SEMO, Jackson schools team up to offer tuition discounts, more for educators

Southeast Missouri State University president Carlos Vargas, left, and Jackson School District superintendent Scott Smith sign a partnership agreement during a news conference Friday, Aug. 30, at Jackson High School in Jackson.

J.C. Reeves ~ jcreeves@semissourian.com

Southeast Missouri State University president Carlos Vargas and Jackson School District superintendent Scott Smith signed an agreement Friday, Aug. 30, at Jackson High School’s Ignite Center to increase access for district employees to SEMO’s educational programs, cultural arts, athletics and recreational activities.

The program, known as SEMO Educators Advantage, will offer a 20% tuition discount to district faculty and staff for online undergraduate, graduate or pathways for paraprofessionals programs at SEMO.

“SEMO has a responsibility to provide educational opportunities for Southeast Missouri in particular,” Vargas said. “As you all know, historically, we started being a teacher's college, and so the very important responsibility we have is to be able to help teachers improve. Not only to produce teachers but also to give them an opportunity to continue to develop.”

During the news conference, Vargas praised Jackson students who attend SEMO, saying they “perform well” at the university.

“We receive many of your students, actually, who enter university through the Early College Program, or direct from when they finish high school,” Vargas said. “They perform really well, so we're also very pleased to see every time a Jackson student comes, we are excited.”

Smith emphasized the importance of having quality educators within the school district. Smith said furthering employees' education will also benefit the district’s students.

“I think it's very important for us as educators and leaders in the community, and in the area, to think about our education and make sure we have quality educators,” Smith said, “that they have the skills necessary to be successful no matter what district they're in. …

“Here at Jackson, our students have the opportunity to obtain their CORE 42 credits through dual credits through SEMO, and that's phenomenal, I feel. That's due to our teachers having high-quality standards, and a lot of them obtain those right here at SEMO.”

Similar to the partnership between SEMO and Cape Girardeau Public Schools, Jackson employees will also receive discounts for River Campus and athletic events, as well as memberships at the recreation center. Additionally, SEMO and Jackson will work to build a “Grow Your Own Teacher” program, which aims to attract students and non-certified school staff to the teaching profession, within the district.

“I'm very proud that Jackson has always had a good partnership with SEMO,” Smith said. “I feel like we've had this partnership for years, but just to be able to enhance that partnership is phenomenal.”