Sign in Subscribe
Teachers

University of Central Missouri Partners with Blue Springs School District to Foster Teacher Growth

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As another school year begins, 51 Blue Springs R-IV School District educators are returning with new knowledge and training, having earned advanced degrees from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). A growing partnership between UCM and the Blue Springs School District (BSSD) allows teachers to earn education specialist degrees while staying close to home. This unique collaboration began a few years ago with an education specialist cohort focused on behavioral management and has since expanded to offer three pathways for teachers to pursue their degrees.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Central Missouri (UCM) has partnered with the Blue Springs School District (BSSD) to provide educators with advanced degrees, including education specialist degrees.
  • The partnership offers three pathways for teachers to pursue their degrees, with the option to earn a master's degree or an education specialist degree.
  • The program is designed to be accessible and manageable, with UCM offering two hybrid classes per semester at BSSD and courses taught by UCM faculty and BSSD adjunct instructors.
  • Each cohort member researched and wrote a thesis, which they presented during a UCM Thesis Consortium at Blue Springs High School.
  • The educators chose topics of importance to them and their role, meaning the data will also benefit the district.
  • The partnership has been a recruitment and retention tool for the district, with some candidates mentioning the program during the hiring process.
  • The program's accessibility, relationships gained with teachers, and direct application of knowledge have been highlighted as key benefits by participants.

Statistics:

  • 51 Blue Springs R-IV School District educators have earned advanced degrees from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) through the partnership.
  • The partnership has offered three pathways for teachers to pursue their degrees.
  • UCM offered two hybrid classes per semester at BSSD, with courses taught by UCM faculty and BSSD adjunct instructors.
  • Each cohort member researched and wrote a thesis.
  • The cohort starting this fall will also have the option of a master's degree or an education specialist degree.

Sources:

  • [Jefferson City: University of Central Missouri (2023). Blue Springs educators earn degrees through UCM partnership].
  • [Talamantez, Liz. Assistant superintendent of Human Resources for the Blue Springs School District. (2023). Personal Interview].
  • [Conrad, Michelle, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator of Career and Technical Education at UCM. (2023). Personal Interview].
  • [White, Katie. BSSD instructional coach for middle school English. (2023). Personal Interview].
  • [Source: Blue Springs R-IV School District].

Read more