Did you know that the Hudson Ski Club was officially organized in the 1966-67 school year?

When the coronavirus struck in March 2020, Hudson, like schools around the state and nation, closed to help slow the spread. Little was known at the time about how long the crisis would last, but one thing was certain, children’s education had to continue. Educators quickly rethought how students are taught, and adjusted to teaching in the midst of an international pandemic.

Aubrey (Laughlin) Horton, Class of 2009, knew that virtual classrooms were going to be an option for students and families in the 2020-21 school year, and thought she may enjoy becoming an instructor. She has been teaching elementary school children for seven years (four at Hudson), and thought that teaching kids in a virtual learning environment would be a nice change of pace. When the position for an elementary virtual learning lab teacher was posted she inquired, applied, and was hired. “I like new things,” she said. I like teaching and learning something new.”

Although Aubrey’s students’ have a daily schedule, she doesn’t have the day-to-day interaction with them like she did when she taught in a traditional classroom. Instead, parents work with their children at home, and Aubrey grades a lot of short answer essays, quizzes and tests. She is available 8-10 hours, five days a week for parents of students who need extra help.

A virtual education, taught under Aubrey’s guidance, can be a real advantage for parents who want to educate their kids at home, but at times, it can be a challenge for Aubrey. “The hard part is when a parent calls and says their child needs help because I haven’t worked with them to know how they learn best,” she said. “It helps me to be creative. I have to learn the child quickly, and find what works.” Searching through new activities or going through materials she already has, Aubrey tries to find a way to help struggling students grasp new concepts.

Although Aubrey currently oversees 70 students, she said it’s a nice change of pace from her years of teaching traditional school. It is also a nice option for her students because they have flexible hours and can work at the time of day that best suits them. “They can do their work tomorrow or the next day, or wait until the weekend,” she said. Assessments given to virtual students are the same as are given to in-person students to determine their progress. These assessments, plus quizzes and assignments, help Aubrey to know that her students are staying on track.

Virtual education may not be the ideal for everyone, but it is a reality in today’s coronavirus world. With teachers like Aubrey, students and parents can be assured that their students are in good hands.