Ryker honored as Nebraska’s High School Principal of the Year

Ryker has been in education since 2000 when he started as a sixth through eighth grade teacher at Wolfe Creek Elementary in South Dakota. He later took a position at Broken Bow Public Schools as a social studies teacher and later as the Activities Director. In 2005, he became the Activities Director and Assistant Principal at Gothenburg Junior/Senior High School. He served in that role until 2017 when he became the principal for grades seven through 12.

Ryker said he was unsure about his career choice when he enrolled at CSC.

“I took the intro to teaching course with Dr. [Don] King and quickly became convinced that I had discovered my future,” Ryker said. “Chadron State College had me very well prepared to lead a classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed all of my methodology and coaching classes.”

Ryker began work on a master’s degree in Education Administration immediately after starting his first teaching position.

“The graduate program at CSC helped develop my leadership skills, as well as further developing my educational philosophy,” he said. “I met a lot of fellow graduate students who would become great administrators in other schools. Those relationships are still impactful all these years later. I have been blessed to work with outstanding teachers and fellow administrators, many of whom are also Chadron State graduates.”

Two CSC professors stand out in Ryker’s memory as making a lasting impact on him.

“Dr. King taught many of our education classes and led the professional semester. He helped instill a sense of professionalism and classroom readiness in us. Dr. Rolland Dewing served as my academic adviser and he supervised me during student teaching. I always appreciated his sense of humor and his perspective,” Ryker said.

Ryker said the students, parents, and other teachers he works with are the most rewarding aspects of his role in education.

“The high school journey and the milestones and challenges that go with growing up and preparing for adulthood is an incredibly exciting point in their lives. I also get to collaborate with an outstanding team of teachers. I have had very few original ideas, but I do always try to listen to those around me and enact programs and interventions that support our outstanding students,” he said.

In a press release from Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals, Allison Jonas, Superintendent at Gothenburg Public Schools, said Ryker possesses a remarkable talent for engaging with teacher leaders.

“His leadership style not only promotes teamwork but also inspires a shared vision among staff. His capacity to collaborate seamlessly with teachers and support staff has led to expanded opportunities for students, collaborative opportunities for staff, and a welcoming culture with high expectations for both students and staff,” Jonas said.