Judy Ernhart Outstanding Special Education Teacher
Posted on 01/23/2026
Judy Ernhart is incredibly dedicated to her students at McGregor High School! She is deeply committed to ensuring that her students are not only prepared for graduation but empowered to live their best lives beyond the classroom. Through her innovative career exploration opportunities, both in the classroom and through off-campus field trips, Judy helps her students explore alternative possibilities to pursue their passionate areas of interest. Judy is truly making a lasting difference in the lives and careers of her students.
Judy first started as a paraprofessional in 2019 in McGregor Schools. Right away, she knew McGregor was the place for her. She applied for the Special Education Teacher position for the 2022 school year. Judy enrolled at the University of Minnesota, Mankato, to acquire her teaching licensure in EBD and her Master of Science in Special Education. It’s never too late to keep challenging yourself. She tells her students, "You will keep learning throughout the rest of your life."
Before she moved up to their cabin up north, Judy was a professional figure skating coach. She taught full-time at Eden Prairie Figure Skating Club for 30 years. Skating was her passion and her life. Before she started teaching figure skating, she was a cast member of the Ice Capades. They toured the continental U.S. and the West Coast. This piqued her interest in travel, which she still loves to do today. She can have her bags packed in a minute.
Judy's favorite part of working in special education is being able to help students get to the finish line. When she sees one of her students walk across the stage holding their diploma, it is the best feeling in the world.
One of Judy's favorite hobbies is running marathons. She loves to take on a challenge. As she gets older, she runs half-marathons now. Judy ran Grandma's Half Marathon last June, and she plans to do it again this summer. Last summer, Judy and her husband went skydiving in Baldwin, Wisconsin. She remarked that it was absolutely beautiful and peaceful. She is looking forward to finding new adventures and continuing to grow personally.
Congratulations, Judy!