May 21, 2025

DOE mentoring program aims to support new teachers

To help new teachers navigate the first two years of teaching, the Department of Education (DOE) developed a statewide mentoring program that pairs a new teacher in their first or second year of teaching with an experienced educator who serves as a mentor.

Online, June 1-Aug. 31

ExCITE! (Exchange, Create, Infuse, Transform, Energize) is a flexible, engaging, and personalized online professional development course designed for school librarians, classroom teachers, and other education professionals. This course will explore textual literacy, that area of reading that helps students to read and engage for academic and personal growth. Participants will take part in self-paced learning, live discussions, gamification, and practical application.

Those who complete the course may receive continuing education contact hours, or they may receive graduate credit from the University of Sioux Falls for $45. Register online. Contact Scottie Bruch for more information.

The South Dakota Department of Education and Studies Weekly will be hosting two “Train the Expert Seminars” – one West River, and one East River. Each three-hour seminar will include a guided walkthrough of Studies Weekly print and digital curriculum resources, highlighting key features of the K-5 social studies curriculum, such as managing student accounts, navigating lesson plans, and strategies to promote student engagement. Participants will also explore assessment options along with grading and reporting tools to support instructional planning and monitor student progress.

This seminar is open to K-5 teachers who will be teaching social studies using the South Dakota Studies Weekly curriculum. Registration is limited to 300 participants at each location. Those who would like to register should visit with their district administration about attending on behalf of their district or building.

Register online. Contact Melissa Bothun for more information.