Mrs. Rita Riddle

We would like to honor and recognize Rita Riddle from Naschitti Elementary.

Mrs. Rita Riddle, who is currently a 4/5 grade classroom teacher at Naschitti Elementary School, has been part of the community for more than 10 years as an educator. She serves on the Leadership Team, as well as the School Testing Coordinator. Mrs. Riddle brings innovative teachings into her classroom by bridging between the western ideologies and indigenous concepts in language, culture, and heritage. She is an asset to CCSD for being a wonderful teacher that fosters caring for student learning. We appreciate having her in the Badger territory!

Q and A with Mrs Riddle
What do you love most about Teaching?
The answer to this question is very simple, it is the students and Naschitti. I love walking through the doors each day to hugs and smiling faces. When I first walked through the doors I felt welcomed by the staff, students, and the community. I came to this small school and community 11 years ago and have not once regretted the decision that I made. I will never forget how this unique community embraced and supported me when my son passed away. When I retire in 3 years I will be leaving a piece of my heart at Naschitti. The students each day teach me something new and I try real hard each day to give them a glimpse of all the possible things they can do in the future. I make sure that all my students understand that hard work will never let them down and good things happen to those who never give up. Every day continues the story of each my student’s life and I am so humbled to be a part of their stories. I hope I never lose my passion for teaching and the unique challenges that I face each day at Naschitti. 
Is there a group of students or a class period that you are particularly proud of and would like to Honor? I have fond memories of all the students that have graced my classroom but one class will always hold a special place in my heart. I had this class for two years in a row, first when they were third graders and then fourth graders. This is the class during the school years of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012. This class got to witness the human side of their teacher when my son was burned in a horrific accident and then a year later when he passed. This class never gave up on me or themselves. And I never gave up on them. We laughed together, we cried together, and they healed my heart. They moved on to fifth grade and a new teacher but the connection that was made still strong. This was evident when they asked me to be their guest speaker at their fifth grade promotion. What an honor and privilege that was. A memory I will always hold dear to my heart. They filled the void in my heart and soul when my son died. I will always love each one of those students and will never forget what they did for me. I would also like to honor this year’s fourth grade class. They are a small class of 14 and I am so proud of the way they have handled the challenges of a 4/5 combination class. They have stepped up to all the challenges I have given them and each one has worked hard to keep up with the fifth graders. They have done it with no complaints and with no behavior problems. They are amazing.