The NEA Academy Partners With Three Premier Institutions to Offer Online Master's Degree Programs

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Education Association (NEA) Academy  has partnered with UMassOnline, Western Governors University and Walden University to provide Master's of Education degrees to NEA members.

The agreement creates the first master's degree program offered through strategic alliances with the NEA. It adds to the Academy's extensive offerings of professional learning opportunities available to the association's 3.2 million members through the NEA Academy.

The three institutions were selected after a lengthy research process into over 110 online Master's of Education degree programs with key stakeholder input. Through the partnerships, NEA members will receive 5 to 20 percent discounts on courses, special access to NEA member-only scholarships, and have some fees waived.

"Our mission is to create programs that make the personal and professional lives of members better. This includes providing convenient access to the lifelong learning opportunities we know educators seek out. These partnerships and this program reflect the NEA's commitment to helping educators master their craft," said Lily Eskelsen, vice president of the National Education Association. "We are pleased to provide affordable, anytime, anywhere access to degree programs through UMassOnline, Western Governors University and Walden University."

UMassOnline

Established in 2001 to serve community educational needs and increase quality, affordability and an internationally recognized education, UMassOnline provides access to the high-quality programs offered by the University of Massachusetts' Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell or Worcester campuses. Through the agreement, NEA members have access to 15 different master's programs and can save up to $2,730.

"UMassOnline is honored by this selection by the NEA Academy," said Dr. Ken Udas, UMassOnline Chief Executive Officer. "Our ten-year history of consecutive double digit growth on the strength of tremendous online programs developed and taught by our on-campus faculty positions the University of Massachusetts, among the other partners, to provide substantial value to NEA members."

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is the nation's only non-profit, all-online university. WGU's NCATE-approved Teachers College, which has nearly 10,000 students in all 50 states, is flexible, affordable, and student-focused. NEA members have access to 15 master's degree programs, including some with options for licensure. With member discounts, the cost for a two-year degree program at WGU is approximately $11,000. In addition, WGU's competency-based academic model allows students to accelerate, making it possible for them to complete their degrees more quickly, further reducing tuition costs. Members are also eligible to apply for one of 30 WGU-NEA Academy Scholarships awarded annually and valued at up to $1,200.

"Western Governors University was founded by 19 U.S. governors with the mission to make quality higher education more accessible and affordable for working adults," said WGU President Robert Mendenhall. "Our Teachers College offers respected, accredited programs that will allow NEA members to enhance their skills and knowledge as well as advance their careers."

Walden University

Walden University's Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership is dedicated to increasing teacher effectiveness and student achievement by connecting its students with nationally recognized education experts, researchers and scholars.  Walden is offering NEA members the opportunity to choose between two master's degrees—M.S. in Education or M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology—that include more than 15 specializations to help teachers meet their personal and professional goals. Through the partnership with the NEA Academy, members can receive a 10% tuition reduction and gain access to $100,000 per year in NEA member scholarships.

"Walden's 40-year legacy of educating educators has created a community of students and alumni who are leaders in our classrooms and schools across the country and around the world. We are proud to partner with the NEA Academy to offer opportunities for educators and administrators to grow professionally so they can continue making a difference in the lives of countless others," said Dr. Kate Steffens, dean of the Riley College of Education and Leadership.

For additional information about the partnership between the NEA Academy and Walden University, Western Governors University and UMassOnline please visit:

www.neaacademy.org

About the NEA Academy & NEA Member Benefits

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. The NEA Academy is the professional learning group developed to support educators with the highest quality online programs and is dedicated to meeting the professional needs of teachers and education support professionals.

NEA MB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NEA charged with bringing additional value to Association membership by providing financial products and solutions tailored for NEA members and their families.

SOURCE NEA Academy