Prentice Garrett-Cooper only planned to take a few courses, but one certificate turned into a full master小蝌蚪APP檚 degree.
She was teaching full time, raising a young daughter, and looking for a way to grow professionally without putting everything else on hold.
小蝌蚪APP淚 saw UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 certificate programs and thought, 小蝌蚪APP極h, I小蝌蚪APP檒l do that... It小蝌蚪APP檚 only a few credit hours. Super fun, easy, quick,小蝌蚪APP櫺◎蝌紸PP Garrett-Cooper says. 小蝌蚪APP淚 liked the online format and that I could still pursue my career aspirations.小蝌蚪APP
She enrolled in the 小蝌蚪APP小蝌蚪APP檚 Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching program expecting a flexible way to sharpen her skills.
But the more she learned, the clearer it became 小蝌蚪APP she was just getting started.
小蝌蚪APP淚 was in the last class for the certificate when I realized how useful the master小蝌蚪APP檚 program would be,小蝌蚪APP she says. 小蝌蚪APP淚 wanted to have the skills to build a curriculum, effectively deliver it, and guide others in delivering it. So, I decided I'm just going to finish the degree.小蝌蚪APP
So, Garrett-Cooper went all in, applying the credits she earned in the certificate program to the online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and gained the tools to lead instructional change on a larger scale.
A Program Built for Busy Educators
As a full-time teacher and mom, Garrett-Cooper needed a graduate program that respected her time. UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Specialist, degree gave her flexibility without compromising on connection or quality.
小蝌蚪APP淚t let me get through my workday and still be present for my daughter,小蝌蚪APP she says. 小蝌蚪APP淚小蝌蚪APP檇 take her to practice and sit in the parking lot to do my coursework.小蝌蚪APP
Even though she studied online, she never felt isolated. Assignments were easy to find, and professors were quick to respond.
小蝌蚪APP淭he professors were prepared, knowledgeable, and easy to get a hold of. Nothing felt out of reach,小蝌蚪APP she says. 小蝌蚪APP淚 didn小蝌蚪APP檛 feel different because I was an online student. It was like I was going to a brick-and-mortar campus every day, even though I wasn小蝌蚪APP檛.小蝌蚪APP
Garrett-Cooper says the intentional feedback she received helped her grow as an educator.
小蝌蚪APP淭hey weren小蝌蚪APP檛 just writing comments on my work to say they did. They小蝌蚪APP檇 give feedback like, 小蝌蚪APP榊ou小蝌蚪APP檙e starting off really well, but it小蝌蚪APP檚 too broad. Narrow the scope. What aligns better with your focus?小蝌蚪APP It actually contributed to my growth.小蝌蚪APP
Taking Coursework to the Classroom
Garrett-Cooper didn小蝌蚪APP檛 have to wait until graduation to put her new skills to use. As she progressed through the program, she applied what she was learning both in her district and on a statewide level.
In August 2024, she was contracted by the Louisiana Department of Education to serve as a teacher leader advisor.
小蝌蚪APP淯L Lafayette gave me the skills to do that job more effectively. I was able to evaluate how curriculum is built regarding scope,小蝌蚪APP痙epth, sequence小蝌蚪APP痑nd what it would require to be delivered小蝌蚪APP痚ffectively in schools across the state,小蝌蚪APP she says.
At the same time, she was supporting fellow educators in her district, sharing strategies and feedback drawn from her coursework.
One course, EDCI 576: Supporting Classroom Instruction, gave her the chance to complete hands-on observation hours in another classroom. She chose to observe an ESL class, where students spoke a mix of French, Arabic, Spanish, and Mandarin.
小蝌蚪APP淚magine trying to teach an English literature concept to a classroom with so many languages,小蝌蚪APP she says. 小蝌蚪APP淚t was interesting to learn how second language learners need different kinds of support, curriculum, and instructional strategies.小蝌蚪APP
That experience helped her adapt her own approach to instruction and prepared her to guide others in doing the same.
Looking Ahead: Leading with Confidence
With experience across grade levels and a passion for helping her peers, Garrett-Cooper is already influencing education beyond her own classroom.
Now, she feels ready for the next step as she explores leadership opportunities.
小蝌蚪APP淚 know education is where my future is,小蝌蚪APP she says. 小蝌蚪APP淚 enjoy how much I小蝌蚪APP檝e grown as an educator, and I小蝌蚪APP檓 excited to see what小蝌蚪APP檚 next.小蝌蚪APP
Her advice for anyone considering UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 online M.Ed. program is simple: come prepared to take responsibility.
小蝌蚪APP淏e ready to manage yourself. Good time management, a planner, and clear communication with professors will make all the difference,小蝌蚪APP she says.
Ready to level up your teaching career? Learn more about our online Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction program.
