From all of us at Woodbine CSD, Congratulations Jill!
On behalf of Woodbine CSD, we are proud to congratulate our principal, Jill Ridder, on being named a 2025–26 Milken Educator Award recipient!
Jill was surprised with this prestigious honor, an all-expense paid trip to D.C., and a $25,000 award during a special all-school assembly presented by Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley, alongside Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. This award is given to only one educator per state, and we are honored that Jill is representing the entire state of Iowa.
Jill leads Woodbine Elementary with a deep commitment to teacher leadership and student-centered learning. Through personalized, competency-based education, more than 75% of our students have achieved at least a year of growth in reading or math. Her leadership reflects collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
We celebrate this remarkable achievement with deep Woodbine pride. Thank you, Jill, for your unwavering dedication to our students, staff, and community, and for representing Iowa with excellence while showing the nation what innovative education truly looks like.
Learn more here: https://www.milkeneducatorawards.org/.../jill-ridder...