Savannah R3 providing Master’s Cohorts program for current teachers

SAVANNAH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Savannah R3 Superintendent Dr. Brian Hansen has introduced a Master's Cohorts program to retain teachers in the district and enhance student learning. The initiative seeks to strengthen the district by focusing on teacher retention and student achievement.

In partnership with Central Methodist University and North Central Missouri College's Savannah Campus, Savannah R3 offers its teachers a free Master's Cohorts Program in Education. Teachers only pay for required class materials.

The program provides teachers with a chance to further their education, deepen connections within the district, and benefit from classes often led by administrators. The ultimate goal is to help teachers improve their instructional skills and, consequently, student success.

Since joining Savannah R3 in summer 2024, Hansen has consistently focused on initiatives that directly improve students' educational experiences, including this new program.

"Teacher shortages are widely recognized. We must find ways to support teachers and foster a culture where they want to remain in our district," Hansen said. "At the same time, enhancing student achievement remains a priority. By launching a master's program in education for our teachers, we aim to address these priorities concurrently."

Currently, the first group includes 10 teachers, each committed to remaining at Savannah R3 for 5 years while completing the 2-year program. This ensures the district benefits from their enhanced skills during and after their studies.

Savannah High School Physical Education and Health Teacher Blake Deal is among those benefiting from the opportunity to advance his professional skills. Deal said he undertook the program to improve his teaching and serve as an inspiration to students.

"People think I'm going to roll out the ball all day, you know, not do a whole lot. We have something going on up here, and we try to show that we have some brains," Deal told KQ2. "What we're doing is important. I think not just people looking at me, but looking at other (teachers). I don't know how they work, you know, I don't see them every day. So seeing little things here and there they do in their classroom can help all of us."

Similarly, Amie Whipple, a longtime 5th-grade teacher at Minnie Cline Elementary School, appreciates the opportunity to connect with fellow educators through the program.

"I'm one of the quiet ones, and this took me out of my comfort zone—applying, going through the process, and starting classes. But I’m grateful for it," Whipple said. "It puts me in a position to learn and grow. After 18 years of teaching, I can find new ways to teach and bring fresh ideas to my classroom."

For more information about the Savannah R3 School District and the opportunities it provides, click here.