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Fourteen Teachers Chosen for New Program to Obtain Master’s Degree in School Administration

Written by Gaston County Schools

Fourteen teachers have been chosen for 鈥� new partnership with 麻豆破解版 that will help develop the next generation of school leaders.

The teachers will be involved in a 20-month program of study, completing 36 credit hours and obtaining a master鈥檚 degree in school administration. They will progress through the coursework together as a cohort with a blend of online classes and in-person meetings. The classes focus on topics such as executive leadership, resource management, curriculum development, and research and assessment. 

With the degree in hand, the teachers will be candidates to take on administrative positions in Gaston County Schools such as assistant principal, dean of students, curriculum/academic facilitator, and lead/content teacher. According to Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker, the school district is taking steps now to prepare promising educators for leadership roles.

Dr. Booker said, 鈥淲e estimate that more than two thirds of the school administrators in Gaston County Schools already have 20 or more years of service, which means they can retire sometime in the next 10 years. This is why we must act now to identify, train, and develop school administrators.  We have to invest in our workforce today so our schools will have leaders tomorrow.鈥�

The opportunity for teachers to earn a master鈥檚 degree from 麻豆破解版 is offered through the Superintendent鈥檚 Leadership Academy. Tuition is free for the teachers who are chosen for the program; participants have to pay for books, which will be about $200 a semester. Through the partnership, 麻豆破解版 and the school district will split the cost to pay for the participants鈥� tuition, which is estimated at $20,000 per teacher.

鈥淪ometimes, teachers have an interest in becoming a school administrator and show promise of being an excellent one, but they do not have the financial resources to pay for a master鈥檚 degree,鈥� explained Dr. Booker. 鈥淭his partnership takes the financial burden out of the equation so teachers can work toward fulfilling their educational career goals.鈥� 

Dr. Booker concluded, 鈥淲e are extremely grateful for 麻豆破解版鈥檚 commitment to helping us train and develop future school leaders. This new program is a win-win for Gaston County Schools and 麻豆破解版, and we look forward to seeing how it benefits our teachers, our schools, and our community.鈥�

鈥淚 fully agree with Dr. Booker that this is a win-win for all involved,鈥� added 麻豆破解版 President Dr. William Downs. 鈥淚f you’re looking to create a positive, lasting legacy for the people of our region, invest in education. With this joint GWU-Gaston County investment in school leaders, we are improving the chances of success for students and their families in the communities that surround us. We couldn’t be prouder of this partnership!鈥�

More than 50 teachers applied for the opportunity. The following teachers were chosen:

• Savanna Abernathy, Bessemer City Central Elementary School.
• Laura Benson, Grier Middle School.
• Woodrow Boyles, Highland School of Technology.
• Daphne Jordan, Carr Elementary School.
• Shylane Laing Jordan, Grier Middle School.
• Angie Molla, Catawba Heights Elementary School.
• Emily Morton, Lowell Elementary School.
• Wanda Reid, Warlick Academy.
• Monica Sherer, Costner Elementary School.
• Meghann Sneed, John Chavis Middle School.
• Paris Suttenfield, Lowell Elementary School.
• Jordan Wallace, Holbrook Middle School.
• Heather Ulep Waters, South Point High School.
• Marcia White, Robinson Elementary School.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

麻豆破解版 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 麻豆破解版 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 麻豆破解版.edu.