Judith Hillard is a College Career Readiness and Scholastic Lab teacher here at Horizon Honors Secondary School. In her final year, The Horizon Sun had the opportunity to ask her some questions. She was able to share a little insight into the life of a teacher. Her kind and heartfelt responses show exactly how much she cared and wanted to be in her students’ lives.
The Horizon Sun: What inspired you to become a teacher?
Hillard: I was inspired to teach when I came home each day from kindergarten and my younger sister was waiting, face pressed to the screen door, for me to get home and share with her what I had learned. I taught that little girl to read, write, add, and subtract that year. Our parents enrolled her in kindergarten at age four and she was actually bored the first few years of school, because she already knew how to do all they were teaching.
The Sun: How many years have you been teaching, and where did you start your career?
JH: I began my professional career working for an advertising agency for five years. It was exciting and grueling and I began to know that I wanted to teach earlier in my career instead of later. I began teaching English at Cortez High School in 1987/88. I had to coach three sports and teach summer school and college public speaking to try and bring my salary up to the one I walked away from in the ad[vertising] business.
I subbed here toward the end of my teaching career of 38 years, about six to seven years ago. I fell in love with the students and culture of [Horizon Honors Secondary School]. When I was invited to apply to teach here…I jumped at it. These past two years here have truly been the most rewarding of my career. Though I have not been an English or Speech teacher here, I have gotten to know literally hundreds of students in class and around campus. I love to attend sporting events, concerts, and theater here. Our students are always growing, always improving, pushing themselves to do more and learn more. It has been very organic to just love the students given to me each year.
The Sun: What do you hope your students remember most about you?
JH: I hope my students remember me as an adult who saw them and recognized their efforts. I hope they know in a very profound way, that I care about them and believe they can accomplish whatever they decide to. I am a lifelong fan of these Eagles.
The Sun: What will you miss most about teaching?
JH: I will miss greeting students each morning at the door, and miss being involved in the exciting life of an American High School. There is always so much going on, every single day.
The Sun: What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
JH: I am looking forward to taking actual vacations, helping in my grandchildrens’ classes, going on field trips with them, writing more books and humorous pieces to perform at The Moth (NPR story-slam contest each month). I will substitute teach here sometimes so I can watch so many of you finish high school and make great choices for your futures.
The Sun: If you could relive one day of your teaching career, which would it be and why?
JH: If I could travel through time to an earlier part of my life, I would spend LESS energy trying to shine as a teacher/professor and more time playing pretend with my daughter when she asked. I am making up for that as best I can, now, by playing with Brayden and Emilia when they ask (my daughter’s young children).
Ms. Hillard has cared for all her students. A large reason why she joined teaching is because she has felt connected with teachers for many years. She is grateful for every moment she has taught and has been a helping hand to teachers and students alike. The Horizon Sun wishes her the best and a restful retirement!
