Abilene Christian University is proud to announce a new partnership with the Harris County Department of Education to offer fully online degree programs for educators and campus faculty and staff that are interested in advancing their education to better serve schools and students in the greater Houston area.
The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) serves students across various K-12 schools, alternative campuses, Head Start centers for early childhood education, after-school initiatives and adult education programs. ACU and HCDE have partnered together to provide clear degree pathways for both new and experienced educators, enabling them to enhance their teaching abilities and become stronger advocates for their students.
One of the key programs in this partnership is the Level Up initiative, which provides a clear and accessible pathway for current HCDE paraprofessionals to earn their undergraduate degree and teaching certification. Through enrollment in ACU’s online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies program, paraprofessionals can gain the necessary credentials to become fully certified teachers.
In addition to the Level Up program, ACU offers advanced degree options for HCDE employees who already hold a bachelor’s degree and aspire to further their impact in education:
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 HCDE 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.
“The Harris County Department of Education serves a vast and diverse community of students that require exceptional teachers and administrators,” said Jessica Manning, chief enrollment and partnerships officer at ACU’s Dallas campus. “Our hope is through these distinct pathways, ACU can solve the needs of HCDE and provide its teachers, administrators and students the academic tools to become better people and educators.”
ACU’s online programs include 14 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s degrees, four doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificate programs, and 11 graduate certificate programs. For more about the Harris County Department of Education programs offered through ACU Online, visit acu.edu/HCDE