2024 Special Education Staff of the Year named

Julie Williams, a speech language pathologist and assistant special education director at the Gettysburg School District, has been named the 2024 South Dakota Special Education Staff of the Year.

Each year, the DOE's Office of Special Education Programs invites families of students receiving special education services to nominate a special education staff member who has made an outstanding contribution to the education of their child. The tradition began in 2012, when a parent wrote an email to the DOE, describing the tremendous impact her child’s special education teacher had on her child, and the ways that relationship affected the school and community.

Since that time, the DOE's Office of Special Programs has invited parents and guardians of special education students to nominate a special education staff member who made a positive impact on their child's education.

In 2024, the department received 78 nominations, the highest number it has received since the program's start. “We had a record number of nominations this year, which confirms the passion and commitment demonstrated daily by professionals working with students with special needs,” said Linda Turner, director of the DOE’s Division of Special Education and Early Learning.

Five finalists were chosen from those nominations, and Williams was announced as the winner on March 6 at the 2024 South Dakota Special Education Conference awards luncheon in Sioux Falls.

“Julie Williams embodies the mission of special education,” said Turner. “Her influence goes beyond supporting students to meet their goals; she also inspires colleagues and families to achieve positive outcomes for students with disabilities.”

Julie Williams (center) with the other finalists.