Robert Driscol, Hudson Elementary School

Position: School Counselor

Years Teaching: 34

Hobbies: I have enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching various sports over the years. I enjoy bike riding. I also enjoy maintaining a couple of fish aquariums in our home and our outdoor pond.

What do you enjoy most about teaching? I enjoy the interactions with the students and watching their personal growth over the years.

What do you find most challenging about teaching? As a School Counselor, there are many challenges, but one of the biggest is addressing all of the needs and topics that students are exposed to at such a young age compared to that of several years ago.

Best tip for new teachers: My best advice for new teachers is to realize that you do not have to solve everything on your own as you have co-workers that will be willing to consult and assist. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is actually a strength. You are a special person to want to be in such a challenging career of education...... if it were easy, everyone would do it!

Best tip for career teachers: My best advice for career teachers is to realize that not only are you there to support the students in your classroom, you are an important part of mentoring the new teachers who represent the next generation of educators.

Favorite piece of advice for students: My best advice for students is to treat others as you want to be treated, be flexible, and do the right thing even when no one is looking.

What does being a Gold Star Teacher mean to you? Being selected as a Gold Star Teacher is much like any other award a person may earn in that a person cannot do it by themselves and must surround themselves with great people. To me, this is an award for Hudson Community Schools because I would not be able to do what I do without a great school board, administration and staff (currently and past), great students, and the families that helped to create the students that we have in our district.