Aspiring Leander ISD teachers now have the option to earn their master's of education degree with a specialization in education administration through a unique partnership with Concordia University Texas.

The new LISD Aspiring Leader Curriculum offers district-specific coursework to groom students to progress in their careers with a distinctly LISD-oriented approach.

“Partnering with a local school district to ensure a relevant education for their up and coming leaders makes perfect sense for Concordia and its mission,” Concordia University Texas President and CEO Donald Christian said in a statement.

LISD aspiring leaders will take their courses at Cedar Park High School, while learning from Concordia University faculty and members of the LISD leadership team.

Naumann Elementary’s Keith Morgan is teaching the first course and LISD Superintendent Dan Troxell is teaching later in the program.

“The Aspiring Leader Program is specially designed to meet the needs of individual students within a friendly community of classmates all focused on professional development,” Troxell said in a statement. “Because public education evolves quickly, the fact that the faculty and curriculum stem from the current school environment really matters.”

Vandegrift High School’s Kristin Slonsky received a $2500 scholarship from Viper Nation Education Foundation to use for the program.

Students will complete a campus-specific project on school and district improvement and growth. LISD specific exercises and issues will be integrated into all of the curriculum.