TJ Caouette

"I chose M State for basketball, and it’s been great. Coach Cresap (M State Spartans Head Basketball Coach David Cresap) recruited me from Elk River, Minnesota. We have a good relationship, so I looked into the elementary education program here and decided to come here. I was a little skeptical at first because it’s a two-year program and I didn’t know what it would be like, and I was nervous about being so far away from home. But the teachers helped me settle in, and I’m happy I came here and that I’m at the spot I’m at right now. 

The teachers in the elementary program are some of the best teachers I’ve ever had. They’ve been super supportive. I’ve learned a lot about how kids work and how important it is to be a mentor to some of the kids – it’s more about getting to know the kids than just teaching the content. 

My family has said I’d be a good teacher because I’m good with kids; I’ve always gotten along with them. I have younger cousins I’ve grown good connections and relationships with, so people asked me if I’d thought about teaching, and that got me thinking about it. Now, here I am. I’d like to get a four-year teaching degree after this, and to teach fifth grade."