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Teachers News Archive:

July 17, 2023
New teachers should apply now for Statewide Mentoring Program
Applications for new teachers and mentors for the 2023-24 Statewide Mentoring Program are now open. The program provides first- and second-year teachers access to a mentor teacher for a period of two years and participation in a summer academy. Mentors and new teachers who complete the program meet the credit requirements to renew their teaching certificate. Applications are due Sept. 1.

April 4, 2023
Updated Social Studies standards available
An updated version of the proposed Social Studies standards (titled "Revised Proposed 3/30/23") has been posted on the department's website. The document reflects changes made since the board's last meeting, including adding Juneteenth to kindergarten standard K.SS.4. The final public hearing on these standards takes place April 17 in Pierre.

March 20, 2023
Taking public comment on proposed rule changes related to student teachers
The Board of Education Standards will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to ARSD 24:28:09 (Educator Permit Requirements) at its April 17 meeting in Pierre.

Feb. 15, 2023
Encourage students to apply for National Youth Science Camp by Feb. 28
The National Youth Science Camp is a free, residential honors program for two accomplished high school graduates from each state, Washington, D.C., and select international countries. The first five days of this year's camp will be virtual, with the remaining days in-person at Camp Pocahontas in West Virginia. In addition to a broad range of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics and outdoor adventure activities, students travel to Washington, D.C., where they can tour museums and attend a panel discussion held at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Find more information at apply.nyscamp.org.

Feb. 15, 2023
Teachers encouraged to enter students' work in South Dakota State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources encourage teachers to submit student education entries in the Arts & Education building for the 2023 South Dakota State Fair. Project areas include various mediums of art, literature, computer graphics, and more. Entry forms are due to the State Fair office by April 14. Teachers are encouraged to use the online entry process this year.

Feb. 15, 2023
State Historical Society looking for SD's History Teacher of the Year
Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 28 (deadline extended) for the 2023 South Dakota History Teacher of the Year, one of the Governor's Awards for History, coordinated by the South Dakota State Historical Society. Nominees may be an elementary or secondary teacher of history or social studies in public or private schools in South Dakota. They must be teaching at least half time during a school year and have a minimum of three years teaching experience in history, social studies, or a related field. Nomination forms can be found on the State Historical Society's website (click the History Awards link). Once history teachers are nominated, they need to complete and return an application by March 17. Questions? Email Kevin Larsen or call 605-773-6000. The winner will be announced at this year's State Historical Society History Conference, being held April 21-22 in Pierre.

Feb. 15, 2023
Listening sessions focusing on preschool services scheduled statewide in March
The South Dakota departments of Education and Social Services are conducting a study to assist the state in understanding the current landscape of preschool education (for children ages 3-5) in South Dakota. Parents, preschool teachers, administrators, business partners, and community members with information to share about preschool where they live are invited to participate in listening sessions. Sessions will be held in Brookings, Aberdeen, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Chamberlain, and online. These flyers in English and Spanish can be shared widely to help promote this opportunity. Questions? Please contact Carrie Germeroth with Marzano Research.

Feb. 6, 2023
Save the date for South Dakota Week of Work
The 2023 South Dakota Week of Work is set for April 3-7. This timeline is intended to help you prepare your school and community. This week is the perfect time to host interactive opportunities connecting students with local businesses. It's also an opportunity to publicly celebrate the wonderful things your school does for work-based learning all year long. There will be a celebration kit coming soon to https://weekofwork.sd.gov/ with printable templates and resources. The website also has a library of virtual career videos that can be used on demand. Questions about Week of Work? Email Kristin Larson at DOE.

Feb. 1, 2023
Free, online tutoring available for K-12 students
The Dakota Dreams Online Tutoring Program is back from winter break and prepared to help students succeed academically. Available on-demand or by scheduling in advance, tutoring sessions are a great option for students to access after-school homework help. Tutors (teachers-in-training at Black Hills State and Northern State) are available every day of the week. Tutors find that sessions are most effective when students have specific assignments to work on with their tutor. Teachers can use this tool to send home information about the program to families. Teachers can include information about academic focus, or better yet, provide the student with some homework that could be used to guide the tutoring session. Questions about the program can be directed to onlinetutoring@sdbor.edu.

Feb. 1, 2023
Apply today for competency-based learning cohorts beginning this spring
The South Dakota Department of Education provides competency-based and blended learning professional development for South Dakota teachers, administrators, and specialists through the Rethinking K-12 Education Models (REM) grant. Participants will design lessons and units applicable to their classroom/school/district. There is a deep focus on incorporating choice, pathways, and learner agency in addition to assessment and whole child development. With the help of the SD Family Engagement Center, embedded within the program are methods to include families and communities as educators incorporate new practices with students. Three cohorts will run March 1 - June 30, April 1 - July 30, and May 1 - Aug. 30. Find more information and apply. Questions? Email Dr. Cari Kennedy.

Feb. 1, 2023
State Historical Society looking for SD's History Teacher of the Year
Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 21 for the 2023 South Dakota History Teacher of the Year, one of the Governor's Awards for History, coordinated by the South Dakota State Historical Society. Nominees may be an elementary or secondary teacher of history or social studies in public or private schools in South Dakota. They must be teaching at least half time during a school year and have a minimum of three years teaching experience in history, social studies, or a related field. Nomination forms can be found on the State Historical Society's website (click the History Awards link). Once history teachers are nominated, they need to complete and return an application by March 17. Questions? Email Kevin Larsen or call 605-773-6000. The winner will be announced at this year's State Historical Society History Conference, being held April 21-22 in Pierre.

Jan. 17, 2023
Submit Mentoring Summer Academy session proposals by Feb. 10
DOE is now taking breakout session proposals for the South Dakota Mentoring Program Summer Academy. This event is a time for new teachers and their mentors, participating in the Statewide Mentoring Program, to gather for reflection, professional development, and celebration. This year, there will be an academy on each side of the state: Sioux Falls, May 31-June 1, and Rapid City, June 6-7.

Jan. 17, 2023
Revised version of proposed social studies standards now available
A revised version of the proposed academic content standards for social studies - primarily addressing geography standards and certain translations - is now available. The revised proposal, along with a summary of changes, is available on DOE's website. Department staff will outline the revisions at the next public hearing for the standards, which is set for Feb. 10 in Rapid City.

Jan. 9, 2023
Sharing resources related to epilepsy
House Concurrent Resolution 6007 passed in early 2020 and was quickly overshadowed by events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution sought to support students and other persons afflicted by epilepsy and raise awareness of the disease. In the spirit of the intent of that resolution, the Epilepsy Foundation offers education and training on this topic.

Jan. 6, 2023
Encourage high school students to participate in Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud is a free program for all South Dakota high school students (grades 9-12) that encourages them to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation. This program provides avenues for students to master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, learn about their literary heritage, and compete for prizes. The state champion and teacher (or another chaperone) receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in the spring for national finals, where they compete for a $20,000 cash prize. Student video submissions are due Feb. 20. Learn more on the SD Arts Council's Poetry Out Loud webpage.

Jan. 3, 2023
State-level COVID relief funding activities
As part of the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funding, state Departments of Education were required to reserve 10 percent of the state's allocation to manage state-level activities designed to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. DOE has launched a webpage highlighting the supports we are providing in South Dakota.

Dec. 29, 2022
Youth Trooper Academy application window open
High school juniors and seniors with an interest in law enforcement are encouraged to apply for the 2023 Youth Trooper Academy, hosted by the South Dakota Highway Patrol and American Legion.
The academy will take place in Pierre June 26-30, 2023. Application deadline: March 25, 2023.
Questions? Contact Lieutenant Tony Maunu (605-773-2231).

Dec. 15, 2022
Do not submit 2023 renewal applications until new SD Educator Certification Portal launches
The current educator certification application system is being phased out, and will no longer be accessible as of Dec. 22. Please wait to submit all documents, transcripts, and applications until the new South Dakota Educator Certification Portal opens in late February 2023. Materials submitted between now and Dec. 22 without an active application, will not transfer to the new portal. For more information, please visit the department's webpage about the transition to the new portal.

Dec. 15, 2022
PAEMST nominations and applications now being accepted for grade 7-12 teachers
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a K-12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Presidential awardees receive a citation signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation. Anyone may complete the nomination form available on the PAEMST website. Teachers may also initiate the application process themselves.

Nov. 30, 2022
Safe2Say South Dakota now active
Safe2Say South Dakota is a statewide tip line that allows South Dakota students, school staff, and community members to safely and anonymously report sensitive information that concerns their safety or the safety of others, including mental health concerns. Safe2Say South Dakota operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone with information about a potentially dangerous situation can call the toll-free number at 1-844-3SD-SAFE (1-844-373-7233), make a web report by clicking the Submit a Tip Online button, or by downloading the mobile app and making a report from a smartphone or digital device. Questions? Contact the SD School Safety Center.

Nov. 30, 2022
Preschool survey open until Dec. 16
The South Dakota Departments of Education and Social Services are conducting a survey to assist the state in understanding the current landscape of preschool education (for children ages 3-5) in South Dakota. This is the first step in a statewide study to capture valuable information about the preschool opportunities currently available to families across the state. The survey is targeted to families, teachers, and administrators. The survey will close Dec. 16.

Nov. 30, 2022
School Libraries Data Digest available
Every year the South Dakota State Library surveys the state's public, non-public, and tribal/BIE school systems regarding school library budgets and facilities, circulation and programs, staffing and professional activities. The survey data helps the State Library provide services such as statewide electronic resources for research and education, programs like ExCITE! for school library staff, and interlibrary loan services. Find a summary snapshot from the School Library Survey for the 2021-22 school year in the 2022 South Dakota School Libraries Data Digest. Data for all South Dakota school districts/systems are available to school librarians and administrators by contacting the South Dakota State Library at 605-773-3131 or library@state.sd.us.

Nov. 30, 2022
Bev Petersen receives Governor's Award for Outstanding Transition Services
Congratulations to Bev Petersen, a liaison with the Transition Services Liaison Project (TSLP) in Sioux Falls since 2001. She was presented with the Governor's Award for Outstanding Transition Services for her extraordinary contributions to developing and providing a program to assist students with disabilities as they transition from school to adult life. In her role as liaison, Petersen provides technical assistance to individuals, families, schools, teachers, and providers, working with staff and students from 48 different schools. To assist students in their transition out of high school, Petersen developed two events - the Let's Talk Work event and the Meet and Greet event at Yankton High School. She has also provided significant contributions to numerous other transition activities.

Oct. 27, 2022
Paying for College SD
The online video series, Paying for College SD, teaches prospective college students and their families how to carefully consider their education options and make informed decisions about how to pay for college. It features advice from South Dakotans as well as footage from SD state colleges and universities. This project was produced in partnership with Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Black Hills, the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center, and the Career Learning Center of the Black Hills, a division of Black Hills Special Services Cooperative through a grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation. Questions? Contact Kelsey Smith.

Oct. 27, 2022
Coming in early 2023: SD Educator Certification Portal
The South Dakota Educator Certification Portal will be a one-stop shop for educators and schools that integrates the certification application system with Teacher 411 and the Personnel Record Form. This new system is designed with the user and customer service in mind. More information to come.

Oct. 7, 2022
Teacher Feature: 2023 SD Teacher of the Year nominees
Meet South Dakota's Regional Teachers of the Year. One of these outstanding educators will be named 2023 State Teacher of the Year on Oct. 13:

  • Video: Region #1 - Alyssa Cassels, 5-12 band instructor, Deuel School District
  • Video: Region #2 - Deb Jensen, kindergarten, Viborg-Hurley School District
  • Video: Region #3 - Loretta Knodel, third grade, Avon School District
  • Video: Region #4 - Jennifer Weishaar, first grade, Aberdeen School District
  • Video: Region #5 - Jennifer Macziewski, first grade, Rapid City Area Schools

Oct. 6, 2022
Free, online tutoring available for K-12 students
South Dakota students and families can access a new, online tutoring program, staffed by college students who are preparing to become teachers. The Dakota Dreams Online Tutoring Program offers FREE online tutoring to K-12 students. One-on-one tutoring sessions can help students with their homework, tackle specific trouble areas, and address broader educational concepts. Families must first register their students to access the service.

Sept. 22, 2022
DOE launches Good to Great Teachers mentoring program
We are launching Good to Great Teachers, a mentoring program aimed at empowering teachers in years 3-5 of their career by increasing teacher effectiveness and fostering self-efficacy. Experienced educators will guide small cohorts of participants through reflective practices to increase confidence in four key areas: communication skills, reflective practice, classroom management, and student engagement. Teachers who successfully complete the program will earn three graduate credits. Apply by Oct. 7.

Sept. 22, 2022
Celebrate the 2022 South Dakota Crunch Off
The South Dakota Crunch Off is a statewide event to celebrate local produce and Farm to School by crunching into any South Dakota grown "crunchy" fruit or vegetable. Anyone can participate. Simply register your crunch event and post a photo or video crunching to social media with #SouthDakotaCrunch. South Dakota Crunch Off events may occur anytime between Sept. 26 and Oct. 7, 2022. Learn more and register your event.

Sept. 22, 2022
REMINDER: Earn grad credits and stipends for National Board Certification
The 2022-23 National Board Certification (NBC) cohort will begin in October. This program provides support and guidance to teachers throughout the NBC process and pairs them with a mentor. Teachers who pursue and successfully earn National Board Certification can get graduate credits, fee reimbursement, and a $2,000 stipend for five years. Learn more and register by Sept. 30.

Sept. 22, 2022
DEADLINE EXTENDED: New leadership opportunity targets teachers
Applications are open until Oct. 2 for the new Dakota Dreams Teacher Leadership Academy. This FREE academy offers South Dakota teachers who have taught five-plus years an experience-based learning opportunity to develop their leadership skills and explore administrative roles and responsibilities in schools. Teachers earn three graduate credits, and schools will be reimbursed for substitute teacher expenses and teacher travel/lodging costs. Participants will meet over three days during the 2022-23 school year and a three-day period in the summer. This opportunity is being offered by the Board of Regents and Department of Education, with funding available through the American Rescue Plan.

Sept. 19, 2022
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth aged 10-19. Educators have the power to make a difference. Reach out to Becky Cain in our Office of Student Wellness and Supports if you need ideas about where to start. As of July 16, 988 is the national three-digit phone number for all mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. Materials are available for schools to order to help promote 988 and BeThe1SD.

Aug. 24, 2022
Earn grad credits and stipends for National Board Certification
The 2022-23 National Board Certification (NBC) cohort will begin in October. This program provides support and guidance to teachers throughout the NBC process and pairs them with a mentor. Teachers who pursue and successfully earn National Board Certification can get graduate credits, fee reimbursement, and a $2,000 stipend for five years. Learn more and register for the cohort by Sept. 30.

Aug. 24, 2022
Classroom science tools available at no cost to South Dakota teachers
Gizmos are online science simulations and case studies. Tuva offers students the opportunity to learn about and practice working with data, graphing, and statistics tools using real-world scenarios and data. Interested teachers should contact their district's assessment coordinator to get a TE-Science account in the South Dakota Assessment System.

Aug. 24, 2022
Board adopts recommended Praxis cut scores
As part of an annual process, updates to state-designated Praxis tests are reviewed. The South Dakota Board of Education Standards approved several updated tests and cut scores this summer.

Aug. 24, 2022
Legislative Page Program - Student Opportunity
The South Dakota Legislature is once again looking for high school students who are interested in being a page during the 2023 legislative session. Find more information, including the application, on the Legislative Research Council's Page Program webpage. The preferred application deadline is Oct. 7 and the FINAL deadline is Oct. 21, 2022.

Aug. 15, 2022
Proposed Social Studies, CTE standards released
Proposed standards for Social Studies and several Career and Technical Education (CTE) areas have been released. Members of the public are invited to read the standards and provide public comment.

Aug. 8, 2022
New leadership opportunity targets teachers
Applications are open for the new Dakota Dreams Teacher Leadership Academy. This FREE academy offers South Dakota teachers an experience-based learning opportunity to develop their leadership skills and explore administrative roles and responsibilities in schools. This opportunity is being offered by the Board of Regents and Department of Education.

July 1, 2022
Applications open for Statewide Mentoring Program
The Statewide Mentoring Program provides a first-year teacher access to a mentor teacher for a period of two years and participation in a summer academy following the first and second year of employment. Applications for the 2022-23 school year are now open. Mentors and new teachers who complete the mentoring program meet the credit requirements to renew their teaching certificate. Visit the Statewide Mentoring Program webpage for applications and more information.

July 1, 2022
Dakota Dreams Teacher Leadership Academy to begin in school year 2022-23
The Dakota Dreams Teacher Leadership Academy will offer eligible teachers a year-long, experience-based learning opportunity to further develop their educational leadership skills. Submit your intent to apply to receive more information.


July 1, 2022
Complete survey to help inform K-5 STEM initiative
The South Dakota Department of Education seeks input from K-5 teachers to gauge levels of STEM-focused instruction in South Dakota classrooms. Your feedback will help the department determine effective pathways to facilitate STEM-related instructional activities and resources in districts across the state.