A Master’s in Education: Quickly and Affordably

How American Board Teachers Can Turn Certification Into a Master’s in Education

For many aspiring teachers, earning certification is the goal. But for American Board teachers, certification can also become the foundation for something even bigger: a Master’s in Education.

American Board has long focused on helping knowledgeable professionals transition into teaching quickly, affordably, and flexibly. Through its fully online, self-paced certification program, thousands of teachers have entered classrooms without putting their lives or careers on hold.

Now, American Board teachers have access to an opportunity unlike anything else currently available in alternative teacher certification.

Through an exclusive partnership with William Woods University (WWU), eligible American Board completers can apply their certification toward a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction. WWU awards nine graduate credit hours for completing American Board’s certification program and offers American Board completers a 25% tuition discount on remaining coursework.

This partnership is the first of its kind to formally recognize alternative teacher certification as graduate credit toward a master’s degree.For teachers already balancing work, family, and classroom responsibilities, that recognition matters. Read the original announcement here.

A Faster and More Affordable Pathway to a Master’s in Education

Graduate education can be expensive and time consuming. Traditional programs often require teachers to start from the beginning, even after they have already completed rigorous certification requirements and entered the classroom.

The American Board and WWU partnership changes that.

Instead of starting over, teachers can build on the work they have already completed through American Board. The result is fewer courses, lower tuition costs, and a more efficient pathway toward a Master’s in Education.

For many educators, that opportunity makes graduate school feel realistic and achievable.

Elizabeth Harrison, who pursued her graduate degree through the partnership, shared:

“The partnership between WWU and ABCTE has been a tremendous gift to me personally. Knowing that my ABCTE certification could be applied towards a master’s degree made the decision to continue my education much easier. Because of this partnership, I decided to pursue my master’s in education. It has created a meaningful pathway for me to grow professionally while continuing to serve students in the high school classroom.”

Designed for Working Teachers

One reason American Board teachers have responded so positively to the program is flexibility.

Both American Board and WWU offer online coursework designed for working adults. Teachers can continue teaching while completing graduate coursework from home.

WWU’s accelerated course options also allow many teachers to complete their degree in as little as one year.

Brooks Hill explained how impactful that flexibility was:

“ABCTE’s partnership with William Woods University gave me the opportunity to achieve something I had not seriously considered before: earning a master’s degree. The flexibility of the program allowed me to complete my degree in just one year, while the dedicated support from each of my instructors challenged me to grow as a teacher and inspired more student-centered ideas for my courses, because students are ultimately who matter most.”

Real Classroom Impact

Teachers involved in the program consistently describe how the experience strengthens their classroom instruction and confidence as educators.

Taylor Geary shared how the partnership connected theory to real classroom practice:

“ABCTE supported my Curriculum and Instruction degree by providing practical, classroom-focused learning that helped me connect educational theory to real teaching practice. It strengthened my instructional planning skills and gave me confidence in designing effective lessons.”

Mandy Cleem, a Special Education Strategist nearing completion of the program, also emphasized the support and practical value she experienced throughout the process.

“This partnership has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills that I can immediately apply in my classroom, and I feel more confident in my abilities as an educator because of it.”

She continued:

“The program is thoughtfully designed and easy to navigate, which made balancing coursework with my other responsibilities very manageable. Throughout the process, the staff has been incredibly supportive, responsive, and always willing to answer questions or provide guidance when needed.”

Why This Opportunity Matters

American Board was created to remove barriers for talented individuals who want to become teachers. This partnership continues that mission by creating an innovative pathway beyond certification itself.

Instead of viewing alternative certification as separate from graduate education, the WWU partnership recognizes the value of the work teachers have already completed and rewards that effort with graduate credit.

For teachers considering a Master’s in Education, that can mean:

• saving thousands of dollars in tuition,
• reducing time to graduation,
• continuing to work while earning a degree,
• and building stronger instructional and leadership skills for the classroom.

Most importantly, it gives teachers an opportunity to continue growing professionally while continuing to serve students.

For educators looking to take the next step in their career, this partnership creates a pathway that is flexible, affordable, and uniquely designed with working teachers in mind.

Get started with American Board today.