Office of Accreditation & Teacher Quality

Emerging Classroom Leaders Pool

Members of the Department of Education's Emerging Classroom Leaders Pool are considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces, and as candidates for special recognition programs. In addition, they represent their communities and our state, and may ultimately receive prestigious recognition.

The Department of Education is seeking to add to the Emerging Classroom Leaders Pool, educators who demonstrate unusual instructional ability and who:

• Are classroom teachers, specialists, or principals (building-level personnel);
• Have been working in the education arena for a minimum of five years;
• Have an engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community;
• Represent a strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership;
• Possess exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
• Hold exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession; and
• Have not previously received any major state or national awards.

If you know a South Dakota K-12 educator who you feel would be an invaluable addition, please take a few minutes to recommend him or her for this extraordinary opportunity. Please note, however, that the process is confidential, so the candidate you submit should not be aware of his or her recommendation.

To recommend an educator:

1. Complete one Talent Pool Recommendation Form for each candidate with confidential, succinct, and specific information. All questions must be answered. Typewritten submissions are preferred;
2. Write a one-page letter that addresses how the candidate meets the aforementioned criteria; and
3. Obtain a copy of the candidate’s resume.

Please send the above, completed information to the Department of Education-OATQ, Attn: Lanette Johnston, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 or at lanette.johnston@state.sd.us, no later than May 1, 2008.