A new partnership and grant-funded program will make it easier for working professionals to earn teaching certification.

East Texas A&M University is taking aim at the teacher shortage in Texas with a new initiative designed to help working adults and paraprofessionals become certified educators.

Through a partnership between the university's College of Innovation and Design and the College of Education and Human Services, East Texas A&M will launch a fully online, competency-based teacher preparation program supported by a $416,555 grant from the Greater Texas Foundation. The program is set to begin in fall 2026.

The new Bachelor of Science degrees in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education are designed for students who need a flexible path to becoming a teacher—especially those balancing full-time jobs, family responsibilities or other commitments.

“East Texas A&M is leading the way in meeting the needs of today's learners,” said Sue McMillin, president and CEO of Greater Texas Foundation. “We are proud to support them as they develop two competency-based pathways for aspiring teachers. These pathways will not only provide flexible routes to degrees, especially helpful for adult learners, but also build a robust pipeline of teachers serving rural East Texas and beyond.”

A Growing Need for Teachers

The program comes at a time when Texas schools are facing significant workforce challenges. According to the Texas Education Agency's 2024–2025 “Employed Teacher Attrition and New Hires” report, teacher attrition remains high while fewer new teachers are entering the profession.

As a result, districts across the state continue to face ongoing vacancies, particularly in elementary and early childhood classrooms.

“What we've come to realize is, yes, we have a teacher shortage—a huge teacher shortage in the state of Texas,” said Dr. Kathryn Dixon, associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services. “But we also have people in communities who are already working in schools who would like to become teachers. Traditional programs are not always a good option for them.”

A Flexible Path to the Classroom

The new program uses competency-based education, or CBE, which allows students to progress by demonstrating what they know rather than spending a set amount of time in class.

“Competency-based pathways allow for more accessible and affordable routes to becoming a teacher for people who might not otherwise be able to pursue that goal,” Dixon said. “It gives them an option that fits their lives.”

Courses are delivered fully online in seven-week terms, and students can move at an accelerated pace if they already have relevant experience.

“For students who come into the program with experience in education, they're able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they already have and move forward from there,” said Dr. April Sanders, dean of the College of Innovation and Design.

The program is not an alternative certification route—it is a full bachelor's degree that leads to teacher certification, giving students a comprehensive and accredited pathway into the profession.

Real Classroom Experience Included

Even though coursework is online, the program includes the hands-on experience required for teacher preparation.

Students will complete field-based experiences and clinical teaching placements in schools, allowing them to gain real-world classroom experience before becoming certified.

“Teacher education is not just about gaining knowledge,” Dixon said. “It's about being able to apply that knowledge and demonstrate mastery in real classroom settings.”

Because the program is online, students can complete coursework from anywhere in Texas while working with local school districts for in-person training.

Grant Support Expands Access

The initiative is supported by a $416,555 grant from Greater Texas Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on improving access to postsecondary education across Texas.

The funding will support course development, student advising and onboarding, faculty training, and systems that track student progress.

“Greater Texas Foundation has long been a catalyst and collaborator for advancing educational opportunity across Texas,” said Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement Devin Girod. “Their partnership through this grant reflects a commitment to new pathways into the teaching profession, but also a continued investment in competency-based education and other innovative initiatives that strengthen learning and opportunity for students across our state. We are grateful for their collaboration and shared vision to expand pathways that prepare high-quality teachers for Texas classrooms.”

“The funding will help us build a strong foundation for these programs so we can launch them successfully and sustain them long term,” Sanders said.

A New Opportunity for Future Teachers

For many working adults, the biggest barriers to becoming a teacher are time, cost and access. East Texas A&M's new program is designed to address those challenges directly.

By combining flexible online learning, real-world classroom experience and strong student support, the university aims to open the door for more Texans to enter the teaching profession.

For those who have considered becoming a teacher but thought it wasn't possible with their schedule, this new pathway offers a practical way forward—while helping schools across Texas fill classrooms with qualified educators.