Prairie Lake Elementary School teacher a finalist for OCPS Teacher of the Year

Prairie Lake Elementary School teacher Sara Hudson is one of five finalists for the Orange County Public Schools 2023-24 Teacher of the Year award.

Hudson is a fifth-grade English Language Arts teacher at the school. 

A teacher with 11 years of experience, Hudson is known for creating a culture of high expectations in her classroom. 

"In addition to bringing Level 1 students up to proficiency in a single year, she has helped her students go beyond reading standards by discussing topics such as immigration, health care and climate change," OCPS said in a press release. "She creates a welcoming environment with monthly family nights and develops deep relationships with students that last well beyond their time in her classroom."

Hudson leads the school’s cheer committee and plans events. In her grade-chair role, she pushes teachers to help their students excel, increasing fifth-grade ELA scores to above the district average. She has facilitated professional learning communities and now hosts monthly professional development sessions. 

In addition, she has helped create a house system that transformed the culture at a previous school and helped shape district science assessments.

The winner for the award will be announced at the Stellar Awards Feb. 2, 2024 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort.