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EDITOR’S NOTE: The LaGrange Daily News is doing a Q&A with all of the teachers of the year in the Troup County School System. Today, we are writing about Marilyn Huberdeau, an eighth-grade math and algebra teacher at Gardner Newnan Middle School. We asked her 20 questions, and we shortened this interview to some of our favorite responses.

Marilyn Huberdeau has been in education for 18 years, all of which have been with the Troup County School System. She has been at Gardner Newnan Middle School for the past 8 years.

Marilyn is married to Marc and they have been married for 21 years. They have two sons and a dog, Lucy. Henry is a sophomore at Auburn University studying accounting and management information systems. Sam is a sophomore and plays soccer at LaGrange High School and works at Sweetland on Ice.

Huberdeau is a sponsor of the GNMS Service Club where students volunteer in the community to help others. The club has participated in campus cleanups, Sleep in Heavenly Peace Build a Bed, Good Sam Ministry, collected donations for the local animal shelter and more. 

“This club has been a blessing to so many in our community and a wonderful way for our students to give back to our community,” Huberdeau said.

Outside of teaching, Huberdeau spends most of her time volunteering with Cub Scouts. She began volunteering with Scouts when she was a member of the Junior Service League over 20 years ago. She helped with Camp Cowpie Day Camp. A few years later, Huberdeau had a son who participated in Camp Cowpie and has been volunteering every summer since.

Huberdeau is also the Cubmaster and Committee Chairperson for Pack 21. She leads all of the meetings, recruits new members and oversees the recharter.

“Scouting is a true passion of mine as I was a Gold Award Girl Scout and my sons are both Eagle Scouts,” Huberdeau said.

8)    What inspired you to become an educator? (Or who?) 

“I loved all of my teachers but my 8th grade science teacher, Mrs. Baggett, was the one that inspired me to be a teacher. Recently at my 30th high school reunion in my senior yearbook, I said ‘In 25 years, I want to be a junior high science teacher.’ For the last seven years, I have been teaching STEM classes in middle school. I’m right where I wanted to be thanks to Mrs. Baggett for inspiring me!”

What are your career aspirations? 

“I’ve taught 10 years in high school and 8 years in middle school. I’m thinking I’ll stay in middle school for a few more years and then move to elementary for the last 10 years. I feel like I can share with my students how important each part of their education is from K-12 years.”

If you weren’t a teacher, what career field would you be in? 

“If I weren’t a teacher, I would love to be an architect. In my hometown of Florence, Alabama, we have the only Frank Lloyd Wright home in the state. I’ve visited several of his designs including homes, office buildings, the Guggenheim Museum and his design school in Wisconsin. I find it interesting that he not only designed the buildings but the interior space as well.”

What hidden talent do you have that might surprise your students and our readers?

“I am the co-owner of three patents for floor-covering display systems. I came to LaGrange with Milliken & Company after graduating from Auburn University. I spent my first 10 years out of college in the floor covering industry as a Process Engineer and Merchandising Manager for Milliken and Interface.”

 What fictional character (from a book, movie, TV show, etc.) represents your teaching style?

“I’m probably most like Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus books. She puts the magic in her teaching and shares new experiences with her students. I love being able to share new experiences with my students and seeing their love of learning grow.”

What’s the most creative/unique project one of your classes has worked on?

“In math, we have worked on Tessellation projects where students take a square and translate the geometric shape into an object with no gaps or overlaps. This project gives students a chance to show their creative side.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job? 

“The most challenging part of teaching is juggling multiple things at once and trying to make sure needs are met. I find that it helps me get to school early and be as organized and prepared as possible.”

What did it mean to you to be named your school’s teacher of the year? 

“I’m very honored to be chosen as Gardner Newman Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. I love what I do. I love my classes and students. I love our staff. I can honestly say that we are all using our strengths to help teach and guide our students every day.”

On a weekend or a summer day when school is out, what are your favorite activities? 

“First up I’m exercising and getting my workout in for the day. Then I’m running errands and/or working around the house. In the afternoon, you’ll find me either at the pool reading a book or napping on the couch. I definitely enjoy my downtime!”

As your students transition to the next grade or graduate in May, what is one key takeaway you hope they carry forward from their time in your class? 

“Every grade counts! I use the phrase ‘Work smarter, not harder.’ Use what you know and what resources you have to solve the problem. Life is going to throw some hard things your way. School is practice for real life- if you make a mistake, learn from it! Practice math just like you would your favorite sport or instrument. Finish Strong!”