Dual Credit Faculty Expansion Project (DCFEP)
Alamo Colleges is proud to offer the opportunity for high school teachers to earn graduate-level coursework required to teach dual credit classes at the high school and college level.
About the DCFEP
The Alamo Colleges Dual Credit Faculty Expansion Project (DCFEP) helps meet the growing demand for dual credit courses by addressing a key barrier: a shortage of credentialed instructors. Through the partnership, eligible high school teachers can earn graduate-level credit hours to meet the qualifications to become dual credit instructors. As a credentialed dual credit instructor, participating teachers will expand access to college-level learning and strengthen college-readiness for students in our community. The overarching goal is to ensure that more students graduate having earned at least 15 or more hours of dual credit coursework, thereby enhancing college readiness and accelerating postsecondary success.
Level Up Your Credentials
100% Online Asynchronous
Intentionally designed for flexibility to balance your job, family, and education on your own schedule with fully online, self-paced, and highly accessible learning.
Minimal Out-of-Pocket Costs
Through the DCFEP, a teaching commitment removes the financial barrier covering tuition and fees to make graduate coursework accessible.
Elevate Your Teaching & Grow Professionally
Grow professionally by integrating college-level standards, enhancing instructional skills, and supporting diverse learners, making a lasting impact on student success.
The Pathways to Faculty Eligibility
The Dual Credit Faculty Expansion Project (DCFEP) offers two credentialing pathways for adjunct faculty eligibility aligned with the standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which require a master’s degree with at least 18 graduate-level credit hours in the teaching discipline.
Teachers who already hold a master’s degree and teaching certification can meet this requirement by completing 18 specific content hours in English, History, or Political Science through a 12-month cohort-based program.
For teachers with a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate, the program offers a 24-month pathway to earn a full master’s degree with embedded content in one of the approved disciplines.
Both options are delivered in a supportive cohort model designed to accommodate educators’ professional schedules.
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Participation Requirements
School District Commitments:
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Teacher Commitments:
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Tuition & Fees
Alamo College District will pay all tuition and fees associated with prescribed coursework for participating teachers nominated by a school district that has executed a DCFEP MOU.
Instructional materials and supplies (materials, books, etc.) are not included in the DCFEP Program. Some school districts may pay for course instructional materials.
Teachers who fail to complete the instructional program or fail to meet the teaching requirements may be subject to repayment of up to $5,500.00 of tuition and fee expenses to their school district, as per DCFEP agreements.
DCFEP District Information Sessions
Is your district interested in DCFEP?
The Alamo Colleges District High School Programs will host two online zoom meetings to help answer questions from prospective districts who are interested in participating in DCFEP. Each session will be open to area district applicants. Attending information sessions is not a requirement for participation.
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DCFEP Information Session #3 Date: Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 |
Application Process
- Step 1: December 1, 2025 - School District lead academic official submits a signed DCFEP District Commitment Form.
- Step 2: December 1, 2025 – January 30, 2026 - School Districts collect DCFEP Teacher Interest Forms and determine applicant nominations
- Step 3: January 30, 2026 - School District submits a completed Dual Credit Faculty Expansion Project Implementation Plan for all candidates.
- Step 4: February 20, 2026 - Alamo Colleges District reviews Implementation Plans and identifies teachers to participate in Cohort 2026.
- Step 5: February 27, 2026 - School Districts and participating teachers are notified of acceptance.
- Step 6: March 20, 2026 – Deadline for participating teachers to complete teacher information form, signed commitment form with school district, FERPA Release, and transcripts.
- Step 7: March 27, 2026 – Deadline for School Districts to finalize Dual Credit Faculty Expansion Project MOU.
- Step 8: April 6-15, 2026 – Participating teachers invited to apply for graduate coursework program.
- Step: 9: April 16-24, 2026 - Alternates invited to apply for remaining open seats by discipline.
- Step 10: May 1, 2026 - Deadline for all participants to complete the enrollment process for DCFEP with St. Mary’s University.
- Step 11: June 2, 2026 - All enrolled participants attend mandatory orientation for Summer I courses.
DCFEP Primary Contact
Abel R. Gonzales, Ph.D.
District Director of Early College High School Program and Partnerships
Email: agonzales106@alamo.edu
DCFEP Announcement
Alamo Colleges Partnership
Alamo Colleges District is proud to partner with Northside ISD and St. Mary’s University through a cooperative agreement where Northwest Vista College funds specific graduate-level courses at St. Mary’s University that meet dual credit credentialing requirements.
