Jeff Riddle was
awarded the American Legion Post 148 Educator of the Year award at Monday’s
Memorial Day ceremonies and will be awarded the Department of Maine award later
this month. Riddle is a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in
Environmental and Agricultural Science Education. Jeff wears many hats at
Windham High School. He is an earth and
space science teacher, adventure physical education teacher, advises the
Windham Outing Club, is the varsity girls’ and boys’ cross country coach, and
is a girls assistant outdoor track and field coach. In his time at Windham, starting in 1999,
Jeff has served on advisory boards and other committees.
“When I think of Jeff
and the Qualities he brings to his job at Windham High School, the term ‘All
In’ comes to mind…” Principal Chris Howell
“Working with a
dedicated group of students and the Portland Water District, Jeff and his
students collaborated to write, illustrate, photograph and draw, a watershed
book called Discovering Water. This book was professionally published and
distributed to all Windham sixth graders. A new version of the book is in the
works (iBook) is national recognized and scheduled for wider distribution,”
according to the paperwork submitted to the state.
Outside of Windham
programming, Jeff has been an adjunct instructor at Saint Joesph’s College, a
sea kayaking guide, a co-host of The Maine Show, worked at L.L. Bean’s and The Chewonki Foundation, and was an original
board member of Teens to Trails (T3).
Jeff’s boys and girls
teams have been recognized at the highest levels for their sportsmanship.
Additionally, Brenda Pennels noted, “He single handedly grew that program from
a small group of students who were on the cross country team because they
couldn’t make the soccer or football teams, to a formidable team of over 50
athletes who compete at a very high level statewide. Where, today, a place on the cross country is
one on the most coveted athletic achievements at the school.”
When asked what the
honor of American Legion Department of Maine Educator of the Year means to him,
he said, “It means that folks take notice and appreciate my efforts, expertise,
and passion to support our students in the classroom, our athletes, and my full
commitment to be a part of initiatives within the community that I teach
in. Which is what I believe in; being
fully engaged in the school and community where I choose to teach and coach.”
Jeff doesn’t want to
take all of the accolades. He gives credit to his wife and daughter as well as
the teachers he works with. “…some of the best and most passionate and
dedicated teachers, librarians, coaches, music directors, technology
integrators, and administrators in Maine, and I get the privilege to
collaboratively work with them, learn from them, and hopefully give back to
them as well.”
“I expect myself to
be involved the way I presently am in this community’s pursuit to teach its
youth. For me, it is not going above and
beyond. It is the norm that I expect of
myself; to work tirelessly to positively influence and constantly push my
students and athletes to realize what they are made of and what they can truly
offer themselves and the communities they are a part of,” Jeff said. <
Those first few years were a testament to Mr. Riddle's leadership, teaching, and passion. Few, if any, were students actually interested in soccer or football. Jeff's passion drew us to the sport and helped us look beyond winning and losing to appreciate the potential we each had and be a supportive team. Without his guidance I would have never been able to run two marathons along with a number of other races. He gave me a lifelong passion for running. Congrats Jeff!
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