East Texas A&M University and Forney Independent School District recently signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding affordable graduate education opportunities for Forney ISD educators.

The agreement, signed May 8 during a visit to Forney ISD by ETAMU President Mark Rudin and Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar, creates pathways for district teachers to pursue graduate degrees and credentialing opportunities through ETAMU.

Under the agreement, eligible Forney ISD educators may pursue several reduced-cost graduate options, including a master's degree in curriculum and instruction with dual credit credentialing, master's degrees within ETAMU's College of Education and Human Services, and graduate coursework in disciplines incorporated within the Texas Core Curriculum. The partnership is designed to provide flexible, accessible professional advancement opportunities for working educators while helping strengthen the teacher pipeline in North Texas.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to investing in educators and providing meaningful, affordable pathways for advancement,” said Dr. Justin Terry, superintendent of Forney ISD. “These options will open doors for our teachers to advance their careers, strengthen their expertise and bring new opportunities directly into our classrooms.”

The partnership also reflects East Texas A&M's continued commitment to serving surrounding communities and school districts through collaborative educational initiatives that address workforce and educational needs across the region.

ETAMU's College of Education and Human Services prepares teachers, counselors, administrators and other education and human services professionals through undergraduate and graduate programs focused on leadership, innovation and student success. The college offers flexible learning opportunities designed to meet the evolving needs of educators and school districts throughout Texas.