Collins receives Ohio Master Teacher Award of Excellence

Jill Collins, English and drama teacher at Ridgewood Local School District, was chosen as a recipient of the Ohio Master Teacher Award of Excellence. She received her award on July 24 at the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation’s Annual Educator Awards Banquet. The banquet celebrated achievements of educators from all over the state.

Collins, a 1968 Ridgewood graduate, graduated from Capital University in 1972 and taught at Newcomerstown Middle School in 1972-1973. She returned to Ridgewood in 1973 and has been teaching there ever since. Along with being a junior and senior English teacher, she co-teaches drama with her daughter, Haley Evans. She is also the Co-National Honor Society Advisor, senior class advisor, musical director and works with the musical choral director. She is also the scholarship coordinator.

“I was a member of the Ridgewood Future Teachers of America in high school, so I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. Like most college students, I contemplated other careers, but I always returned to teaching,” Collins said.

Collins said she was very surprised to learn she had been chosen. “Mr. Masloski called my daughter and told her, then she called me and asked if I had checked my school email. I had not. I was honored and very surprised. Mr. Masloski and Mr. Stoffer had informed me that they would like to nominate me.”

Mike Masloski, superintendent of Ridgewood Local Schools, stated in his nomination that Collins “has dedicated an extraordinary 53 years to the field of education, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her students, colleagues, and community. Her contributions to Ridgewood Local Schools and the thousands of students she has impacted throughout her career make her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.”

He also shared that more than 25 years ago, Collins led efforts to build an auditorium at Ridgewood High School, a facility that has become a source of pride for the entire district. In recognition of her 50 years of teaching, the auditorium was named in her honor and is now known as the Jill Collins Performing Arts Center. 

In addition to recognition, Collins received a $1,000 grant to be used for a special project in her district. She chose to purchase an assistive listening device for the auditorium that will accommodate four or more audience members. “An eighth grader with hearing loss inspired this decision. She was a member of our spring musical and always brought her academic teacher’s remote mic to rehearsals, which our musical director and choreographer used.”

“This is an asset not just for students. We have excellent attendance at our performing arts events. Audience members will be able to reserve a device to enhance their experience, just as their presence does for our students.”

Collins said the performing arts world is like a family. “Family is very much a part of productions from set design and building, lights, sounds and more.” She said her family worked over Christmas break last year to update areas to surprise the students when they returned. “We gather to celebrate birthdays and we also celebrate with a Buehler’s cake after Saturday’s musical. The performing arts are a family commitment.”

Masloski said, “Jill has no plans to retire anytime soon, as she still loves teaching. This unwavering passion for education is a testament to her dedication and the lasting impact she has made on Ridgewood Local Schools. She is the type of teacher every student should have the chance to learn from – she’s passionate, innovative, and always goes the extra mile. Her impact is felt far beyond her classroom. She is a true instructional leader and role model within our district. This recognition from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation is a reflection of the excellence she demonstrates every day.”