Gainesville ISD and Moody School of Education Open Doors to Graduate Education for Employees

WACO, Texas — [DATE] — Baylor University's Moody School of Education is teaming up with Gainesville ISD to give district educators easier access to graduate programs for distance educators. This collaboration aligns with the Moody School of Education’s broader strategic initiative to build strong intentional partnerships with school districts and organizations throughout Texas, providing advanced academic opportunities that promote lifelong learning and professional development for educators.

“Gainesville ISD is incredibly excited to partner with Baylor University to offer our educators this exceptional opportunity to further their education.” shared Dr. La Creasha Stille, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Gainesville ISD. “Investing in our staff's professional growth directly enriches our classrooms, and we are thrilled to collaborate with a premier institution like Baylor to support our teachers as they pursue their advanced degrees and continued professional development.”

Gainesville ISD employees will now have streamlined access to Baylor’s distance education graduate programs, along with scholarships and other benefits designed specifically for working professionals. 

Distance Education Programs Available to Gainesville ISD Staff

Gainesville ISD employees can apply for the following Moody School of Education distance programs, each with a scholarship attached:

• Online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change (exclusive 8% priority enrollment scholarship)
• Hybrid EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership (standard 50% scholarship) *can lead to Texas superintendent certification 
• Hybrid MA in School Leadership (competitive scholarships available) *can lead to Texas principal certification
• Online MS in Learning Design and Technology (exclusive 10% scholarship) 
• Online Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology (exclusive 10% scholarship) 
• Online Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning (exclusive 10% scholarship) 
• Dallas-based hybrid EDS in School Psychology (competitive tuition rate) 

Employees who apply to the EdD in Learning and Organizational Change, MS in Learning Design and Technology, and either of our Graduate Certificate programs will also benefit from a waived application fee and can apply to receive credit for prior work experience by way of a prior learning assessment. 

“By expanding access to high-quality graduate education, we are supporting educators as they continue to grow professionally while making an immediate and lasting impact on students and schools.” 
– Dr. Terrill Saxon, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies

Gainesville ISD serves approximately 3,100 students across six campuses in north central Texas. Guided by a mission that emphasizes collaboration among schools, families, and the broader community, GISD is committed to ensuring students and staff develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for both immediate and long-term success. The district offers a supportive, inclusive learning environment and strong college and career pathways.

A Growing Network of Partnerships

Baylor University’s Moody School of Education is a nationally recognized leader in educator preparation, offering a comprehensive suite of graduate programs across the Department of Curriculum & Instruction, Department of Educational Leadership, Department of Educational Psychology, and the Department of Professional Online Learning. In total, the school offers 5 PhD programs, two EdD programs, an EDS, and nine master’s degrees with online, hybrid and in-person options. The Moody School prepares scholars, leaders, clinicians, and innovators who serve across K–12 education, higher education, community contexts, and industry. 

Dr. Terrill Saxon, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Baylor's Moody School of Education said “This collaboration with Gainesville ISD reflects our shared commitment to investing in educators and strengthening the connection between universities, schools, and communities. By expanding access to high-quality graduate education, we are supporting educators as they continue to grow professionally while making an immediate and lasting impact on students and schools.”

Baylor holds R1 research status, the highest classification for U.S. research universities, and has recently been recognized by national publications for both its academic quality and its students’ outcomes after graduation. For the Moody School of Education, the collaboration with Gainesville ISD is one piece of a broader, faith-guided mission: preparing educators who lead with integrity and serve their communities well beyond the classroom.

ABOUT THE MOODY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION 

For more than 100 years, the Moody School of Education has advanced Baylor University’s mission across the globe while preparing students for a range of careers focused on education, leadership and human development. With more than 70 full-time faculty members, the School’s growing research portfolio complements its long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring. Baylor’s undergraduate program in teacher education has earned national distinction for innovative partnerships with local schools that provide future teachers deep clinical preparation. Likewise, the Moody School of Education’s graduate programs have attained national recognition for their exemplary preparation of research scholars, educational leaders, innovators, and clinicians. Visit the Moody School of Education website to learn more.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.