Judy Ritter

Northview High School
Johns Creek, GA      

      "I am proud to be an NSHSS Educator of Distinction because this is an organization that gives back to the students, as well as the educators." Judy Ritter

NSHSS is pleased to have announced its Top Ten Educators of the Year in December 2012 and will be highlighting these educators throughout the year. The 2012 Claes Nobel Educators of the Year awards were presented to ten exemplary educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and in life. These educators are among NSHSS’s student-nominated Claes Nobel Educators of Distinction program that recognizes educators who model best practices in teaching, are a positive influence for students and peers, and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in education. Since the inception of the Educators of Distinction program in 2004, NSHSS has recognized more than 35,000 educators worldwide. 

Judy Ritter has taught English for many years, to all levels of students, from "catch-up" language arts classes for those significantly behind in language arts skills to Advanced Placement classes in Literature and is an AP reader for the College Board. She also works with new teachers to help them learn best practices for connecting with and engaging students. She is the adviser for Northview High's award-winning literary magazine, which was chosen as the Georgia Scholastic Press Association’s magazine of the year. She was selected as the 2008 Northview High School Teacher of the Year and received an Educator of Distinction Award from the University of Chicago in 2012

Her teaching philosophy is that "Anyone can learn through encouragement and through setting high expectations. Devote one's hours and heart to education and expect the best."

Mrs. Ritter's nominating student wrote, "This year is my first year having Ms. Ritter for AP Literature and she is a wonderful teacher. I have always loved my English classes, and she has brought me to the next level by forcing me to think outside of the box and analyze not only novels more deeply, but life in general. Her hilarity, thought- provoking lessons, and care for her students indicate her uncompromising commitment to teaching about both literature and life."

NSHSS Chair Mr. Claes Nobel was pleased to be able to present a plaque and $500 check to Judy Ritter at the annual Holiday Event at The Carter Center in Atlanta.