He has spent more than 15 years teaching in low-income schools and will take home the $2,500 monthly prize.<\/p>\n
Riedel left the profession in 2008 and returned in 2021 after hearing about the teacher shortage following the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d he told KTAR News 92.3 FM\u2019s Outspoken with Bruce & Gaydos on Friday.<\/p>\n
Teacher\u2019s methods help him win $2,500<\/p>\n
Riedel said that even though some things have changed from 2008 to 2025, the underlying job of a teacher is still the same.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most important thing will always be building relationships and earning their trust and respect so they know that you care,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI basically skipped a generation,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve had to learn and grow right beside them.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to relate it to what they are going through in some way,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Riedel has spent over $1,000 on essential supplies that his school couldn\u2019t afford \u2014 items like pencils, lead and even a pair of shoes for a student in need.<\/p>\n
He also participates in theater and other school projects.<\/p>\n
While he would like to use the award money for personal use, he imagines it flowing into education.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know, maybe I\u2019d take my wife on a nice vacation somewhere because we haven\u2019t done that in awhile. But if I\u2019m being honest, I\u2019ll probably just spend it right back into the classroom,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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