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LaGrange Academy has named Jane Hudson as its Teacher of the Year, recognizing her 37 years of dedication to the educational system.
For the past 12 years, Hudson has been with LaGrange Academy. She just completed her year teaching third grade and is preparing to transition to teaching kindergarten in the upcoming school year. 

Hudson has been married to her husband, Frank, for 39 years. They have three grown children—Frank Jr. who owns his own contracting company, Caroline, a Marriage & Family Therapist, and Bobby who is in Food Service Management. The three live out of state and have given Jane 16 grandchildren.

Though she has never officially coached a sports team or led a club, Hudson tries to remain active in student life. 

“I enjoy working in the concession stand for ballgames when I can and I love getting to go to plays, recitals, and many different sports games of my students since my first year of teaching. I also tutor kids after school, and earlier in my career, I occasionally took students to weekly support groups. Sometimes, I get to FaceTime my students over the summer, and that is a real treat.” Hudson shared.

Her commitment to the community extends beyond the school walls. Hudson is an active member of her church, where she is involved with many activities, including the choir and children’s choir. She is also involved with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a ministry that builds and delivers beds to children in and around our county who are in need. Hudson is also a regular blood and platelet donor with the American Red Cross.

When asked who inspired her to become an educator, she replied: “I have loved all of my teachers- the two most influential were my 1st-grade teacher, Mrs. Barnwell at G.W. Northcutt in Forest Park, GA. I was so shy and spent most of 1st grade in her lap. I also loved Suzanne Tigner, my 5th-grade teacher, because she was so kind, encouraging and fun.”

When looking to the future, Hudson plans to continue doing what she loves until retirement, when she hopes to spend even more time volunteering in ministries and caring for her many grandchildren.

At a young age, Hudson always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. She admits though, for a short time, she had thought she might like to be a pediatric dentist, but realized it wouldn’t be a good idea since she doesn’t handle the sight of blood very well.

According to Hudson, she doesn’t have any hidden talents except possibly the ability to take long trips, one after another.

“I can spend close to days in the car traveling for my children and grandchildren, and have the stamina that most people do not have!” Hudson shared. “I also love biking outdoors and have biked the Virginia Creeper Trail, 33 miles, countless times, and have been told by my children that I can do it in a very quick amount of time.”

Hudson says that if her teaching style had a theme song, it would be “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story. I like the lines, ‘You’ve got a friend in me, You’ve got troubles, I’ve got ‘em too, There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you, We stick together, we can see it through, ‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me,’ she said.

In her classroom, Hudson loves it when her students write heartfelt letters to our veterans. She also collects and sends care packages to the veterans and has a big celebration every year. She and her students love doing science experiments like fire-snake, making homemade ice cream and finding out how many rubber bands can make a watermelon explode.

If Hudson could invite a historical figure to speak to her class, she said it would be Abraham Lincoln, “He was a key figure in the abolishment of slavery and the beginning of equal rights; or Susan B. Anthony because she was a key figure in fighting for women to be able to vote.”

When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Hudson said, “There are so many rewarding parts of my job. Children being excited about learning, and learning something brand new is always wonderful to watch. I also love seeing children practice some of the “other” important life lessons that all teachers strive for like when a child helps another child or shows kindness or encouragement; that warms my heart. I love being in a team with my coworkers. LaGrange Academy has a very special group of people that I enjoy working alongside daily. I enjoy having the ability to have strong relationships with students and parents and to encourage them through the school year.”

Of course, teaching isn’t without its challenges. “The most challenging part of my job is the balance of not saying yes to every single thing and not taking the worries I have home. If I could, I would try and solve all the problems in the world (haha)! The older I get, the better I am doing with this skill – I think ?!” Hudson shared.

The most unusual excuse given to Hudson for missing homework was “My brother ate it” which she believed because she saw the teeth marks.

“I was so surprised and extremely honored to be named Teacher of the Year,” Hudson said. “So many people are so deserving, but I am very grateful to the leadership of my school and my co-workers and friends.

When school is not in session, Hudson can be found at the beach, reading a book, or spending time with family. “My husband would say – and it is true – that I enjoy spending time with my children and making memories with all of my precious grandchildren.”

As her students move on, Hudson hopes they carry her simple but powerful message with them: “Always be kind.”