PHOENIX — William Riedel, a social studies teacher at Palo Verde Middle School in central Phoenix, is this month’s winner of the Pay Tribute to a Teacher award, presented by Your Valley Toyota Dealers.

He has spent more than 15 years teaching in low-income schools and will take home the $2,500 monthly prize.

Riedel left the profession in 2008 and returned in 2021 after hearing about the teacher shortage following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I felt it was my responsibility as a citizen, human being and as teacher to step up and give back in the best way I knew how, which was through teaching,” he told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos on Friday.

Teacher’s methods help him win $2,500

Riedel said that even though some things have changed from 2008 to 2025, the underlying job of a teacher is still the same.

“The most important thing will always be building relationships and earning their trust and respect so they know that you care,” he said.

However, students these days have different challenges and distractions, like cell phones. The different culture keeps him on his toes, forcing him to update his teaching methods.

“I basically skipped a generation,” he said. “I’ve had to learn and grow right beside them.”

One subject he has worked hard to make engaging for students is history. Although the events occurred long ago, he connects them to present-day challenges by using the events as a framework for teaching conflict resolution.

“You have to relate it to what they are going through in some way,” he said.

Riedel has spent over $1,000 on essential supplies that his school couldn’t afford — items like pencils, lead and even a pair of shoes for a student in need.

He also participates in theater and other school projects.

While he would like to use the award money for personal use, he imagines it flowing into education.

“I don’t know, maybe I’d take my wife on a nice vacation somewhere because we haven’t done that in awhile. But if I’m being honest, I’ll probably just spend it right back into the classroom,” he said.

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