Partnership Makes Higher Education More Affordable, Addresses Teacher Shortage

Story by Hannah Buchanan

“This partnership with UT Tyler represents an incredible opportunity for our staff to continue growing professionally while remaining right here in our Mustang community.”

Larry Calhoun, Overton Independent School District Superintendent

The University of Texas at Tyler has partnered with Overton Independent School District to provide discounted tuition rates for district employees wishing to pursue advanced degrees at UT Tyler.

The partnership strengthens the district by making educational opportunities more accessible and affordable for Overton ISD teachers and administrators.

“This partnership with UT Tyler represents an incredible opportunity for our staff to continue growing professionally while remaining right here in our Mustang community,” said Larry Calhoun, Overton ISD Superintendent. “UT Tyler is helping us remove barriers that often prevent great teachers from becoming great leaders, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment to supporting rural schools and educators.”

UT Tyler is focusing on teacher education and how the university can help address the teacher shortage in East Texas and the state.

“I grew up in Overton, and I understand how vital these teachers are to the strength of our schools and the future of our children,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “That’s why we’re committed to building pathways for these wonderful educators to make an even greater impact. We’re doing this together — with opportunity, support and a belief in what’s possible when we invest in our own.”

Through its School of Education, UT Tyler will work with Overton ISD to offer an accelerated master’s degree in educational leadership with principal certification, as well as special opportunities for other graduate degrees. These programs are offered online to accommodate working educators.

To learn more, visit uttyler.edu