Abilene Christian University is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Abilene Independent School District to offer fully online degree programs and professional development pathways for aspiring educators, teaching professionals, coaches and administrators in the Big Country region.
Focused on upskilling current teachers with the expertise needed to teach and lead their classrooms more effectively, ACU and Abilene ISD are creating unique pathways designed for future teachers interested in obtaining their teaching certification and current teachers looking to complete a master’s degree. This partnership will also propel future and current district leaders by offering them the opportunity to earn doctoral degrees to further advance their leadership capabilities.
“ACU and Abilene ISD are the same, in many ways,” said Dr. John Kuhn, Superintendent of Schools for Abilene ISD. “We are two education systems deeply interested in serving our communities filled with students, faculty and staff members looking to advance their careers and propel their professional development forward. Through this partnership, we are excited to see how our teachers and administrators respond to the call for more highly skilled and trained working professionals in our district.”
The partnership includes five key pathways, providing specialized programs for high school students, paraprofessionals, certified teachers, coaches and district administrators.
Classroom to Career: In collaboration with Abilene 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. 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 Abilene 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 and Abilene ISD 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.
Training Coaches and Athletic Staff: 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 communicate and manage teams more effectively. Integrating simple team management 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, as well as 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 Abilene 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.
“Abilene ISD is growing exponentially and services a huge population of students that require 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 Abilene ISD’s goals with their faculty and staff members’ unique strengths and aspirations to further expand its footprint in the Abilene region.”
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 Abilene ISD programs offered through ACU Online, visit acu.edu/abilene-isd.