UT Tyler, Jacksonville ISD Partner to Enrich District Educational Opportunities Partnership addresses teacher shortage across region and state 

TYLER, Texas (June 5, 2026) – The University of Texas at Tyler has partnered with Jacksonville Independent School District to provide discounted tuition rates for district employees wishing to  pursue advanced degrees at UT Tyler.

The university remains focused on teacher education and how its School of Education can help  address the teacher shortage in East Texas and across the state.

“Welcoming Jacksonville ISD into our education partnership network reinforces our mutual  commitment to advancing educational excellence throughout East Texas,” said UT Tyler President  Julie V. Philley, MD.

The partnership also strengthens the district by making educational opportunities more affordable  and accessible for its administrators and teachers.

“As a UT Tyler alum, I’m excited for this partnership with the university. Furthering our employees’  education affects not only their personal lives but enhances their ability to continue to impact  students,” said Jacksonville ISD Superintendent Brad Stewart.

UT Tyler will work with the district to offer an accelerated master’s degree in educational leadership  with principal certification, as well as special opportunities for other graduate degrees. These  programs are offered 100% online to accommodate working professionals. For additional  information, visit uttyler.edu.

This mission of the Jacksonville Independent School District, in partnership with students, family  and community, is to ensure a quality education by maintaining high expectations and providing a  safe learning environment while developing citizens who are lifelong learners in an ever-changing,  competitive world.

With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT  Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 11,500 students.  Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has  unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent  patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World  Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.