Because of UL LafayetteСAPPs reputation across Louisiana as a leader in education and teaching, Malani Hoffpauir knew she wanted to earn her degree here.
СAPPThe program was what I expected and more. It challenged me in the areas I wasnСAPPt expecting, but every challenge was met with somebody who was there to support me, as well,СAPP Malani said.
СAPPI never felt hopeless. I always had a professor to depend on when I needed clarification or questions or extra help СAPP they were always there. TheyСAPPre making sure that their students feel taken care of.СAPP
Malani knew her education degree from UL Lafayette would set her up for success.
СAPPMy major reason for picking UL Lafayette was because of what it means to be an education grad from UL Lafayette,СAPP she said. СAPPIt means something to those looking to hire teachers.
СAPPTalking to other teachers about secondary education, they talked about how UL Lafayette holds their education students to a higher standard СAPP and it means something when your teacher would go through the work to be a true professional in the career that you want.СAPP
Malani majored in secondary education and teaching because of the deep connections you can form with older students.
СAPPI love children of all ages, but thereСAPPs just something about me that I have a need to discuss deep problems or deep topics with a student,СAPP she said. СAPPI had really fantastic teachers in high school and they had us do projects that affected our community, and I wanted to be able to do that. I like developing their growth mindset and talking to them about their communities and how to change their communities for the better.СAPP
Her student teaching experiences in the solidified her choice and career path.
СAPPYou get to see the aspects of teaching put into practice, and you get to see the areas that you already know you want to help with and fix and change, but also the areas you never thought of before,СAPP she said.
СAPPIt allows you to dive deeper into that content area you choose and really solidify lessons plans and how youСAPPre going to run a classroom. You get to check off all these boxes of what youСAPPve been learning about, and it becomes tangible and something that you create.СAPP
Malani now teaches sixth grade at J.H. Williams Middle School in Abbeville. She teaches gifted students, which has inspired her to go back to school and earn her .
СAPPI am loving this position more than I thought I would,СAPP she said. СAPPI didnСAPPt realize how much I would like connecting with these students one-on-one. I have a caseload of 13, and I get to develop a relationship more with them. IСAPPm loving it. ItСAPPs fantastic.СAPP