Teach SD, May. 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and to celebrate, staff from the Department of Education have been traveling throughout the state to visit with outstanding teachers. This is also the week we announce the five finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year Award. We took the time to speak with each Regional Teacher of the Year. This edition of TeachSD is dedicated to excellent teachers throughout the state. Thank you, teachers, for the hard work and heart you put into your classrooms each year.

Region 1: Jenna Sinner

Jenna Sinner teaches high school science at Webster Area School District. She has been teaching for 15 years.

Region 2: Gina Sershen

Gina Sershen teaches 5th grade science at Brandon Valley. She has been teaching for
21 years.

Region 3: Becky Haenfler

Becky Haenfler teaches English Language Arts for grades 5-7 at Avon School District. She has been a teacher for 19 years.

Region 4: Jennifer Anders

Jennifer Anders teaches math at Harding County School District. She has been teaching for 28 years.

Region 5: Ann Anderson

Ann Anderson teaches 5th grade science at Belle Fourche Middle School. She has been a teacher for 26 years.