HUDSON, N.H. -- The Hudson School District continues to spotlight its wonderful faculty and staff, as it features Hudson Memorial School language arts teacher, Ms. McGivern! Read below to find out more about her love for literature and what it's like to manage a horse farm.
Q: How long have you been teaching at HMS, and how long have you been teaching overall?
A: I just finished my 21st year at HMS, but I’ve been teaching for longer than that! I started my teaching career at Bishop Guertin, where I taught seniors and freshmen.
Q: How did you know this was what you wanted to pursue for a career?
A: I didn’t think I wanted to be a teacher -- my first major in college was computer science. When I was asked to teach a CPR/first aid class for lifeguards at the Red Cross one year, I realized that I loved teaching, so I switched my undergraduate major to English and French, and then went on to earn two master’s degrees in teaching. I’ve never looked back -- teaching is where I’m happiest!
Q: What are some of your favorite units to teach?
A: I absolutely love teaching ALL the literature! There are so many authors who help us understand the human condition. Books and stories offer insights into how people navigate and overcome challenges, and I love looking at symbolism in novels. I hope my students learn something about themselves from the novels and stories we read in class.
Q: You’ve been able to welcome Alvirne Equine Studies and Vet Science students to the farm that you manage in Milford for a couple of years now. What’s it like to manage a horse farm, and what are some of your favorite parts of it?
A: Living on and managing a horse farm is incredibly rewarding and a lot of work. My husband and I are responsible for the health and welfare of the horses, but we also maintain the 80-acre facility, manage the staff, and advise the boarders, so there’s always something to do at the farm. I love walking out the front door of my house every day and seeing the horses come to the fence to say good morning. It’s a very tranquil, beautiful, and happy place, and knowing that I am a part of its success is a huge motivator for me. We are so fortunate that Laurie Seely, the owner of the farm, hired us three years ago!
Q: What else do you like to do in your free time?
A: In my “spare time,” I am also the HMS cheerleading coach, too, and I am very proud of how hard my athletes work every season and what they are able to accomplish. I feel like the HMS cheerleaders have earned the respect of the school with their athleticism and work ethic, and that makes me incredibly proud. HMS cheerleading has won 8 TCA championships in the last 11 years.
I also love to spend time with my wonderful husband and amazing daughter, who are the most important people in my life.
Q: How would you describe the community at HMS?
A: HMS is filled with educators who truly care about their students. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such great people! My team (Team 6) is supportive and understanding while still having structured expectations to help students succeed. Our students grow and change so much over the years we have them, and we love seeing their successes in high school and beyond.
Q: What are you looking forward to during the upcoming summer break?
A: I love to be outside, so I am looking forward to working on the farm and being outside with my husband. I also love trail riding on the farm’s 80 acres, so I’m looking forward to being in the saddle more this summer.