Chicago educator among first graduates to earn Master of Education from Tulane SoPA
Balancing a classroom of fourth graders and graduate school isn’t easy, but for Danyel Hudson, it was never about ease. It was about impact.
Hudson is among the first cohort of students to earn a Master of Education degree (MEd) from the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement (SoPA). The degree launched in August 2023 and can be completed 100% online in just four semesters.
As a full-time teacher at Chicago International Charter School’s (CICS) Basil campus, located on the south-side of Chicago, Hudson’s commitment to her students runs deep. She works tirelessly to ensure her classroom is a space of inclusion, understanding and growth.
“For someone like me who is learning remotely, I am able to engage in the readings, listen to the lectures, communicate with classmates, and do interactive assignments. I really appreciate this program’s methods of tackling learning in different ways."
Danyel Hudson
Throughout her studies, Hudson has focused on becoming a more culturally responsive educator and supporting her students by learning new methods to engage students from diverse backgrounds. Hudson said she wants her students feel seen and valued while equipping them with tools to regulate emotions and overcome personal challenges.
“I see the different perspectives my students bring as attributes,” said Hudson. “It’s about recognizing their unique experiences, helping them grow intellectually and emotionally, and addressing the challenges they face—especially after the pandemic.”
Tulane SoPA’s Education program provides a dynamic, interactive education tailored to the needs of working professionals. Hudson said the faculty and course design was essential to her success.
“For someone like me who is learning remotely, I am able to engage in the readings, listen to the lectures, communicate with classmates, and do interactive assignments,” said Hudson. “I really appreciate this program’s methods of tackling learning in different ways for different learners.”
Hudson’s determination stems from her unwavering commitment to her own students and the acknowledgment that they are our future. This milestone not just as a personal achievement but a steppingstone toward continuing her mission to inspire change in education. Her students remain her greatest inspiration, and she’s committed to ensuring that they have the tools to thrive.
