YISD program helps teachers attain master’s degree

The Ysleta Independent School District is giving teachers an opportunity to continue their education.

The Masters Program will allow a selected group of teachers to get their master’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso without having to pay for tuition or books.

Dr. Ron Livermore, Director of Professional Development at YISD, said tuition for a master’s degree at UTEP costs $20,000 to $22,000.

Teachers can get their master’s degree in any core content that includes math, language, social studies and science.

Educators will also accumulate enough hours to teach dual credit and advanced placement courses at the district’s middle and high schools.

YISD is using federal funding provided to the district that was allocated for The Masters Program.

Teachers have to get a recommendation letter from the school principal, state why they want to attain a master’s degree, pass the Graduate Record Examinations, or GRE, and get accepted into UTEP.

Dr. Livermore said teachers are also asked to continue teaching at YISD for three years after getting their master’s degree.

“In the long run we want the highest quality teachers serving in our classrooms and by getting this higher degree we’re going to provide better learning and teaching to our students. That’s what is important in the end,” said Dr. Livermore.