About This Episode

Season 6. Episode 15.

Brookside Elementary School’s Joel Hudec just received one of the highest honors in education — the Milken Educator Award, often called the “Oscars of Teaching.” In this episode of Education Insight, Joel takes us inside the unforgettable moment he learned he had won, the leadership practices that have driven major academic gains at Brookside, and the creative programs that are shaping a strong, connected school culture. From rebuilding a writing lab to championing the “Four Houses, One Family” spirit program, Joel shares how high expectations, hands-on involvement, and deep community engagement are helping students thrive. We also dive into the challenges and successes of school leadership, the power of data to guide whole-child development, and what Joel hopes to learn from joining a national network of outstanding educators.

Featured Guest

Joel Hudec, Principal

Brookside Elementary School Beaumont, CA

Biography

Principal Joel Hudec’s influence at Brookside Elementary School is infinite—spearheading academic programs and benchmark assessments, mentoring colleagues, joining a friendly game of tetherball with his young students at recess, lending a helping hand to the janitorial team, and so much more. Education is in his blood; Hudec’s mother has served as a long-time school administrator in neighboring districts. Hudec has worked in nearly every corner of education prior to leading Brookside Elementary, including as a high school science teacher, sports coach, athletic director and middle school assistant principal. His leadership philosophy—instilling high expectations with targeted support that delivers results—has paid off. Under his guidance, Brookside students have made double-digit gains in ELA and math and have maintained high academic growth on district and state assessments. 
 
Hudec’s data-driven, whole-child approach is reflected throughout the school’s curriculum, equipping teachers with innovative tools to reach and engage students. He transformed the writing program by introducing a dedicated writing lab that fosters critical thinking, collaboration and creativity. Professional development and community engagement are also top priorities for him. He leads professional learning communities, partners with the PTA, hosts community events such as career fairs, a Read-a-Thon and an annual harvest festival, and has expanded and enhanced the school library. Students proudly don their “House” shirts on Fridays as part of Hudec’s “Four Houses, One Family” school spirit initiative—asserting the values of “Friendship,” “Givers,” “Courage,” and “Dreamers.” 
 
In the district, he coaches other principals and administrators, shares best practices at education conferences, volunteers on district fiscal and planning teams, and serves on committees focused on summer learning, curriculum development and school improvement. 
 
Hudec earned a Bachelor of Science in child and family development from San Diego State University in 2010 and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Redlands in 2014.