Liz RIDGEWAY

This is my 24th year teaching, and my 22nd year teaching in Highlands County, FL, a rural school district in Central Florida. I am a certified in K-6 elementary education and 5-9 Science.  I am also ESOL, Reading, and Gifted endorsed.   Prior to working as an ITRT I taught Middle School Integrated Science, was a STEM Coach, and taught 4th and 5th grade Advanced Academics.   

I graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN with my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, and from Southeastern University with my Masters of Education, and Arkansas State University with a Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership.  Not only do I enjoy my time teaching, but I also enjoy serving my community by being active in several local civic organizations that serve both our students and our families in Lake Placid, and Highlands County.  

I have also been lucky enough to be the recipient of numerous grants regionally, and nationally for both myself and the schools I have worked with.  These have included being a thirteen time grant recipient for the Highlands County Education Association, a National NSTA presenter in 2012 & 2013 and grant recipient, a Regional NSTA presenter in 2014 & 2015 and grant recipient, a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant recipient, Kids in Need Foundation Grant recipient multiple times, and a Disney Youth Service Grant recipient.  I was also awarded Teacher of the Year in 2022, and ClassLink's Innovative Educator of 2024.

Click Here to check out my current Certifications!