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A Davis County educator and former Utah Teacher of the Year has been picked to receive the NEA Foundation's Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence, organizers announced Tuesday.
Foxoboro Elementary teacher Allison Riddle is one of five recipients from around the country who will be honored at the National Education Association's awards gala on Feb. 13 in Washington, D.C.
The Horace Mann Award recognizes excellence in teaching and advocacy for the education profession. In addition to the award, recipients receive $10,000 and recognition by the NEA Foundation as the nation's top educators.
"Allison Riddle has been selected for this award by her peers because she has attained the highest teaching standards, as shown by her exemplary instruction, advocacy for the profession, attention to diversity, leadership in professional development, and engagement of parents and community," Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation, said in a prepared statement. "Honoring these educators is our way of thanking them, and all the public school educators they represent, for their excellent work."
Riddle was named Utah's Teacher of the Year in October 2013. She has taught for more than 25 years and currently teaches fifth grade at North Salt Lake's Foxoboro Elementary.
Riddle was nominated for the award by the Utah Education Assocation. She said she was honored to have the support of her colleagues and embarrased by the accolades.
"Teaching is my favorite thing," she said. "I love the kids."
When asked how she would spend the prize money, Riddle said she has a daughter in college and would likely keep the bulk of the $10,000 in savings.
But she added that she might spend a little on herself.
"I'll go shopping," she said. "I'll go buy some clothes. Why not?"