High school students across Texas are increasingly interested in earning college credit before graduation. However, school districts face a growing obstacle: a shortage of qualified teachers to lead those courses.
According to Dr. Ruthanne "Rudi" Thompson, executive director of the University of North Texas' President's Initiative for Community College Dual Credit Partnerships, an estimated 15% gap exists between student demand for dual credit courses and the number of qualified instructors.
To address this shortage, the University of North Texas launched its Dual Credit Network, a statewide initiative helping educators earn graduate credentials while strengthening partnerships between community colleges and school districts.
What is UNT's Dual Credit Network?
Unlike traditional dual credit programs, UNT's network does not directly teach high school students. Instead, it supports community colleges and school districts by expanding the pool of qualified instructors and providing ongoing professional support.
The network focuses on four primary goals:
Teacher credentials: Offer master’s degree programs requiring 30 credit hours and graduate academic certificates requiring 18 credit hours in high-demand subjects. Online graduate academic certificate options currently include English and history.
Peer-to-peer support: Connect teachers, UNT faculty and administrators through monthly virtual meetings to discuss classroom challenges, teaching strategies and emerging topics.
Professional development: Provide a two-and-a-half-day summer training program focused on helping students develop a growth mindset and adjust to college-level expectations.
Student connections: Invite dual credit students to UNT's campus each summer to experience university life and build connections, particularly among students from rural communities.
"Our primary goal is to serve community colleges, their partner school districts and ultimately their students, by acting as the connection point," Thompson said.
Why is the network needed?
To teach dual credit, educators generally need a master's degree in their teaching subject or a master's degree in another field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in the subject they teach, depending on the community college's requirements.
With fewer qualified teachers than interested students, some community colleges must send faculty to high schools or offer courses online.
Thompson said research suggests students taught by embedded dual credit teachers, or instructors employed by their high schools, are more likely to complete a four-year degree.
By strengthening the teacher pipeline, UNT hopes to expand access to college coursework while helping students save time and money.
"When students can complete one to two years of college while still in high school, in conjunction with a regional community college, they can transfer to a four-year university and need only two to three years to complete their degree," Thompson said.
How can teachers participate?
The network has 36 statewide partners, including Weatherford College, Grayson College, South Plains College and Collin College.
To help make graduate credentials more accessible, UNT offers several financial assistance options:
Moody Foundation grant: A $1.87 million grant supports graduate coursework and professional development for at least 125 rural educators.
Community college partnerships: Institutions such as Collin College may cover tuition for teachers who agree to teach for the college.
Discounted tuition: Eligible high school teachers pursuing dual credit credentials independently may qualify for a 20% tuition discount through UNT.
Thompson said UNT also plans to expand its graduate offerings beyond English and history to include mathematics, government, economics, sciences and other subjects.
How can educators get involved?
Teachers and school administrators interested in joining can visit president.unt.edu/dcn to explore graduate programs, learn about financial assistance and complete an interest form.
Through its graduate programs, online certificate options and professional development opportunities, UNT aims to support educators in urban and rural communities and expand access to college-level coursework.
"Our Dual Credit Network will serve to fill an incredible void for dual credit teachers by giving them opportunities to collaborate with counterparts across the state," Thompson said.
Frequently asked questions
What is UNT's Dual Credit Network?
The University of North Texas' Dual Credit Network is a statewide initiative helping high school teachers earn credentials to teach college-level courses. It offers graduate programs, select online graduate academic certificates, professional development and networking opportunities through partnerships with community colleges and school districts.
What qualifications do Texas teachers need to teach dual credit?
Texas dual credit teachers generally need a master's degree in their teaching subject or a master's degree in another field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in the subject they teach. Additional requirements depend on the partnering college.
Does UNT offer financial assistance for dual credit teachers?
Yes. UNT offers financial assistance through a $1.87 million Moody Foundation grant supporting eligible rural educators, community college partnerships and a 20% tuition discount for qualifying high school teachers.
How does UNT's Dual Credit Network benefit Texas students?
UNT's Dual Credit Network expands access to college-level courses by helping more teachers become qualified to teach dual credit. These opportunities can help students earn college credits before graduation, reduce tuition costs and complete degrees sooner.
How can teachers join UNT's Dual Credit Network?
Texas educators can visit president.unt.edu/dcn to complete an interest form, explore graduate programs and learn about financial assistance. The network supports eligible educators statewide, including those in rural school districts.
