree pathways and teaching certifications for students, paraprofessionals, educators and campus administrators interested in furthering their education. Focused on helping teachers and administrators obtain richer knowledge in school leadership, education and teaching, this partnership offers interested participants the chance to obtain their online undergraduate degrees, and advanced degrees via distinct pathways.
“This partnership is offering our students, teachers and school administrators the chance to reach their next career and academic goals,” said Chris Wigington, executive director of Region 14 ESC. “We are thrilled to see how these pathways guide Region 14 into the future of education and overall student success.”
The partnership includes four key pathways, providing specialized programs for high school students, paraprofessionals, coaches, certified teachers and district administrators.
Level Up: Focused on enhancing instructional quality at Region 14 ESC 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.
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.
Elevating Coaches: Understanding the importance of sports in today’s culture and schools, ACU Online’s Master of Science in Sports Leadership program prepares coaches and athletic trainers to learn how to manage teams more effectively. Integrating communication strategies and comprehensive psychology-based principles, this program encourages coaches to dig into the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals and aspirations by enhancing the athletic performance and overall mental and physical health of others and their own.
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 14 ESC 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 14 serves some of the brightest students and teachers across the Abilene region,” said Jessica Manning, chief enrollment and partnerships officer at ACU’s Dallas campus. “This partnership will not only grow our ACU footprint in Abilene but also extend our degree programs to schools looking to upskill and train their teachers for greater impact.”
ACU’s online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas and include 15 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s degrees, three doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificate programs and 11 graduate certificate programs. For more about Region 14 ESC programs offered through ACU Online, visit acu.edu/region-14.