Cheers of joy and celebration could be heard throughout the halls of River Ridge Elementary School today, as art teacher, Lorie Goode, was awarded the District Five 2024-25 Teacher of the Year! The exciting news was revealed in a surprise announcement by Superintendent Dr. Randall Gary this morning. The veteran teacher first began her career in the classroom in 1993, and has been teaching art at River Ridge since 2007.
Goode, who considers teaching art her "mission" field, says she's passionate about nurturing students' creative expression. "When students enter my room, I want them to feel my energy and excitement for what I am so passionate about," Goode says. "I begin class with students repeating our art motto and motions after me - “I am positive, I am creative, I am skillful, I am amazing, I am an ARTIST!”
Goode, who's marking her 31st year in education, is a graduate of Converse College. She earned her Bachelors in Studio Art there, and would later receive a Masters in Education from the same school.
Her teaching philosophy is centered on making each student feel special, while also helping to shine a light on the importance of arts education. "Art provides our children the skills, values, and positive habits of mind that are critical for growth and development and the careers of the future! My mission is to assure that every child I can possibly influence will develop a love and respect for the arts."
As District Teacher of the Year, Lorie will now serve as an advocate for her fellow teachers, and a representative of District Five, along with teachers from across the state.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Lorie Goode on this well-deserved recognition! Her remarkable contribution to education and her ability to make a lasting difference in the lives of her students exemplify the best of District Five.