This issue of Teach SD is dedicated to introducing the five 2026 South Dakota Teacher of the Year candidates. Each teacher is highlighted below with a link to their regional video to spotlight their teaching career.  

Each year, an outstanding South Dakota educator is chosen to represent all teachers across the state as the South Dakota Teacher of the Year. The process to select the Teacher of the Year begins in February with districts nominating a strong candidate among their teachers. Each district teacher is invited to apply for the Regional Teacher of the Year. One candidate is selected from each region, making up the five finalists.

Announcement of the 2026 South Dakota Teacher of the Year will be on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, at the Teacher of the Year banquet in Fort Pierre, SD. The announcement of the Teacher of the Year will be posted on doe.sd.gov and social media.