WACO, Texas — February 5, 2026 — Baylor University’s Moody School of Education has launched a new collaborative initiative with Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD) to enhance access to high-quality graduate education for the district’s educators. This effort is part of the Moody School of Education’s broader strategic plan to cultivate meaningful relationships with school districts and educational organizations across Texas, connecting educators with advanced scholarship opportunities that support lifelong learning and professional growth.

Through this new arrangement, DSISD employees will receive streamlined access to graduate education at Moody School of Education, including a range of benefits designed to support working professionals. In addition to highly competitive scholarships for existing residential and hybrid programs, Dripping Springs ISD educators are now eligible for additional scholarships to pursue Baylor’s expanding portfolio of online programs. For online programs, they are eligible to receive:

• A 10% scholarship for Baylor’s new MS in Learning Design and Technology program, or corresponding certificates
• An 8% Priority Enrollment Scholarship for Baylor’s award-winning online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Learning and Organizational Change Program
• Waived application fee for all programs housed in the Department of Professional Online Learning
• Consideration for graduate transfer credit, subject to program approval.
• Credit-by-assessment opportunities based on prior professional learning, subject to program approval.

Located less than 25 miles from Austin in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Dripping Springs ISD serves approximately 8,800 students across nine campuses. The district has experienced rapid growth—more than 3,000 students over the past decade—and is consistently recognized for academic excellence at the regional, state, and national levels. In 2025, three DSISD campuses received an A rating in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability system, and all campuses scored 87 or higher. Niche.com also ranked DSISD among the top 25 school districts in Texas in 2025.

“At Dripping Springs ISD, we believe investing in our educators and staff is one of the most powerful ways to invest in our students,” said Andrea Dring, District Recruiter at Dripping Springs ISD. “This collaboration with Baylor University expands access to high-quality graduate learning opportunities that support professional growth, leadership development, and long-term career pathways for our staff. Partnerships like this help us attract, develop, and retain exceptional educators who are committed to making a lasting impact in our schools.”

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.

“This initiative is an exciting step in our broader strategy to deepen Baylor’s engagement with school districts across the state,” said Dr. Terrill Saxon, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at Baylor School of Education. “Dripping Springs ISD is a district that values innovation, student success, and educator development—qualities that align closely with Baylor’s mission. We are grateful for the opportunity to support DSISD educators as they access graduate programs designed to prepare leaders who will shape the future of education.”

Baylor University holds R1 status and has earned national recognition for academic excellence and student success. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Baylor among the nation’s top college learning communities, and TIME Magazine recently named Baylor one of the country’s best universities for future leaders.

This collaboration reflects the Moody School of Education’s ongoing mission to support educators through transformative learning experiences rooted in research, community engagement, and global perspectives. Guided by Christian values, the School strives to prepare professionals who lead with integrity and drive meaningful change in their communities.

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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.

ABOUT BAYLOR MOODY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

For more than 100 years, the Moody School of Education has advanced Baylor’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.