CARSON CITY, Nev. – Gail Hudson, a fifth grade teacher at John R. Hummel Elementary School, was announced today as the 2020 Nevada Teacher of the Year.

“Mrs. Hudson is a master teacher who comes to work every day with in-depth training, a deep knowledge base and awesome teaching skills,” said Hummel Elementary School Principal Erica Etienne. “Imagine that teacher teaching your child every day.”

Mrs. Hudson serves as Hummel Elementary’s Equity and Diversity Site Liaison and Title I Site Coordinator. Principal Etienne said Mrs. Hudson has been instrumental in assisting with the implementation of the school’s Title I Plan, School Improvement Plan, Staff Development Days, Data Analysis, and Test Coordination. Mrs. Hudson is nationally board certified and is rated as a highly effective teacher by the State of Nevada.

“Mrs. Hudson is a teacher that all of us in Nevada should be proud of,” said Governor Steve Sisolak. “Mrs. Hudson is a wonderful example of why we worked so hard with our Legislature to ensure that teachers in Nevada received a pay increase. We need to work hard to recruit and retain teachers like Mrs. Hudson so every student has access to teachers of her caliber.”

An immigrant from Belize, Mrs. Hudson knows the impact a teacher can make in a student’s life. Throughout her 32 years in the classroom, Mrs. Hudson has been dedicated to promoting equitable and student-centered learning environments that recognize and value diversity. She serves as a mentor and support system to her colleagues, often welcoming them into her classroom to observe her teaching methods.

“Mrs. Hudson reminds me of some of the great teachers I had growing up,” said Jhone Ebert, Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Coming from humble beginnings, I experienced first-hand how a single teacher can expand a child’s opportunities. It is clear to me that Mrs. Hudson is a teacher-leader who sees opportunity gaps, not achievement gaps and recognizes students’ differences as assets, not disadvantages. I am thrilled that Mrs. Hudson will serve as the Nevada Teacher of the Year and expand her reach as a model for educators and students across the state.”

The mission of the Nevada Teacher of the Year program is to celebrate excellence and strengthen the teaching force by honoring and recognizing exceptional teachers on a school, district, state, and national level.

“Mrs. Hudson is an exceptional teacher and an inspiration to those at Hummel Elementary and everyone in our school district,” said Dr. Jesus Jara, Clark County School District, Superintendent. “We are beyond proud to have her leadership and expertise in our classrooms.”

The Nevada Teacher of the Year is chosen from among individuals who are nominated and then choose to apply. After a rigorous application and interview process, Superintendent Ebert selected the awardee from among an anonymized pool of five finalists.

The four other outstanding finalists for the 2020 Nevada Teacher of the Year included:

• Jeanine Roser: World History and AP Government teacher at West Career and Technical Academy in Clark County School District
• Kathy Durham: American History at West Wendover High School in Elko County School District
• Nicolas Jacques: Middle School Band at Carson Middle School in Carson City School District County
• Patricia Martin: AP Government and U.S. Government at Pahrump Valley High School in Nye County School District

The National Teacher of the Year program is facilitated by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Along with its sponsors, CCSSO brings together State Teachers of the Year from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Washington, D.C., and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Mrs. Hudson will represent Nevada in the National Teacher of the Year competition and, as part of her year of recognition, will be rewarded with professional learning and networking opportunities that include a week-long trip to Washington DC with her fellow Teachers of the Year that includes a White House visit.

Mrs. Hudson will serve the Nevada Department of Education as a Teacher Leader in Residence.