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The Division of Learning and Instruction strengthens teaching and learning across the state by empowering educators through guidance, professional support, and high-quality resources. Beyond serving teachers directly, this division equips schools with tools to engage families as collaborative partners in students’ learning, fostering shared understanding and meaningful connections. Through its three offices: Assessment and Accountability, Title Programs, and Standards, Learning, and Leadership, the Division of Learning and Instruction advances educational excellence, promotes collaboration, and supports all who contribute to student success.
Learning begins at school and continues at home. This Teach SD provides educators with materials to share with families to engage with their students at home.
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Professional Development and Training:
Childhood Mental Health & Diagnoses - Various dates, online
This course will provide training and assistance to educators, administrators, other related professionals, and graduate students who are interested in learning more about childhood mental health and psychopathology. This course will promote a better understanding of childhood mental health, diagnostic criteria, and commonly occurring social, emotional, and behavioral problems that may present in children and adolescents. See the event page for more information and to register.
Grit & Glory: South Dakota Historical Society History Conference
June 1-3, Fort Pierre
All K-12 educators are invited to learn from our past and engage in this year’s conference, highlighting key elements of South Dakota’s history and important events from America’s 250-year journey. Show off your knowledge at the Trivia Night History Smackdown, find out more about how the Dakota Territory was shaped, and learn who will be named the 2026 History Teacher of the Year. New this year, South Dakota certified K-12 educators are eligible for free registration and reimbursement on travel! Register now – spots are limited! Questions? Reach out to Kevin Larsen.
Literacy Conference - June 16-17, Mitchell
A literacy-focused conference for educators passionate about student success. Participants will experience inspiring keynotes and breakout sessions, gain the opportunity for CECH contact hours and graduate credit, and learn by networking with fellow educators. The Summit is open to ELA teachers, coaches, specialists, administrators and more! More details are available on the conference website.
Registration is now open
South Dakota Career and Technical Education Conference - July 26-28, Brookings
Join us at South Dakota State University for dynamic workshops, innovative best practices, and valuable networking opportunities. Designed for CTE teachers, school administrators, and school counselors. This conference offers something for everyone committed to advancing workforce education. Register soon—Perkins funds may be available to help cover registration and travel expenses. Registration and Lodging information is available at: doe.sd.gov/cte/perkins.aspx.
Foundational Reading Courses
This summer, educators in all roles can join in person foundational literacy courses grounded in the Science of Reading. Sessions cover the five essential literacy skills, strategies for supporting students with reading challenges, explicit instruction, and more. Registration for all courses is open on the DOE’s PD platform.
- K-3 Foundational Reading
June 1-3 - Sioux Falls; June 8-10 - Pierre; July 7-9- Rapid City. A three-day workshop where participants will learn research-based literacy practices and Science of Reading strategies to strengthen instruction and support all learners, including those with reading challenges.
- 4-8 Foundational Reading
June 24-26 - Sioux Falls; July 7-9- Rapid City; July 27-29 – Pierre. A three-day workshop designed to build stronger readers and writers with strategies for fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and academic language. Participants learn to use assessments, teach multi-syllabic words, and support both struggling and advanced learners.
- Train the Reading Facilitator
July 20-24 - Sioux Falls. A five-day training designed to designed for participants to gain facilitation tools and evidence-based strategies for teaching foundational skills to support effective professional development.
- Explicit Instruction
June 25-26 - Sioux Falls; July 30-31 – Pierre. A two-day workshop on explicit instruction techniques from Anita Archer and Charles Hughes’ work. Engage in active learning through sample lessons and discussions, led by instructors trained directly by Anita Archer.
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Student Opportunities:
State Fair Literacy Awareness Drawing Contest – May 8 Deadline
The South Dakota Department of Education will be at the SD State Fair to distribute free books and educational resources. Students are encouraged to embrace their creativity to help promote literacy across the state.
Download the Drawing Contest Flyer.
Questions? Contact Ashley Holm.
Summer Career Camps
The South Dakota Board of Regents has created a new tool to support summer career exploration for students and families. Using the “Career Camps” filter, students and parents can quickly search for summer career camps and hands-on learning opportunities across South Dakota. You can access the new tool on the Our Dakota Dreams website.
South Dakota Seal of Biliteracy
The South Dakota Seal of Biliteracy honors high school students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language—whether it’s a world language, American Sign Language, or an Indigenous language. This prestigious recognition is noted on a student’s high school diploma and transcript, showcasing valuable skills for college, careers, and beyond.
Learn more and access resources at doe.sd.gov/biliteracy.
Contact Yutzil Becker with questions about the process.
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