Norman Morgan has been teaching science for 23 years. Now, he's working on his master's degree.

"It was interesting to go back. I forgot what it was like to be a student," said Morgan.

Teachers, like Morgan, can earn a master's degree in education through a partnership between Eanes ISD and Texas State University, San Marcos.

And every new teacher will have to earn a master's degree within eight years of being hired. About half of tuition and books will be paid for through the partnership program. The rest will be paid for by the student.

"For just the master's itself -- not counting travel expenses -- $5,000, $6,000," said Morgan.

And with every new teacher earning a $2,000 stipend for having a master's degree, the school board knows its overall teacher salary will take a dramatic increase.

"It's going to be difficult, but this is what we think impacts student learning to the greatest degree," said Robert Durkee, Eanes school board member.

Of the 560 teachers in the district, 32 percent already have a master's degree. Many parents believe that advanced degree is worth it.

"They get a little more education, a little more wisdom. Maybe they're parents themselves by that point, or maybe they're married. Just everything together -- just what makes an MBA more attractive than a business degree," said Patty Stone.

But that commitment and money may be too much for some teachers. Morgan has already seen some of his colleagues question their commitment.

"I think there's a possibility that there are some teachers that will come here and look at it and say, 'Well, I've got eight years - if I don't get it in eight years, I'll move on,'" said Morgan.