Mentoring: Engage, Encourage, Empower
“Mentoring has helped me become a better coworker to newer teachers at my school,” says Bridgewater-Emery teacher Patti Lager (left), pictured with her mentee, Menno teacher Shelby Tomoson.
YEAR IN REVIEW 2016-17
YEAR IN REVIEW 2016-17
In 2016, the South Dakota Legislature passed historic legislation
aimed at increasing the statewide average teacher salary,
and recruiting and retaining high quality teachers in the state. Where are we now?
In 2016, HB 1182 raised the state sales tax, directing approximately $67 million towards K-12 education, with a goal of raising the average teacher salary to $48,500.
High quality teachers:
The key to student achievement
“There’s no policy, rule, statute or educational
practice that outweighs the importance of having
a great teacher in the classroom.”
–Secretary of Education Dr. Melody Schopp
Innovation: Preparing students for a rapidly changing world
The traditional classroom is undergoing significant change, with educators asking one big question.
Shared Services: Helping small districts collaborate
Shared Services Grants help ensure access to high quality learning opportunities, no matter a student’s location.
Dual credit: Students enjoy continued success
South Dakota’s low-cost dual credit program remains popular, with students taking advantage of this opportunity to get ahead.