Judy Smith. Just the name is enough to put a smile on the face of many of her former students.

This year, the teacher known for her big hugs and bright smile celebrates 50 years as an educator. She taught for many years in the mainstream school system, but now runs her own school, Learning Express Academy in Devonshire.

She estimates she has probably taught hundreds of children over the last half a century, and I happen to be one of them.

I attended Learning Express in 2006 until 2008, and I am currently a student at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York.

It was hard for me to write an article about Mrs Smith’s career without getting personal.

The memory I hold tight to my heart, was the homelike setting in Mrs Smith’s Spanish class every Wednesday. The room had the feel of a living room with sofas and tables, but had student artwork and certificates hung around the room.

She often used pet names for us like “sweetie”, “duckie” or “my heart” and it gave us a warm feeling.

She had the ability to control the environment of the class while also keeping the full attention of every student.

She rarely raised her voice. Mrs Smith taught me to love learning and I will forever love and appreciate her for that.

Mrs Smith first knew she wanted to be a teacher at the age of four.

“My journey of teaching began because there were already several other teachers in my family,” she said.

“At age four I told my mom and dad that I too will become a teacher.

“A decision made then, and a firm decision that has not changed in 50 years.”

As a young girl Mrs Smith attended Francis Patton Primary School where she thought highly of all of her teachers.

“At the age of 16 I finished my certificate at the Berkeley Institute,” she said.

“My principal, Dr Kenneth Robinson, met me at the airport one Sunday afternoon when I was seeing all my friends leave to go to Canada for university.

“I was still too young to attend university, but Dr Robinson told me to go home and ask my daddy if I could please come and teach with them at Francis Patton tomorrow morning because one of their teachers from the United States was unable to come. Monday morning I got dressed and walked to Francis Patton Primary School and was given a class of five-year-olds, and from then on my teaching career began.”

She attended Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, but at that time they did not offer a degree in education. She transferred to Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts to receive a Bachelor’s degree in education, and later received a government scholarship to attend Teachers College in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

“Prior to opening Learning Express Academy, I opened Learning Express Nursery and Pre School in Hamilton Parish,” she said.

“I used the logo of a small train to suggest progress and forward momentum in learning.

“That’s where I came up with the name Learning Express Nursery and used the same name for the older student academy.” The school opened in 2000.

“The reason for opening the school was because one of my former students from Bermuda High School for Girls, Marsha Vera Simas, asked me if I would consider opening a small school to be able to provide a nurturing environment for her daughter Kelsie who was born with Spina Bifida. She was in a wheelchair and would not be able to manage in a big school setting.

“Without any hesitation I said yes, and we have been Learning Express Academy ever since.”

She said the Learning Express Academy is a regular school, but referred to as an alternative school because the teachers teach by a regular but modified curriculum, so that they can differentiate themselves from other schools.

“This is so they can focus more of their attention on the academic needs of each student,” she said.

The school teaches all the academic subjects including science, math, reading, language arts and technology. Mrs Smith teaches Spanish.

“All my staff are qualified, but some teachers have received special training and degrees in teaching students with learning deficits,” said Mrs Smith.

Learning Express Academy is a co-ed school with 50 students.

There are around ten students in each classroom. Students range in age from seven to 18 years old.

The school has served as a safe haven for many students on the Island, and provides an opportunity for students to learn in a nurturing environment.

“Teaching is not a let-me-get-up-and-get-paid kind of career,” said Mrs Smith.

“If that’s what you’re thinking then it’s not the job for you. I have been practicing the role of being a teacher since the age of four.

“Every opportunity I got to practice being a teacher I took advantage of.

“It is a job that you have to be fully invested in, always giving it all your energy, and care for the students. Most importantly you must love what you’re doing.

“I find teaching to be the most rewarding experience because I have the chance to interact with the parents and students.

“It is a privilege having the opportunity to interact with each family.”

She greets each of her student with a hug and a good morning and goodbye and an ‘I Love You’ farewell at the end of the day.

As a former student, after leaving such a unique environment such as the Learning Express Academy I felt loved and cared for no matter what I have gone through.