schools
Southwest University to launch teacher preparation program amid El Paso schools’ enrollment decline
By Daniel Perez at El Paso Matters
· June 22, 2026
· 9 min read
El Paso County is projected to have nearly 9,000 fewer pre-K-12 students by 2030, but Southwest University is betting the region still needs more teachers with special training.
The private, for-profit university plans to launch a new College of Education in August, arguing that persistent dem...
Key takeaway Jeremy Burciaga, vice president of Southwest University, speaks about the university’s new three-year teacher education degree, April 6, 2026.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The launch of Southwest University's College of Education comes at a critical time for El Paso schools, which are grappling with enrollment declines and financial struggles. While the region is projected to have nearly 9,000 fewer pre-K-12 students by 2030, the demand for specialized teachers, particularly in bilingual and special education, remains steady. This program has the potential to fill a crucial gap in the local education system, providing non-traditional students with the training and support they need to become effective teachers. As public school districts like El Paso Independent School District and Ysleta ISD navigate layoffs and staffing reductions, Southwest University's program could help ensure that area schools have access to a pipeline of qualified, specially trained teachers. By targeting adults in their 30s and 40s, the university may also be able to tap into a pool of candidates who are deeply rooted in the community and invested in its educational outcomes.
About this story
Original reporting by El Paso Matters . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit El Paso Matters . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: El Paso Matters ·
Reading time: 9 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? El Paso County is projected to have nearly 9,000 fewer pre-K-12 students by 2030, but Southwest University is betting the region still needs more teachers with special training.
The private, for-profit university plans to launch a new College of Education in August, arguing that persistent dem...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by El Paso Matters and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Daniel Perez at El Paso Matters. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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