Rieckenberg receives inaugural Big River Teacher Award

The Mississippi Park Connection has announced that Dr. Cara Rieckenberg has received its inaugural Mississippi National River and Recreation Area’s Big River Teacher Award. Rieckenberg, a continuous progress teacher at Highlands, has been named the school’s new principal, beginning July 1.

This new award celebrates the accomplishments of a Minnesota educator who has created innovative curricula that empowers students to become avid learners and build a lifelong relationship with the Mississippi River. It honors retired Ranger Lyndon Torstenson's commitment to bringing the river into classrooms in Minnesota.

In their award announcement, the Mississippi Park Connection stated, “We liked how you integrated fieldwork and data collection methods into your inclusive curriculum and the additional partnerships you’ve created with the goal of bringing the best understanding of the river to your students. Rieckenberg will be honored at an event at Fort Snelling State Park on June 12.