A second-generation Irish immigrant, the family of Judith E. Day, PhD, valued education, which prompted her to pursue a career in education as a teacher. It is her belief that education is the most important thing in the world. She had encouragement not only from her mother, but from her kindergarten teacher who would take the time and sit with her one-on-one reading so she could always be ahead. Her second-grade teacher also helped her know the importance of education. Dr. Day began her career as a special education teacher in Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1978, remaining in this position for a decade before teaching reading and working in student support services at the University of New Hampshire. Years later, she served on the education committee of Rockingham District 13 of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2006 to 2010.
In addition to this tenure, Dr. Day worked in the ADA office at the University of New Hampshire for one year, also teaching curriculum. She also supervised students at Wesleyan College in Boston, and served on the planning board in North Hampton, New Hampshire, from 2002 to 2007. Dr. Day is most proud of her work on the education committee and the legislature. Not everybody had the opportunity to be able to sit in the legislature body and vote on how to make education better for students. Being a part of that and able to raise her hand and give her input was very important to her.
Prior to the start of her professional life, Dr. Day pursued a formal education at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in special education. She then matriculated at the University of New Hampshire, where she attained a PhD in education curriculum. Additionally, Dr. Day is a certified assessment specialist.
A trustee on the board of the North Hampton Public Library, Dr. Day also spent time buying and selling houses. In recognition of her efforts, she was selected for inclusion in the 38th edition of Who’s Who in the East and the 21st through 23rd editions of Who’s Who in American Politics. Moving forward, Dr. Day aims to be acknowledged as someone who always tried to be kind. She always wanted to learn more and was often motivated by a situation, such as a kid who needs help, as well as people. She advises others to be true to themselves; don’t lose your integrity, or you’ll regret it.