Teach SD, Sept. 11, 2024

Sept. 11, 2024

Kandy Flowers (right) of Wessington Springs, accepts a certificate and a teacher’s backpack from Sec. of Education Joe Graves

Apprenticeship program grows paraprofessionals into teachers

Program helps to fill teaching positions with a grow-your-own model that develops individuals already working and living in school communities.

Attendance Awareness Month:
Attend and Engage

Attendance adds up to achievement at school.

Literacy PD to focus on Science of Reading

The Department of Education will host a professional development opportunity focused on the Science of Reading, June 2-3, 2025, in Sioux Falls. The event will equip K-12 educators with the latest research, tools, and best practices to support literacy development in students of all ages. Mark your calendar now and watch for details later this fall.

Using interim assessments to drive student learning

Take an in-depth look at the state-provided interim assessments and their role in advancing student learning at one of five workshops offered across the state.

America’s 250th launches another round of America’s Field Trip contest

Students in grades 3-12 are invited to share what America means to them through essay, artwork, or video message.

Challenge puts focus on coding, careers in computer science

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in an app-design challenge.

Rickkie Martinmaas and John Oleson
New Underwood School District

Rickkie Martinmaas is a paraprofessional at New Underwood School District. Her mentor, John Oleson, is the assistant principal and dean of students there. Rickkie and John took time to talk to TeachSD about their experiences in the classroom and with the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway.

This section highlights upcoming professional development opportunities offered by the Department of Education. For a full list of trainings, visit DOE's new professional development platform at sded.sd.gov.

Community Response to Child Abuse Conference
Oct. 3-4, Sioux Falls

The Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) is working to reduce all forms of child maltreatment in South Dakota. On Oct. 3-4, more than 500 professionals from across the state will gather at the Sioux Falls Convention Center to learn from national and local experts, enhancing understanding and response to child abuse.

This year’s conference features a keynote from Warren Binford, an international children's rights scholar and advocate whose work focuses on child exploitation online and tech-facilitated child abuse. Binford will provide an overview of the latest research on how digital experiences are changing children’s lives in the 21st century. Visit SDCPCM.com/Conference for details, including the full agenda and registration links. Attendees can receive one graduate credit from the University of South Dakota for $40.

South Dakota Indian Education Summit
Nov. 14-15, Pierre

The South Dakota Office of Indian Education hosts an annual Indian Education Summit for educators and students to develop their understandings and experiences. The summit offers an opportunity for educators to learn about different initiatives, strategies, and networks that are available to assist them in incorporating South Dakota history within their classrooms, schools, and communities. The 2024 summit will be held Nov. 14 at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Pierre. Youth Day will be held the following day, Nov. 15, also in Pierre. See the Office of Indian Education website for details.