WGU Texas Supports Texas Teachers with Graduate Teaching Degree Scholarships

AUSTIN, Texas, July 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WGU Texas (texas.wgu.edu), the online, nonprofit university, is supporting Texas educators with a new scholarship program for graduate teaching degrees. The Teacher Education Achievement Scholarships, each valued at up to $2,000, are designed for experienced teachers who wish to further their career with a master's degree in education. A recent article in USA Today showed teachers earning master's degrees have record low unemployment rate of less than 1.5 percent.

The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) recently recognized WGU Texas' parent institution Western Governors University's (WGU) Teachers College as the only online university to meet its standards in the NCTQ's Honor Roll.

WGU is leading the way in producing K—12 math and science educators, according to a recent study conducted by education research and consulting group Eduventures. The study found that in 2011 WGU was the nation's largest provider of master's degree programs in math education. In addition, WGU was the third largest provider of master's degrees in science education and fourth largest provider of bachelor's degrees in math education. WGU institutions are also top providers of bachelor's and master's degrees in science education, including biology, chemistry, physics, general science and earth sciences.

"A driving motivator for us is providing opportunities for the next generation of STEM educators to continue to advance their expertise so they can prepare all Texans to succeed," said Dr. Mark David Milliron, WGU Texas Chancellor. "WGU Texas, and our parent institution WGU, have put considerable effort into building a Teachers College that is a recognized leader in providing high-quality, rigorous graduate degree programs, specifically in STEM education. As the need for STEM skills grows in our state economy, so does the need to grow our base of educators. These scholarships provide a pathway that allows teachers to make an investment in their career as well as in the future of Texas."

WGU Texas uses a competency-based approach to learning that is ideal for working adults because it allows students to take advantage of prior education and work experience by moving quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. The approach has proven to be a great fit for working professionals who amass considerable knowledge and expertise in their field prior to earning a university degree. All programs offer flexible online study, state-of-the art learning resources, expert faculty and individualized mentor-guided support.

The scholarship is designed for new WGU Texas students only, and may also be available for students pursuing a bachelor's degree in education. To be eligible for the scholarship, individuals must apply by September 1, and meet the scholarship criteria.

About WGU Texas

WGU Texas is a private, nonprofit, online university expanding access to quality higher education for Texas residents. Established by the state of Texas through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Texas (http://texas.wgu.edu) is open to all qualified Texas residents, and offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in key workforce areas including business, information technology, teacher education, and health professions including nursing.

WGU Texas uses an innovative competency-based academic approach that allows working adults to fit their education into their lives. WGU Texas measures learning, not seat time. All programs offer flexible online study, state-of-the art learning resources, expert faculty, and individualized mentor-guided support. WGU Texas provides a convenient, cost-effective way for self-directed, hard working adults to earn a degree and get ahead. An affordable model, tuition is charged at a flat rate every six months and averages $2,890 per term. 

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Learn more at texas.wgu.edu or call 1-877-214-7011.

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SOURCE WGU Texas