Dana Hills High School science teacher Randy Hudson has been named teacher of the year for all of Capistrano Unified School District.
On Friday, he and his middle school and elementary counterparts were ambushed with the surprise honor.
According to the district, Hudson began his career in 1999 at Dana as a science teacher, where he has taught marine ecology, biology, environmental science, and oceanography. He has coached several nationally ranked science teams, including the 2013 National Ocean Science Bowl team that will represent the area at the national competition in April.
Before education, Hudson worked as a lab technician, research diver, and environmental consultant.
“Teaching is like woodworking,” Hudson wrote in his application. “We provide our students with the necessary tools to solve problems but we must also teach them how and when to use these tools effectively to complete their own projects.”
Hudson's three children and wife Kara, who teaches at Laguna Niguel's Malcolm Elementary, were in tow for the big reveal.
