Rapid City teacher receives $25,000

Sherry Crofut, an 8th-grade teacher at North Middle School in Rapid City, got a $25,000 surprise recently. Gov. Mike Rounds and Education Secretary Rick Melmer presented Crofut with a Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award during a school assembly on Oct. 30. As part of the award, Crofut receives $25,000 in cash.

“It is a pleasure to recognize the work of an outstanding role model, Sherry Crofut,” said Gov. Mike Rounds. “She does not let any barrier stop her from helping her students achieve success. She is professional in every aspect and is respected by her peers, students and parents.”

Crofut has been teaching at North Middle School for nine years. Currently, she teaches 8th-grade English and history. She has a bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University and a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. She recently completed the process to become a National Board Certified Teacher.

Crofut’s colleagues describe her as dedicated, energetic and positive. They say she has high expectations and always has her students’ best interests at heart.

The Milken National Educator Awards were created by Milken Family Foundation Chairman and Co-Founder Lowell Milken to celebrate, elevate and activate the highest caliber professionals in our nation’s schools.

Candidates for the awards are selected on the basis of the following criteria:

• Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
• Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
• Strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
• Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.