Hello! My name is Deidra Hiltner, and I’m a proud Eden Valley-Watkins graduate from the Class of 2000. I currently live in Paynesville with my husband and our four wonderful children: Josie, Callie, Tess, and Thomas Jr.

I earned my degree in Environmental Studies and Biology from St. Cloud State University. Later, I pursued my Graduate Teaching License in Elementary Education and 5–8 Science at The College of St. Scholastica, where I also completed a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a second Master’s Degree in Special Education.

Over the past 16 years, I’ve been fortunate to teach across elementary through high school classrooms. While science has always been a passion of mine, I’ve developed a deep interest in reading instruction. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child gain confidence and make meaningful progress when given the right tools to succeed.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy gardening and cooking. As a family, we love spending time outdoors—camping, fishing, trap shooting, and playing cards. Our kids are involved in a wide range of activities, including volleyball, basketball, wrestling, t-ball, trap, soccer, figure skating, and track, so they keep us happily on the go!