Symetra, SunTrust and the Atlanta Falcons honored The Orion School teacher Elizabeth Hudson as a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” on Nov. 26, 2012 during a school presentation. Hudson is a Science and Social Studies curriculum enrichment support teacher for grades K-4 at the Midtown Atlanta school.
“The Orion School is a special needs school, and all our children have neurobehavioral conditions. Yet Elizabeth Hudson is called the ‘child whisperer’ for the way she is able to bring out the best in our youngest students who have some of the most challenging social and emotional difficulties, including autism and anxiety disorders,” said Laura Markson, director of The Orion School. “No matter how much a child may be struggling, Elizabeth never loses her patience, never raises her voice and is always nurturing, even when she needs to be firm and clear with expectations.” Markson nominated Hudson for the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom® award.
“Elizabeth is typically the last teacher to leave at the end of the day and one of the teachers you’ll likely find working at school on the weekend. In addition to enriching the Science and Social Studies curriculum with hands-on and real-life activities like gardening and animal care, Elizabeth also teaches expressive art each week. She spends a great deal of time outside the classroom preparing art projects that showcase the immense creative talents of our students,” said Markson. “It is because of Elizabeth that many of our students go from being unable to meet the demands of a classroom to becoming engaged, lifelong learners. Her love for children and a truly child-centered approach helps our challenging students learn to love school and stay on the path to success, not failure.”
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Hudson is one of 16 K-12 teachers across Georgia who will be honored for educational excellence in the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom program during the 2012 NFL season. Teachers are recognized in front of their students and peers at surprise in-school presentations, and they receive a $1,000 donation for classroom books and supplies. In addition, they receive tickets to a Falcons home game and are acknowledged during an on-field presentation at the Georgia Dome. Hudson will be recognized at the Nov. 29 game when the Falcons take on the New Orleans Saints.
Teachers may be nominated by their principal, district staff, student or student’s parent. The winners are selected based on their ability to make a real difference in students' lives; to go above and beyond in their day-to-day responsibilities; and to help students build life skills.
More information about Symetra Heroes in the Classroom is available at www.SymetraHeroes.com/Falcons.
