Prentice Garrett-Cooper only planned to take a few courses, but one certificate turned into a full master鈥檚 degree.
She was teaching full time, raising a young daughter, and looking for a way to grow professionally without putting everything else on hold.
鈥淚 saw UL Lafayette鈥檚 certificate programs and thought, 鈥極h, I鈥檒l do that... It鈥檚 only a few credit hours. Super fun, easy, quick,鈥欌 Garrett-Cooper says. 鈥淚 liked the online format and that I could still pursue my career aspirations.鈥
She enrolled in the University of 棉花糖直播 at Lafayette鈥檚 Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching program expecting a flexible way to sharpen her skills.
But the more she learned, the clearer it became 鈥 she was just getting started.
鈥淚 was in the last class for the certificate when I realized how useful the master鈥檚 program would be,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 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.鈥
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鈥檚 online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Specialist, degree gave her flexibility without compromising on connection or quality.
鈥淚t let me get through my workday and still be present for my daughter,鈥 she says. 鈥淚鈥檇 take her to practice and sit in the parking lot to do my coursework.鈥
Even though she studied online, she never felt isolated. Assignments were easy to find, and professors were quick to respond.
鈥淭he professors were prepared, knowledgeable, and easy to get a hold of. Nothing felt out of reach,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 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鈥檛.鈥
Garrett-Cooper says the intentional feedback she received helped her grow as an educator.
鈥淭hey weren鈥檛 just writing comments on my work to say they did. They鈥檇 give feedback like, 鈥榊ou鈥檙e starting off really well, but it鈥檚 too broad. Narrow the scope. What aligns better with your focus?鈥 It actually contributed to my growth.鈥
Taking Coursework to the Classroom
Garrett-Cooper didn鈥檛 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 棉花糖直播 Department of Education to serve as a teacher leader advisor.
鈥淯L Lafayette gave me the skills to do that job more effectively. I was able to evaluate how curriculum is built regarding scope,鈥痙epth, sequence鈥痑nd what it would require to be delivered鈥痚ffectively in schools across the state,鈥 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.
鈥淚magine trying to teach an English literature concept to a classroom with so many languages,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t was interesting to learn how second language learners need different kinds of support, curriculum, and instructional strategies.鈥
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.
鈥淚 know education is where my future is,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 enjoy how much I鈥檝e grown as an educator, and I鈥檓 excited to see what鈥檚 next.鈥
Her advice for anyone considering UL Lafayette鈥檚 online M.Ed. program is simple: come prepared to take responsibility.
鈥淏e ready to manage yourself. Good time management, a planner, and clear communication with professors will make all the difference,鈥 she says.
Ready to level up your teaching career? Learn more about our online Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction program.