Hailey Elayer is graduating this winter with a master’s degree in Reading, Curriculum and Instruction from the College of Education & Human Development at the ΒιΆΉΣ³». Elayer also earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and English through the PackTeach program in Spring 2022.
For Elayer, teaching goes beyond being a career; it’s a calling.
“As cliché as it sounds, teaching is one of my biggest passions,” Elayer shared. “I have always loved learning, and I wanted to spread that love for learning in my career. I also love advocating for my students, and I have often found they are extremely misunderstood.”
Elayer teaches English Language Arts at Traner Middle School, a Title I school. Beyond her classroom responsibilities, she serves as a coach for seventh-grade girls’ basketball and volleyball teams, roles that allow her to inspire and empower her students.
“One of the best parts about coaching is seeing the confidence grow for each individual on the teams,” she said.
Elayer attributes much of her success in her master’s program to the mentorship and guidance of her professors, particularly Dianna Townsend, Ed.D., and Julie Pennington, Ph.D.
“They offered their constant support and knowledge to guide me through the program,” she said. “If I had questions or needed help at any point, they were both ready to provide their expertise and guidance.”
Elayer was able to access a wide range of resources that helped support her while in the online program, but balancing her responsibilities as a full-time teacher, coach and graduate student was not without challenges.
Elayer began her master’s program during her first year of teaching, navigating the demands of a new profession while simultaneously deepening her expertise in literacy studies.“I started my master's during my first-year teaching, so while I was adjusting and learning who I was as a teacher, I was also starting to dive deeper in literacy studies,” she said.
Elayer’s dedication and perseverance have left a lasting impression on her professors. Her advisor and mentor, Dianna Townsend, spoke highly of Elayer’s commitment to education and her students.
“Hailey will continue to be an expert educator and leader, modeling how to help young adolescents become strong readers and writers,” Townsend said. “Her tireless and positive efforts to support middle school students, many of whom come from demographic backgrounds that have been marginalized and underestimated, are truly inspiring.”
Looking ahead, Elayer plans to continue teaching English at the secondary level.
“I am going to continue to use the knowledge that I have gained from my program, so I can be the best teacher I can be for my students,” Elayer said.
Hailey Elayer exemplifies the resilience and excellence that define The Wolf Pack Way, serving as a source of inspiration for her students.
