Congratulations to these outstanding educators!

Region #1: Alyssa Cassels (right), 5-12 band instructor, Deuel School District

Region #2: Deb Jensen (second from right), kindergarten, Viborg-Hurley School District

Region #3: Loretta Knodel (back row, middle), third grade, Avon School District

Region #4: Jennifer Weishaar (right), first grade, Aberdeen School District

Region #5: Jennifer Macziewski, K-1 Primary, Rapid City Area Schools

A statewide panel of educators will select one of these regional finalists to represent the state as the 2023 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. The 2023 South Dakota Teacher of the Year will be announced this fall. That individual will be South Dakota’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award.

The National Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. The 2023 National Teacher of the Year will be announced during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in spring 2023.