Linsay Mitchell and Mack Scudder are the newest teachers this year in the Hopkins Public Schools system, in special education and U.S. history, respectively.

Mitchell, who works at the high school and middle school, grew up in Marlette, a small town in the thumb of Michigan. She graduated from Western Michigan University. Before joining the staff at she taught in Grand Rapids Public School and at Wyoming High School for four years.

Sports and coaching are her passions. She coached the girls’ freshman basketball team at Hopkins last winter.

“I am excited for the school year and proud to call myself a Viking!” she said.

Outside of the classroom and off the court, Mrs. Mitchell enjoys spending time with her husband and her dog, Charlie.

Scudder will teach history for the eighth grade. A graduate of Grand Valley State University who grew up in Whitehall near Muskegon, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in history and social studies with a minor in biology.

He most recently taught at the East Kentwood School District where he worked with at-risk students.

Teaching is Scudder’s second career, having changed his career path after working as a district manager for a national retail company in the Detroit area.

When he isn’t in the classroom, he enjoys time with his wife and six-month-old twin sons, Beck and Jude. His hobbies include playing guitar, golf, running and reading.

PHOTO: Linsay Mitchell