For Cate Dudley, becoming a teacher feels a little like fulfilling a childhood plan.
Growing up in Illinois as one of four sisters, Dudley loved hearing her grandmother’s stories about her years as a teacher. Before long, she was printing worksheets and convincing her sisters to play school with her.
“Teaching has truly been a lifelong passion of mine,” Dudley said.
Today, Dudley is in her third year teaching first grade at Newport Elementary School, where she has the opportunity to help her students build not only foundational academic skills, but also an enthusiasm for learning.
“It’s such a pivotal year for building foundational skills and a love for learning,” she said. “Above all, I value creating a safe, welcoming classroom environment where every student feels respected and valued.”
That commitment is evident in the classroom environment Dudley has created. Newport Principal Laurie Garris describes her as an incredibly kind and patient teacher who has established strong routines that help her students remain engaged and focused on learning.
For Dudley, that work begins at the very start of the school year.
“I dedicate real time to establishing clear routines, procedures, and expectations,” she said. “I make sure to teach them in a way that’s not only meaningful, but also fun and interactive, which helps students internalize and recall them all year long.”
A consistent school schedule also gives her first graders a predictable rhythm to their day. Knowing what comes next, Dudley said, helps students feel comfortable and ready to focus on learning.
And plenty of learning happens, especially in Dudley’s favorite subject to teach: phonics.
“Phonics is my absolute favorite thing to teach, and I strive to make it so fun and engaging that my students develop that very same excitement for learning,” she said.
Dudley particularly enjoys seeing just how far her first graders come during their year together, both academically and personally. Beyond her classroom, she also contributes to Newport as a member of the Building Leadership Team, where Garris said she brings insight, enthusiasm, and a desire to help all students achieve.
When Dudley thinks about the lasting impact she hopes to have on her students, however, it comes back to the same love of learning that first drew her to teaching years ago.
“I hope my students leave my classroom with a love for learning and wonderful memories of our time together,” she said.