With an uncertain economy, annual budget showdowns from Congress, and fluctuating financial priorities continually dogging our nation, it’s reassuring to know that government bodies from the federal level downward are still offering financial assistance to enable current and future educators to pursue their passion. Political and economic winds shift, however, and so may the availability of such funds. 

As CNN observed, government payments to areas including education can be impacted in an economic crisis. Reporting on the debt ceiling fight in the federal government, The Hill stated more directly that “students [would] not receive the aid they need, in some cases, to stay in class” if the U.S. had defaulted on its debt. 

Of course, the primary reason for continuing your education should always be to learn more, to improve your professional performance, and to pass the benefits of those on to your students. But if greater career mobility is your goal, continuing your graduate journey also provides opportunities to network with other educators and impress current and future employers with your new credentials.  

Considering the risks of waiting to continue your education—from fewer funding options to hindered career progress—the best time to earn education credentials is now. Think beyond maintaining your teaching licensure to acquiring new credentials that can lead to more advanced and potentially more rewarding roles in education, such as:  

  • Principal 
  • Superintendent 
  • Reading specialist 
  • Bilingual teacher 
  • Educational diagnostician  
  • Special education teacher 

Ready to get started? Here’s what you have to do: 

  1. Secure education funds. 
  2. Choose a respected credential from an accredited institution. 

Paying for Your New Education Program 

Look to Federal Programs for Funds 

TEACH Grants 

Receive a grant of up to $4,000 per year while completing your education degree. Following graduation, you’ll repay the funds by teaching full time to underprivileged students in a high-need field for four years at an elementary or secondary school or educational service agency (ESA).   

Teacher Loan Forgiveness 

Have up to $17,500 taken off your student loan and pay it off more quickly. You will be required to teach for five consecutive years at a school or ESA that serves disadvantaged students.  

Look Locally  

School districts, cities, and states nationwide offer tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance to teachers wishing to further their education. You’ll find options in places from Oregon City, OR to Broken Arrow, OK to Philadelphia, PA—perhaps even in your school district, city, or state! Do research. Ask your supervisor. Speak with your human resources representative. Don’t let those funds—and your potential professional opportunities—go unclaimed.  

Choosing a Respected Credential and University 

Perhaps the best way to take advantage of tuition assistance is to earn graduate credentials from an accredited university, and preferably one that offers programs in fields that align with the federal grant and loan requirements for educators discussed above. 

Why The University of Texas Permian Basin Online Stands Out 

UT Permian Basin’s CAEP-accredited online College of Education programs have a lot going for them: 

Multiple In-Demand Program Options 

Master of Arts in Bilingual/ESL* 

  • Complete this program in as little as one year. 
  • Choose a bilingual education or ESL education concentration. 
  • Tailor your program for bilingual certification in Texas.**  .   

Master of Arts in Special Education* 

  • Complete this program in as little as one year. 

Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders track* 

  • Complete this program in as little as one year. 

Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician track* 

  • Complete this program in as little as two years. 
  • Become eligible for Texas Educational Diagnostician Certification.** 

Master of Arts in Literacy 

  • Complete this program in less than two years. 
  • Prepare for TEA’s reading specialist certification.** 

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (ELCC-recognized) 

  • Complete this program in as little as one year. 
  • Prepare for Texas SBEC Principal as Instructional Leader certification.** 

Superintendent Certification 

  • Complete this Texas-approved educator preparation program in as little as two semesters. 
  • Prepare for the Texas Superintendent Certification.** 

*Meets TEACH Grant and Teacher Loan Forgiveness requirements. 
**Certification preparedness programs may be accepted by out-of-state agencies. Contact your state’s department of education to confirm. 

Accolades 

Streamlined Admission 

  • No GRE required 

Flexibility  

  • Programs accessible online 24/7, worldwide 

Don’t wait any longer to take advantage of the financial options available to you as an educator. You might be missing out on career satisfaction you never thought possible. Apply today!