January 8, 2025 – Kara Dudley might be new to the Hamilton County School system, but she brings a wealth of knowledge in many areas. Kara is a 7th-grade English teacher in her second year teaching at Loftis Middle School, who has quickly become a favorite among students and teachers alike. Both popped in and out during the interview for various things like hot chocolate that she had made and to interview her themselves for the school paper. Her past students (now 8th graders) stopped her in the hallway to update her on their class which shows her connection to HCS students in and out of her classroom.
Kara’s journey to teaching at Loftis all started with a simple Google search. She was looking for a great place to work and found that Hamilton County Schools had excellent reviews. Three years later, she’s still happy with her choice and loves being part of the Loftis community for the past 2 years.
What makes Kara special is how much she cares about her students. “I try to get to know each one of them,” she says. “Every student has a unique personality, and learning about what they like and their sense of humor helps me connect with them.”
Her favorite part of teaching is creative writing and poetry. These lessons let her students express themselves and share their stories. “Whether they’re writing about real-life events or creating made-up adventures, I can see their personalities shine,” she explains. She initially thought she would teach highschool students, but found that she loved middle school students' passion for learning.
Of course, teaching middle school isn’t always easy. Kara says the most challenging part is managing time. “There’s so much to teach and not always enough time,” she admits. Having her mom as a teacher influenced her decision to pursue this career, as it gave her a clear understanding of all aspects of teaching, including lesson planning and the occasional extra hours involved. She also faces challenges when students act out or don’t want to participate. Her solution is to talk with them. “When I ask what’s going on, they usually open up, and we can work through it together.”
One thing Kara didn’t expect about teaching is how much she’d need to be a motivator. “It’s not just about teaching English. I have to inspire my students to care about themselves, their classmates, and their future,” she says.
Kara’s advice for new teachers is simple: “The first year is tough, but you’ll adjust. It gets better, and it’s all worth it.” For Ms. Dudley, teaching is about more than just academics. It’s about helping students find their voice and realize their potential. “Middle school is such an important time,” she says. “Students are figuring out who they are, and I want to be someone who helps them on that journey.”
When asked about something that might surprise her students to learn about her, she talks about how she has a life outside of school! “I spend a lot of time planning lessons and grading, but I do take breaks to relax and enjoy time with my friends and family,” she says with a laugh.
Kara’s classroom is more than a place for her to teach English—it’s a space where Students feel supported and understood. Her ability to connect with them ensures they leave her class with skills, confidence, and memories that will stay with them forever.