Abilene Christian University is excited to announce a new partnership with the Westwood Independent School District to offer fully online degree pathways for students, educators and campus administrators interested in pursuing higher education. Focused on providing Westwood ISD the chance to enrich their employee’s leadership in K-12 settings, this partnership offers interested participants the opportunity to obtain their undergraduate or advanced degree via five distinct pathways.
“We are thrilled to partner with ACU to offer fully online degree programs and professional development pathways. This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to empower individuals at every stage of their educational journey, helping them reach new heights and make a lasting impact on our community. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future in education.”
Wade Stanford, Superintendent, Westwood ISD
The partnership includes five key pathways, providing specialized programs for high school students, coaches, certified teachers and district administrators.
Classroom to Career: In collaboration with Westwood ISD, 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 as well as allow them to earn their Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies. 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 Westwood ISD 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 Westwood ISD 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.
“Westwood ISD serves some of the brightest students and teachers in East Texas,” said Jessica Manning, chief enrollment and partnerships officer at ACU’s Dallas campus. “This partnership not only grows our ACU footprint but also extends our degree programs to schools and districts who are deeply invested in upskilling and training their students, teachers and staff members to become greater educators and advocates for continuing education.”
ACU’s online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas and include 14 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s degrees, four doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificate programs, and 11 graduate certificate programs. For more about Westwood ISD’s programs offered through ACU Online, visit acu.edu/westwood-isd.