Southeast Missouri State University and Cape Girardeau Public Schools signed an agreement today to form a partnership to increase access for the district’s employees to the University’s educational programs, cultural arts, athletics, and recreational activities.
Through the partnership the school district will promote SEMO to district employees to further their education. Faculty and staff at the Cape Public Schools will receive a tuition discount for online undergraduate, graduate, or pathways for paraprofessionals programs at SEMO.
“SEMO values its partnerships with our local school districts immensely for the work they do in preparing students for their futures,” said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. “We are pleased to build a community of lifelong learners and serve as the partner for the employees of Cape Public Schools to further their own education.
“We approached SEMO about a partnership because we believe deeply in the quality of the University’s educational offerings,” said Dr. Howard Benyon, Cape Public Schools superintendent. “We feel confident in promoting a SEMO education to our faculty and staff and know that education will benefit the District and our students.”
Quality Education Choice for Teachers
SEMO was named the 144th best overall online bachelor’s program of more than 1,800 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs. SEMO’s online master’s in education was recognized specifically on the list of best programs as well. The University offers more than 20 online programs in education. In 2022, SEMO was recognized for the third time as an Apple Distinguished School for its integration of Apple technology in the education programs and EDvolution® Center.
“Southeast Missouri State began over 150 years ago as a teachers’ college,” said Vargas. “Much has changed since our beginning, but one thing remains the same: we prepare teachers well. We look forward to helping our partners at Cape Public Schools pursue their degrees, advance their careers and support their students.”
Eligible degree programs are available fully online for maximum flexibility, and employees can take advantage of the partnership as early as the 2024 fall semester beginning Aug. 19.
District employees will also receive discounts for River Campus events and memberships at SEMO Recreation Center in addition to Cape Schools themed nights at athletics events through the partnership. In addition, prospective students may be eligible to receive credits through SEMO’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program for professional experience already obtained.
To learn more about SEMO’s education programs, the partnership, or advancing your career, visit the partnership page or contact southeastonline@semo.edu or (573) 651-2766. Applying to SEMO is easy with no application fee. Visit semo.edu/apply.