Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana
Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, known as A+PEL, is a statewide organization with more 7,000 members. It was formed in 1987 to create a focus on excellence in education and to advance the recognition of teachers as career professionals. A+PEL is dedicated to making Louisiana a better place for teachers to teach and students to learn.
A+PEL established a student chapter on the Nicholls campus Oct. 19, 2004. Students belonging to an A+PEL university chapter are given opportunities to interact with a statewide network of professional educators to learn about various career opportunities and preparatory programs offered in the field of education. University chapters promote development of leadership skills, provide professional growth opportunities and enable students to connect with other education majors in their school and throughout the state.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
A+PEL is open to all education majors. Students are encouraged to join their freshman year.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
Being a member of the Nicholls chapter of A+PEL has the following benefits:
- A+PEL scholarships and grants available to pre-service teachers
- First year of professional membership dues available at a reduced price
- Free professional development workshops provided to members
- Louisiana-based organization
- $2 million professional liability insurance and corporal punishment claims
- Mentors available to pre-service and first-year teachers
COST:
Dues are $20 per academic year.
ACTIVITIES:
Past activities have included:
- Book drives for elementary students
- Teacher Appreciation activities
- Family Day and Welcome Back Day booth
- Donation to the Faculty Multicultural Library
- Freshman Orientation booth
OFFICERS:
Jennifer Bourgeois, President
Elizabeth Naquin, Vice President
Beatriz Buford, Historian/Public Relations Officer
Jessica Green, Secretary
Danielle Benoit, Treasurer
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Additional information about A+PEL can be obtained at http://www.apeleducators.org/ or from Dr. Christine Hypolite, faculty adviser of the Nicholls chapter.