Gainesville ISD and Baylor Moody School of Education Announce New Collaboration to Expand Graduate Education Opportunities for Educators 

Baylor University’s Moody School of Education has launched a new collaborative initiative with Gainesville ISD aimed at expanding access to high-quality graduate education for district educators. This collaboration aligns with the Moody School of Education’s broader strategic commitment to building strong partnerships with school districts and educational organizations throughout Texas, linking educators to advanced academic opportunities that promote lifelong learning and professional development. 

"Gainesville ISD is incredibly excited to partner with Baylor University to offer our educators this exceptional opportunity to further their education. Investing in our staff's professional growth directly enriches our classrooms, and we are thrilled to collaborate with a premier institution like Baylor to support our teachers as they pursue their advanced degrees and continued professional development," said Dr. La Creasha Stille, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

Through this new arrangement, Gainesville ISD employees will receive streamlined access to distance education graduate education at Baylor University, including a range of benefits designed to support working professionals and additional scholarships.

Distance Education Programs: 

Gainesville ISD employees now have access to a wide range of scholarship opportunities to enroll in one of Baylor Moody School of Education’s esteemed distance education programs: 

·        Online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change (exclusive 8% priority enrollment scholarship)

·        Hybrid EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership (standard 50% scholarship) *can lead to Texas superintendent certification

·        Hybrid MA in School Leadership (competitive scholarships available) *can lead to Texas principal certification

·        Online MS in Learning Design and Technology (exclusive 10% scholarship) 

·        Online Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology (exclusive 10% scholarship) 

·        Online Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning (exclusive 10% scholarship) 

·        Dallas-based hybrid EDS in School Psychology (competitive tuition rate) 

For select online programs (EdD in Learning and Organizational Change, MS in Learning Design and Technology, Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology, Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning), Gainesville ISD employees are additionally eligible for waived application fee and to apply to receive credit for prior work experience by way of prior learning assessment.

Gainesville ISD serves approximately 3,100 students across six campuses in north central Texas. Guided by a mission that emphasizes collaboration among schools, families, and the broader community, GISD is committed to ensuring students and staff develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for both immediate and long-term success. The district offers a supportive, inclusive learning environment and strong college and career pathways.

Baylor University’s Moody School of Education is a nationally recognized leader in educator preparation, offering a comprehensive suite of graduate programs across the Department of Curriculum & Instruction, Department of Educational Leadership, Department of Educational Psychology, and the Department of Professional Online Learning. With 5 PhD programs, 2 EdD programs, an EdS, and 9 master’s degrees—including flexible online, hybrid, and in-person options—the School prepares scholars, leaders, clinicians, and innovators who serve across K–12 education, higher education, community contexts, and industry. 

Dr. Terrill Saxon, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at Baylor’s Moody School of Education, said, “This collaboration with Gainesville ISD reflects our shared commitment to investing in educators and strengthening the connection between universities, schools, and communities. By expanding access to high-quality graduate education, we are supporting educators as they continue to grow professionally while making an immediate and lasting impact on students and schools.”

Baylor University is a nationally respected research institution with R1 designation, reflecting its strength in scholarship, innovation, and student achievement. The university has received widespread recognition for fostering high-impact learning environments and preparing graduates for leadership in a rapidly changing world, including recent honors from prominent national publications highlighting both academic quality and student success.

This partnership aligns with the Moody School of Education’s long-standing commitment to building purposeful collaborations with schools, districts, and educational organizations. Through these relationships, the School seeks to expand clear, attainable pathways to advanced graduate study for educators while supporting leadership grounded in equity, innovation, and excellence. Rooted in research, community engagement, and global awareness—and guided by Christian principles—the Moody School of Education prepares professionals to lead with integrity and contribute meaningfully to the communities they serve.

ABOUT THE MOODY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

For more than 100 years, the Moody School of Education has advanced Baylor University’s mission across the globe while preparing students for a range of careers focused on education, leadership and human development. With more than 70 full-time faculty members, the School’s growing research portfolio complements its long-standing commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentoring. Baylor’s undergraduate program in teacher education has earned national distinction for innovative partnerships with local schools that provide future teachers deep clinical preparation. Likewise, the Moody School of Education’s graduate programs have attained national recognition for their exemplary preparation of research scholars, educational leaders, innovators, and clinicians. Visit the Moody School of Education website to learn more.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.