WT Educators Excellence Initiative for Graduate Students

Transform your future with the WT Educators Excellence Initiative (WT EEI). Full-time educators within the Region 16 Education Service Center (ESC) can now pursue any graduate degree with a 50 percent reduction in tuition and mandatory fees. Beginning with spring 2026 courses, WT is expanding the Educators Excellence Initiative to Region 17 and Region 18 Education Service Center Areas, as well as all A and AA school districts across the State of Texas. 

This program allows you to elevate your career and bring innovation, leadership, and fresh perspectives back to your classrooms and districts.

What Programs Are Eligible?

• Degrees: Students are eligible to use the tuition reduction for one degree at each level (bachelor, master, and doctoral). If you've already earned a master's degree before applying for the EEI, you can still use the tuition reduction for a second master's degree.
  
  • Note: WT EEI doesn't apply to second bachelor's degrees. 
    
    
• Certificates/Coureswork Preparation: You can use the tuition reduction for specific certificates and/or coursework preparation. Students are not limited to the number of qualifying certificates and/or coursework preparation programs they can pursue. 
  • Note: WT EEI doesn't apply to the Panhandle Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE).

Who is Eligible?

• Eligible employees verified by their Region or ISD employment certification individual as one of the following full-time professionals: teachers, administrators, librarians, nurses, counselors, and paraprofessionals, substitute teachers categorized as full-time by their ISD and working full-time, and Education Support Center (ESC) employees. 

• The EEI is available to the above eligible employees in the following areas: Regions 16, 17, and 18, as well as all 1A and 2A school districts in Texas. Please see the complete list of qualifying areas.

Steps to Qualify:

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am a current graduate student and and a full-time eligible employee, do I still qualify for the Educators Excellence Initiative?

Yes. You will need to submit the Tuition Assistance Form. Retroactive applications for previous terms are not permissible.

Is there a deadline to apply for the Educators Excellence Initiative?

No. Eligible students will need to be aware of the program admission requirements and deadlines.

Is there a minimum number of graduate credit hours I have to enroll in to qualify for this offer?

No.

Do I have to reapply for this initiative each semester to qualify for this offer?

Yes.

Do doctoral programs qualify for the Educators Excellence Initiative?

Yes. 

Do second master’s degree programs qualify for the Educators Excellence Initiative?

Yes.  If a student has already attained a master's degree prior to applying for the WTEEI, then the tuition reduction may be used for a single second master's degree. 

Do second bachelor’s degree programs qualify for the Educators Excellence Initiative?

No.

Do certificate/certification programs qualify for the Educators Excellence Initiative?

Yes. 

Note: Programs and certifications that are already offered at a discounted rate are not eligible for the EEI tuition reduction. This includes Panhandle Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE). 

Do non-degree programs qualify for the Educators Excellence Initiative?

Yes.

Could I still qualify for Graduate School and departmental scholarships with the Educators Excellence Initiative?

Yes. 

Are there any costs not covered by the tuition reduction?

Yes. The initiative does not cover application fees, books, school supplies, insurance, or travel costs.

What fees are covered by the Educators Excellence Initiative?

The reduction applies to graduate tuition, statutory tuition, designated tuition,  lab fees, health fees, student services fees and other mandatory fees directly associated with the degree program.

Will the Educators Excellence Initiative impact my Financial Aid package?

In some cases, this offer may affect the student’s amount of federal or state aid awarded. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for details.

Who can I contact if I have questions or need assistance with the Tuition Assistance Form?

For questions or assistance, please contact the Registrar's Office at 806-651-4911 or via email at registrar@wtamu.edu.