Advance School District and Southeast Missouri State University Join Forces to Advance Educational Opportunities for Local Educators

Through SEMO Educators Advantage, Advance R-IV faculty and staff will benefit from a tuition discount on SEMO's online programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and pathways for paraprofessionals programs. This support enables educators to elevate their qualifications affordably and conveniently, ultimately benefiting the district's students and broader community.

"Advance School District is excited about this opportunity to partner with SEMO," said Superintendent Shannon Garner. "Southeast has historically been known for its teacher education programs and has always been on the cutting edge in developing teachers for the Southeast Missouri area. This partnership will encourage our teachers to continue their educational opportunities at SEMO and hopefully provide opportunities to our classified staff to pursue a degree in education or other areas of higher ed."

SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas emphasized the University's commitment to partnerships and supporting local schools.

"We're excited to welcome Advance Schools to the SEMO Educators Advantage program," Dr. Vargas said. "At SEMO, we believe in the power of education to transform communities, and we're honored to support the development and success of educators in the Advance area. Together, we are investing in the future of students and educators alike."

The Educators Advantage program is part of SEMO's broader commitment to educational excellence and workforce development across the region. By building partnerships with school districts like Advance, SEMO is making higher education more accessible and affordable for educators, ultimately supporting student achievement and advancing community growth. To learn more about SEMO's programs and the Educators Advantage initiative, visit semo.edu/online.