She has served as an educator for 39 years, teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, Inclusion and ESL. Having earned a Masters of Arts and an English as a Second Language certification at University of Texas, Hurst encourages her students to reach high levels of creative thinking and problem solving, to ensure all her students achieve their highest potential, no matter their backgrounds, learning styles or abilities. In 2004, Hurst was awarded the University of Texas Excellence in Education Award. In 2007, Hurst won the HEB Excellence in Education Award.