Names in the News: Teacher, Union President Nora Suder-Riley

Her name is Nora Suder-Riley.

A science teacher at and the president of the Twinsburg Education Association (TEA), Suder-Riley was recently in Twinsburg headlines for and the .

Patch: How long have you lived in Twinsburg? What do you like most about this community?

Nora Suder-Riley- I've lived here since 2005. I have taught in the district since 1991 and have always appreciated the diversity. I wanted my own children to be surrounded by people who were different from them so they could get a better understanding of the world. I also love the fabulous family services and, of course, the school district. These teachers here do an amazing job of educating the students.  I brag about them every chance I get and I am personally so grateful as a parent.

Patch: What drew you into education?

Suder-Riley: One of my favorite summer jobs was teaching swim lessons.  It was easy to combine that with my love of the natural sciences.

Patch: You took over as TEA president almost a year ago. How has your first year been so far?

Suder-Riley: Quite a ride!  Defeating SB5, learning to work well with a new superintendent, handling the loss of our teachers with the reduction process, understanding a new THS schedule, working on a state mandated evaluation tool and just managing the day-to-day issues for our educators has been a schooling in itself.  

I think my skin has thickened and I am now well-prepared for almost anything.  I must mention though that I am only the face of TEA.  I have an amazing leadership team/executive committee and members who are truly supportive. TEA is the most active OEA teacher's association in Northeast Ohio for a reason.

Patch: To you, what makes a great teacher?

Suder-Riley: Knowing your content, then relaying that information in the most relevant, passionate way possible.  Providing an enriching environment that fosters a caring attitude, acceptance, thoughtfulness and respect.