Cleared for Takeoff: Pat Hudson Helps Students Soar in STEM

“I didn’t know teaching was going to be my second act,” said Mr. Pat Hudson, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at Ulrich Intermediate. After nearly 30 years in the airline industry and his retirement from Delta in 2010, he never imagined he would one day lead robotics clubs and teach STEM classes to intermediate students.

Inspired by his late wife, who was a teacher in Hawaii, Mr. Hudson began substitute teaching in 2017. Just a year later, he transitioned into a full-time History and Social Studies teacher role. Ulrich Principal Ms. Davis-Norris soon saw an opportunity for him to bring his real-world experience into STEM-based CTE classes.
“My background is in supply chain management and industrial engineering. I have a hybrid MBA with a STEM background,” Mr. Hudson said. “So, when Ms. Davis-Norris asked me to teach these CTE classes, I knew it was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.”

Affectionally known as a “gentle giant,” Mr. Hudson leads his students with unmatched excitement. He draws from his airline experience to bring real-world logic and structure to his STEM classes.

“With the airlines, everything is dictated based on timelines. What I try to bring to my students is a sense of urgency and intentionality; everything should be intentional,” Mr. Hudson said. “Just like with the airlines, in CTE you have to have proper training, endorsements, and preparation for these industry-based jobs.”

For Mr. Hudson, seeing the bigger picture for education is what matters. He is passionate about the district's many CTE programs.

“The beautiful thing is you can start on a CTE program in intermediate school, and you have industry certifications waiting for you at the end of high school,” Mr. Hudson said. “This gives students the foundation, so even if they want to change programs in high school, it’s an easy transition.” 

Mr. Hudson takes pride in connecting with his students and understands there is more to them than just what happens in class. He values using his experiences to relate to his students.

“What I love about Klein ISD is the range of the students and their backgrounds,” Mr Hudson said. “Many of my students speak more than one language, which reminds me of my time working in the airline industry. I’ve worked with people from every conceivable part of the world. That’s one of the main attractions to working in a public school setting.”

While Mr. Hudson never expected to find himself in the classroom, he’s found joy and purpose in helping students explore their potential.

“The best part of teaching at the intermediate level is the growth and discovery—the kids still have that natural curiosity,” Mr. Hudson said. “We don't want to scare kids away from the CTE programs at this level; we want it to be fun. These programs give students a sense of purpose and allow them to be intentional with their education.”

We are so fortunate to have educators like Mr. Hudson, who take pride in their daily work and dedicate their time selflessly. Mr. Hudson, thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with every student!