Teacher of the Year, American Star of Teaching winners announced

Two South Dakota teachers recently received high honors. Dr. Sharon Andrews, a 5th grade teacher at Challenge Center in Sioux Falls, was named the 2008 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. Mike Olson, who teaches in the Bennett County School District, received the American Star of Teaching Award from the U.S. Department of Education.

Andrews has been teaching at Challenge Center, a school that serves high ability students, for seven years. Prior to that, she taught at a math and science magnet school in Little Rock, Ark.

As the South Dakota Teacher of the Year, Andrews will represent the state at the national competition. She also will receive the use of a car for one year from Billion Automotive in Sioux Falls, a $14,000 technology package from the SMARTer Kids Foundation, a $3,000 cash award from the South Dakota Community Foundation, a $3,000 cash award from Citibank, a $1,000 honorarium from the South Dakota Board of Regents, and a gift card from the South Dakota Retailers Association.

Education Secretary Rick Melmer announced Andrews as the 2008 Teacher of the Year at Governor Rounds’ Teacher Leadership Conference, Sept. 16, in Pierre.

Mike Olson has been an educator for 34 years. He teaches math and computer science and embraces the use of technology in the classroom. The U.S. Department of Education’s American Stars of Teaching project recognizes exemplary teachers who raise student achievement, use innovative classroom strategies and make a difference in their students’ lives.

Tracy Mulvenon, a representative from USDOE made the announcement at Bennett County High School in mid-September.