The Department of Education seeks the names of outstanding educators for its “Emerging Classroom Leaders Pool.” Nominees should exhibit strong leadership and an inspiring presence. The department hopes to use these educators as future resources for special recognition programs, as well as advisory boards and task forces. For this reason, recommendations must be confidential. The deadline for recommendations is May 1.

Eligible educators must:

• Be classroom teachers, specialists or principals (building-level personnel);
• Have served in education for at least five years;
• Exhibit strong potential for professional leadership and an inspiring presence that impacts students, colleagues and communities;
• Be recognized by peers and supervisors as unique because of their local contributions, and
• Have not previously received other recognition.

To recommend an educator:

1. Download a recommendation for each nominee with confidential, succinct and specific information. All questions must be answered;
2. Write a one-page recommendation that addresses how the nominee meets the criteria outlined above; and
3. Obtain a copy of the candidate’s resume, if possible.

Send a packet containing items 1, 2 and 3 to Nicole Kranzler at 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 no later than May 1, 2005. nicole.kranzler@state.sd.us