With 31 years of teaching experience, Mr. Andy Dudney joins the Westwood community  as an inclusion science teacher and assistant coach in football and baseball. 

“I’ve really enjoyed these first six weeks,” Mr. Dudney said. “I’m enjoying my time, enjoying the students, [and] love the whole staff that I’m working with.” 

Mr Dudney’s path to becoming a veteran educator was an unexpected one. After graduating from St. Edward’s University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, he initially planned to attend law school. However, it was a call from his cousin, a principal at Martin Junior High School, that changed his professional trajectory.

“[I] actually got accepted into Baylor Law School,” Mr. Dudney said. “[But then] my cousin called me and said ‘Hey, can you come over second semester and do an alternative education program on campus?’ So I went over there, [and then] one week later, the basketball coach left. I play[ed] college basketball, so I went [and filled] in for the [position] and the rest is history.”

Mr. Dudney teaches inclusion science, a science course that integrates students with diverse learning needs alongside their peers in a general education setting. As a special education teacher, he draws on his experience and enthusiasm to create a supportive learning environment for all his students. 

“Over the years, [my favorite part is] just seeing when the lightbulb goes off with the students that I teach, whether it’s in the classroom or on the field,” Mr. Dudney said.

Throughout his teaching career, Mr. Dudney has coached varsity basketball for 30 years, along with varsity football and baseball. His passion for athletics is a constant in his life, bringing joy and purpose to both his personal and professional journey. Currently, Mr. Dudney works with all three levels of football at Westwood: freshmen, JV, and varsity. His infectious energy and confidence for the upcoming season was palpable to the team as they prepared to open against Waco Midway in Belton.

“We’re confident we’re getting in the playoffs. That’s our goal,” Mr. Dudney said. “Let me say this, [we’re] not only [going to] get in the playoffs, but win a playoff game!” 

Outside of school, Mr. Dudney’s life revolves around family and sports. Married for 28 years, he has three children, all with their own personal affinities for various sports.  

“Basketball is kind of my hobby, [but] my two boys are baseball players. My daughter was a volleyball player [and] played in college,” Mr. Dudney said. “So we have two of our three kids play[ing] college ball, and my wife and I [also] played college ball. We’re [a family of] collegiate athletes.”

Mr. Dudney blends his experience as a parent with his approach to being a teacher, sharing his philosophy for both roles.

“[The most important lesson I learned] is, I would just say, being flexible, and, you know, always loving [the kids] unconditionally [no matter what],” Mr. Dudney said. “No matter what [the] situation is, we all go through stuff, [and] nobody’s immune to it.”

As the new school year kicks off, Mr. Dudney is excited about the energy and potential he sees in Westwood’s athletic teams.

“I love the preparation part for the teams. I’ve always loved that, the energy,” Mr. Dudney said. “At the beginning everybody’s hungry, everybody’s optimistic, it’s just a lot of fun [and] a lot of [good] energy.”

With his extensive experience and positive outlook, Mr. Dudney aims to make a significant impact on both the classroom and the field.

“I’m really enjoying it here, getting to know everyone,” Mr. Dudney said. “Everybody’s been so welcoming, both staff and students. [I’m] really enjoying [coaching] the football guys, the football, all of it.”