Abilene Christian University is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Region 5 Education Service Center to offer fully online degree pathways and certifications for students, educators, and administrators interested in bringing new ideas and training to their schools in the Beaumont region.
Interested in addressing issues such as the ongoing teacher shortage across the state, ACU and Region 5 will offer unique pathways for aspiring teachers looking to obtain their teaching certification alongside earning an undergraduate degree. This partnership also is intended to focus on enhancing the skills of today’s teachers and district leaders by offering exceptional programs designed to help current degree holders earn their graduate degree to further propel their leadership capacities within their district.
“ACU Online and Region 5 are providing innovative and cutting-edge educational solutions, aimed at developing the next wave of educators and administrators. Our approach is simple – offer pathways designed to strengthen and fortify our current teachers and leaders,” said Dr. Byron Terrier, Executive Director for Region 5 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 5, 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 5 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 5’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 5 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 5 might be smaller than others but it serves a significant number of students who need skilled teachers and campus leaders to support their success,” said Jessica Manning, chief enrollment and partnerships officer at ACU’s Dallas campus. ” This partnership is focused on helping our state’s teachers and administrators by helping align their individual career goals and passions with the needs found in today’s educational system.”
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 5 programs offered through ACU Online, visit acu.edu/region-5.