Michelle Hudson, orchestra and guitar director at Jessie Clark Middle School (Fayette County), is the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) 2021State Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Hudson teaches orchestra for grades 6-8 and guitar for grades 7-8.

“I strive to build a music community in my classroom by facilitating involvement, differentiating instruction and having high expectations,” she said. “I encourage my students to make friends and have fun while learning and playing music together. I also feel a responsibility to be involved in the larger music education community and facilitate conversations about curriculum and instructional techniques.”

Hudson, a Florida native, earned a bachelor’s degree in cello performance and master’s of music education at Florida State University. She taught in Florida for five years before coming to Jessie Clark Middle School nine years ago.

She will be honored during the KMEA virtual annual conference in February.