Beginning this fall, Boston Public Schools (BPS) employees will have access to discounted tuition rates when pursuing a  master’s degree, certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS), or graduate certificate at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.

The partnership is designed to meet the goal of improving professional growth and development opportunities for teachers and staff serving the Boston Public Schools and ensuring that they are highly effective educators who support their staff and their students to accomplish significant gains in student academic outcomes.

“This agreement is an important step to make graduate education and teacher licensure accessible to all employees of the Boston Public Schools with the express intent of enriching the school experience of thousands of Boston students,” says BU Wheelock’s dean David J. Chard.

Mary Churchill, associate dean for strategic initiatives at BU Wheelock, notes that this agreement “indicates a next-level strengthening of our partnership with the district.”

Per the agreement, BPS employees who apply and are accepted to, and enroll in a master’s degree, CAGS, or graduate certificate program at BU Wheelock will receive a guaranteed scholarship equivalent to 33% of their tuition. BPS employees attending BU Wheelock will gain full access to the same library, technology, and student support services as all graduate students enrolled at the college. A pair of appointed program coordinators—one with BPS, one with BU—will support the operational aspects of the partnership.

Ceronne B. Daly, managing director of recruitment, cultivation and diversity programs at BPS, states that this partnership “specifically supports the district’s commitment to the development and retention of our educators of color,” by providing access to alumni of the BPS Teacher Pipeline Programs and alumni of the BPS Educators of Color Leadership Programs: BPS Male Educators of Color Executive Coaching Leadership Program, BPS Women Educators of Color Executive Coaching Leadership Program.

“The Boston Public Schools is fortunate to partner with organizations committed to supporting our diverse and passionate educators,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. “This expanded partnership with BU Wheelock presents a unique opportunity for BPS teachers to further their education and professional development, which will ultimately create stronger outcomes and achievements for our students.”

The initial partnership agreement will operate in an initial three-year term. Beyond that, BU and BPS may extend it in two-year renewal terms. BU Wheelock will also seek out feedback from BPS employees who enroll in their programs, with the goal of identifying ways to improve courses within each program to better serve the professional needs of BPS employees. BU Wheelock may also seek out further opportunities to connect with BPS employees, including conducting coursework on-site at BPS locations and constructing unique professional development opportunities for BPS employees.