USD 249 Frontenac Schools Hall of Fame

Colleen Ruby Ryder

Inducted 2026

Colleen Ryder graduated from Pittsburg High School with the Class of 1957. While in high school, she was a member of the Honor Society and was on the Honor Roll. She was also a cheerleader, a member of the swim team, and a member of the Scouts, where she later served as a Scout leader.

After high school, Colleen attended Kansas State College (now Pittsburg State University), where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1966. She later attended graduate school at Kansas State College, earning a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading.

Colleen began her teaching career in 1967 as a sixth-grade teacher in Baxter Springs, Kansas, where she taught until 1969. She then taught first grade for one year in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, followed by a year teaching Developmental Reading in Nevada, Missouri. In 1971, she joined the staff at Frank Layden Elementary as a Reading Specialist, a position she held until her well-deserved retirement in 2001.

Altogether, Colleen dedicated 34 years to educating and serving children.