See news clip here: YNN Austin (Your News Network) reports on new graduate program for educators.
The University of Mary Hardin Baylor will soon offer a new graduate program aimed at addressing the changing needs of school districts across the state.
Students who graduate with the Master of Education in Administration of Intervention Programs will be trained to identify and address the unique problems facing at-risk students.
Karen Estes is the director of the new program. She said the specialty training will help make students become more marketable, at a time when some school districts around the state are cutting jobs to deal with Texas' budget shortfall.
In many cases, Estes said educators are not trained in both administration and intervention programs, which is what makes the graduate program so unique.
"After no child left behind came in, we are really required to serve children before they reach special education," Estes said.
Tori Lineberry is a graduate student in the educational field, and she thinks the new training sounds interesting. As someone who has experience in the classroom setting, Lineberry said she knows firsthand of the need for educators with these particular skills.
"There are numerous children in these intervention programs and they can really benefit from a specialist," she said.
With news about teacher layoffs popping about around the state, Lineberry said she hopes her own graduate degree helps her when it comes time to look for a job.
"Having a master’s degree can really, really help your job opportunities, it opens up a lot more doors," she said. "I know for myself and other fellow students, we feel a lot better than some people do."
Estes said this type of specialty training will help to make candidates more stand out when it’s time to hit the job market.
"When a school district hires, the more areas in which that teacher can serve, the better off that school is," she said.
UMHB officials said the 15-month program will combine online work, classroom study and will have some classes available in the summer.
The school will hold an informational meeting about the new program on April 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Parker Academic Center.
