Congratulations to Ryan Collins, 2024-25 Mahtomedi Teacher of the Year, who was recently recognized by the Mahtomedi School Board. Mr. Collins is a social studies teacher at Mahtomedi Middle School (MMS) and has been teaching at MMS since 2001. In addition to teaching, he has served on the Stillwater City Council since 2019 and is the Vice President of the Washington County Historical Society Board of Directors.
Ann Garry, Spanish teacher at Mahtomedi High School and President of the Mahtomedi Education Association, gave the recognition presentation. She shared, “Ryan has said many times, ‘I have the greatest job in the world.’ In his words, he motivates students to open their minds to the stories that history presents. He believes in the power and importance of education and says that's the reason that he wanted to become an educator.” Ms. Garry also shared the following quotes from Mahtomedi teachers Julie Brown and Virginia Mancini, which were included in his nomination.
“Ryan strives to do the very best in all that he does. He makes connections, and when students come to 8th grade, they love him. Feedback from the students is a huge indicator of educator effectiveness, especially when the students report that the teacher has challenged them and, as a result, they worked hard to achieve and learn. He is an amazing peer and colleague. I am a better educator as a result of working with him.”
“Ryan is a consistent leader at the middle school. On top of his stellar teaching, he advises yearbook and he has really helped shape and guide our middle school success class. He steps up time and time again to do what is best for kids.”