Congratulations to last year’s Outstanding Biology Teacher Tucker Tornberg from Centerville High School!

Nominate a great science teacher in your district for the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. The award is sponsored by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) and honors teachers of the life sciences.

Selection criteria

1. Candidates must be presently teaching biology/life science (includes middle school) and must have devoted a significant portion of his/her career to the teaching of biology/life science.
2. Candidates from public, private, and parochial schools are eligible.
3. A minimum of three years of teaching experience is mandatory before applying for the OBTA award.
4. Candidates need not be members of NABT.
5. Unsuccessful candidates may be re-nominated from year to year.
6. Candidates may receive the award more than once, after 10 years.

Upon notification, the awardee will receive an invitation to the 2022 NABT national conference, a $1,200 stipend sponsored by Sanford Health, and recognition at the local, state, and national levels.

To nominate a teacher for the 2022 award, email the nominee’s contact information to the OBTA Director, Jeff Peterson [jeff.peterson@k12.sd.us]. Please write 2022 OBTA Nomination in the subject line and include your email signature.

The nominee will receive an email notification with application details, including an application deadline of March 31, 2022. In April, all completed applications are reviewed by a selection committee.

The Build Dakota Scholarship [http://www.builddakotascholarships.com/] is a South Dakota workforce development initiative that offers full-ride scholarships to students attending one of South Dakota’s four technical colleges in a high-need field. In return for the full-ride scholarship, Build Dakota scholars agree to work in that field, in South Dakota, for three years upon completion of the program.

Build Dakota also partners with South Dakota businesses, economic development groups, and local community foundations to help them attract skilled talent and sponsor students. Last year more than 400 individuals received full-ride scholarships. Almost 2,400 individuals have received scholarships since the program began in 2015. The program has also received funding to maintain its momentum for at least the next five years.

The application window is Jan. 1 - March 31, 2022.

2022 Program Handout: [https://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/zebra/21/10/documents/BD-Program-2122.pdf] Features general information on the front and all Build Dakota approved programs on the back. The technical colleges will be hand-delivering these and large posters to schools, but also feel free to print/email for students and parents. Students of all ages are welcome to apply for Build Dakota. (Dental Assisting was added this year!)

2022 Industry Handout: [https://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/zebra/21/10/documents/BD-Industry-2122.pdf] Features information on industry partner programs. Students do not need an industry partner to apply, but this is a large component of the program’s overall mission, so it is highly recommended that school staff and students are aware of this part of the application and awarding process.

The workforce shortage is a significant issue for South Dakota in towns of all sizes. Build Dakota staff would like to have as many conversations as possible with students regarding this issue and the opportunity it creates for them.

Email Deni Amundson [deni@builddakotascholarships.com] to schedule an in-person or virtual visit to your school.

Options for schools/students/parents:

1. In-person visit: These can be presentations to certain classes or to the full student body. Build Dakota staff can invite local businesses and parents to learn more as well. Presenters discuss the workforce shortage, the importance of career exploration and college planning, rethinking student loan debt, and how to apply for Build Dakota. Presenters travel with the technical colleges and bring some fun “swag” to encourage student discussion and participation.
2. Zoom/virtual visits
3. In-person or virtual live event won’t work with your school’s schedule? A video [https://www.dropbox.com/s/5b4j3nizlqgmtej/Video- Student 2021.mp4?dl=0] and discussion guide [https://doe.sd.gov/pressroom/zebra/21/10/documents/BD-DiscussionGuide.pdf] are available for school counselors and teachers. Watch the video with students, and then use the discussion guide to explore further.

The South Dakota Board of Regents has announced the launch of the Dakota Dream coalition as part of an ongoing effort to encourage South Dakotans to pursue postsecondary education.

The coalition is funded by a national grant through the U.S. Department of Education and coordinated through the Board of Regents. The coalition includes representatives from the regents’ central office, Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, Northern State University, South Dakota Mines, South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, South Dakota Department of Education, South Dakota Board of Technical Education, and Mapping Your Future.

Our Dakota Dream [http://www.ourdakotadream.com/] is designed to support the dreams of South Dakotans who require education after high school. Postsecondary certifications can take many forms, and many dreams can only be achieved by attending college.

“Pursuing higher education can help make many dreams come true, while supporting the vitality of communities across South Dakota,” said Brian L. Maher, the regents’ executive director and CEO. “As workforce demand for jobs requiring at least a bachelor’s degree increase, ‘Our Dakota Dream’ will help demonstrate that college for South Dakotans is accessible and affordable – and that college can make dreams a reality.”

The regents also announced an extension of its Free College Application Campaign from one week to six weeks. Application fees at all South Dakota colleges and universities will be waived from Oct. 18 to Nov. 30. Our Dakota Dream coalition will also coordinate a series of initiatives to help potential students navigate the college application process.

“Applying for college can be an intimidating and scary process,” said Janice Minder, the regents’ system vice president for academic policy and planning. “By offering a free application period we hope to increase the number of first-generation students and students from low-income families who might otherwise not pursue their dreams of attending college. Our Dakota Dream is that all South Dakotans have an opportunity to achieve their dreams.”

Learn more about college application month and how students can apply for free: https://www.selectdakota.org/parentscounselors/collegeapplicationweek/

The South Dakota Arts Council is now accepting submissions for the Governor’s Student Art Competition. All K-12 South Dakota students are encouraged to participate. Selected student work from four age divisions will be exhibited in the state Capitol from January through September 2022. The submission deadline is Nov. 12.

Read more at https://artscouncil.sd.gov/events/student_art_Main.aspx.