Peter W. Riffle has spent more than forty years in the classroom as a special education teacher.
He is a nationally recognized educator - receiving the
Harrison Sylvester Award from the LDA of America in 2011,
Kutztown University Alumni Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement in 2009,
a 2006 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year,
the V.F.W. National Teacher of the Year for 2005,
the Pennsylvania V.F.W. Teacher of the Year for 2005,
and the Disney American Teacher Award Honoree for Special Education in 2000.
But more than that, he is also a person with learning disabilities. He knows firsthand what it's like to be challenged
on both sides of the desk. His book, The Cloud Chaser, presents a "grass roots" approach for teachers of
students with learning disabilities and for parents of special-needs kids.
Review (Peter Flom, PhD)
If you are a teacher in special education, especially if you are relatively new in the field or need some inspiration, this could be a good book for you to read. But, since Peter Riffle is a master teacher, his thoughts are worth reading. His motto is "Teach with your heart. Your subject matter will take care of itself," and the book's contents reflect that motto. In addition, you may catch (or recapture) some of what makes teaching these "special" kids so special and some of what makes teaching such a special career. (Read more)
Forward
The Cloud Chaser brings together stories of real students and their challenges and accomplishments,
teaching tips that have been tested and perfected, and Riffle's self-reflections on his personal
learning disabilities and how he has overcome those obstacles... (Read more)
Kim's Story
This memorable teaching incident confirmed for me the undeniable link between self-confidence and learning.
In the late seventies I had a tall young woman named Kim in my tenth-grade English class. Every Friday I would
give a twenty-question, matching vocabulary test... (Read more)
Motivational Speaking
"It is my professional opinion that Pete will be the highlight of any function he attends. He has the
personality to carry any situation in which he may find himself, and he has never met a stranger."
- Dr. C. Jay Hertzog, Dean, Slippery Rock University ...
(Find out more / Invite Peter to speak)
Highly Recommended
"It is unfortunate that the world doesn't have more teachers such as Mr. Riffle to guide our youth. He is the epitome
of what candidate teachers should aspire to be. I sincerely believe that others would benefit just as much as my classmates
and I did, and I would encourage anyone and everyone to host Mr. Riffle as an influential speaker. "
(Read more / Invite Peter to speak)
Learn More about Peter Riffle
Peter's resume and list of accomplishments have now been posted online.
(Learn more about Peter)
"Mr. Riffle was our daughter Mindy's cloud chaser. He could
brighten her darkest moments."
~ Mindy's Mother
|
"Without Mr. Riffle's help, our son Edward would never have
graduated from high school. He is a teacher to be commended and
looked up to. He is ourstanding in his field."
~ Edward's Mother
|
"Rarely does a school administrator meet a teacher who is genuinely a one-of-a-kind educator
and essentially irreplaceable. I've been fortunate in meeting someone who meets these criteria.
He is Mr. Peter Riffle, an extraordinary special education teacher."
~ Dr. Gerald Achenbach, Ed.D.
Site Contents Copyright © 2006-2015 Peter W. Riffle; The Cloud Chaser
|