Courtney Hudnall was honored this spring with the Greenbrier County Teacher of the Year Award. Hudnall, Physical Education Teacher Education M.S. graduate (May 2021), is a physical education teacher at Ronceverte Elementary School in Greenbrier County.
“I chose teaching because I wanted to do something that would have an impact on others while also doing the things I love. I love athletics. I also had an amazing PE teacher in elementary school who, to this day, is one of my role models,” Hudnall said. “So, when choosing a career, teaching PE seemed like a no-brainer. It has been so rewarding and worthwhile.”
Hudnall was interested in earning a master's degree and discovered that WVU had an online Physical Education Teacher Education program. “Being that I am a PE teacher, I felt that this would increase my knowledge and help me to become a better PE teacher,” she said.
While in the program, Hudnall says that each CPASS faculty member supported her success. “They helped me in so many ways. They all were extremely easy to talk to and immensely helpful. Sean Bulger was one faculty member who I reached out to for a letter of recommendation,” she said. “He was one professor who I would email about any uncertainty or advice with assignments or the program.”
“As a faculty we are extremely proud of Courtney and this significant professional accomplishment. It was clear from her first day in the program that Courtney excelled at the fundamentals of effective instruction, while also demonstrating an innovative orientation as a teacher-leader in her school,” Bulger, professor and associate dean for graduate and online education, said. “Our priority is that our graduate students can take and apply the knowledge and skills developed across the curriculum back to their local K-12 schools for the benefit of the learners in their classrooms. Courtney exemplifies that approach.”
Hudnall, from White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., explains a typical day at school. “I arrive at 7:15 a.m. to prep the gymnasium for an exciting lesson and greet students in the hall. My first class starts at 8 a.m. I take attendance, we do warm up laps to music and play a high energy game to get the heart pumping,” she said. “Then we get into the lesson/skill that I am teaching. I instruct K-5 all day for 45 minutes each, with my last class ending at 2:45.”
Hudnall suggests that if incoming students are uncertain about whether to enroll in the PETE online program, they should take the leap. “I learned so much. I was able to incorporate things I learned right away. The professors are extremely helpful and want to see that you have an understanding and succeed,” she said.
As a true supporter of sports, Hudnall says that she is a “huge” soccer fan. “WVU Women’s Soccer team is my favorite,” she added.
Hudnall was nominated for the award by school staff. After reviewing applications, the Board of Education selected winners for Elementary Teacher of the Year, Secondary Teacher of the Year and an overall Greenbrier County Teacher of the Year. Hudnall plans to submit additional information to be considered for the West Virginia Teacher of the Year award.