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Woodbine Elementary Principal Jill Ridder Named 2025–26 Milken Educator Award Recipient
WOODBINE, Iowa — Woodbine Community School District is celebrating a major statewide honor for one of its top educators.
Woodbine Elementary Principal Jill Ridder has been named a 2025–26 Milken Educator Award recipient, a prestigious recognition awarded to only one educator per state. Ridder was surprised with the honor during a special all-school assembly.
The presentation was made by Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley, alongside Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. As part of the award, Ridder will receive $25,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
Woodbine CSD officials said Ridder’s leadership has helped strengthen teacher collaboration and student-focused learning through a personalized, competency-based approach. The district noted that under her leadership, more than 75% of students have achieved at least one year of growth in reading or math.
District leaders credited Ridder with fostering innovation and emphasizing the belief that every student can succeed, calling the recognition a point of pride for Woodbine and the state of Iowa.
Woodbine CSD thanked Ridder for her continued dedication to students, staff, and the community, and for representing Iowa on a national stage.
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