Prentice Garrett-Cooper only planned to take a few courses, but one certificate turned into a full master’s degree.
She was teaching full time, raising her daughter, and looking for a way to grow in her career without putting everything on hold.
“I saw UL Lafayette’s certificate programs and thought, ‘Oh, I’ll do that... It’s only a few credit hours. Super fun, easy, quick,’” Garrett-Cooper says. “I liked the online format and that I could still pursue my career goals.”
She enrolled in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching program expecting a flexible way to sharpen her skills.
But the more she learned, the clearer it became — she was just getting started.
“I was in the last class for the certificate when I realized how useful the master’s program would be,” she says. “I 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.”
So, Garrett-Cooper went all in, applying her credits from 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’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Specialist, degree gave her flexibility without losing support or quality.
“It let me get through my workday and still be present for my daughter,” she says. “I’d take her to practice and sit in the parking lot to do my coursework.”
Even though she studied online, she never felt isolated. Assignments were easy to find, and professors were quick to respond.
“The professors were prepared, knowledgeable, and easy to get a hold of. Nothing felt out of reach,” she says. “I didn’t 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’t.”
Garrett-Cooper says the thoughtful feedback she received helped her grow as an educator.
“They weren’t just writing comments on my work to say they did. They’d give feedback like, ‘You’re starting off really well, but it’s too broad. Narrow the scope. What aligns better with your focus?’ It actually contributed to my growth.”
Taking Coursework to the Classroom
Garrett-Cooper didn’t 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 on both a district and statewide level.
In August 2024, she was contracted by the Louisiana Department of Education to serve as a teacher leader advisor.
“UL Lafayette gave me the skills to do that job more effectively. I was able to evaluate how curriculum is built and what it requires to be delivered in schools across the state,” she says.
At the same time, she was supporting fellow educators in her district with methods 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.
“Imagine trying to teach an English literature concept to a classroom with so many languages,” she says. “It was interesting to learn how second language learners need different kinds of support and strategies.”
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 peers, Garrett-Cooper is already influencing education beyond her classroom.
Now, she feels ready for the next step as she explores leadership opportunities.
“I know education is where my future is,” she says. “I enjoy how much I’ve grown as an educator, and I’m excited to see what’s next.”
Her advice for anyone considering UL Lafayette’s online M.Ed. program? Come in with discipline.
“Be ready to manage yourself. Good time management, a planner, and clear communication with professors will make all the difference,” she says.
Ready to level up your teaching career? Learn more about our online Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction program.
