A final message from the outgoing 2026
South Dakota Teacher of the Year, Becky Haenfler:
Growing up in Avon, I have always felt extremely grateful to have been a student in a district with amazing teachers and incredible community support. Now, teaching in the exact room that once inspired me to become a teacher is something truly special. But over this past year, I have realized that I am not just lucky to have grown up and teach in my hometown—I am incredibly lucky to have grown up in and now teach in South Dakota.
Being named the 2026 South Dakota Teacher of the Year opened the door to more opportunities than I ever dreamed of. From meeting my National Teacher of the Year cohort in California to experiencing Space Camp in Alabama, I was challenged, inspired, and uplifted by some of the best educators and, more importantly, some of the best people from across the country. Building not just connections, but genuine friendships with educators from across the nation, has been one of the most invaluable experiences of my life. My professional and personal life are forever changed because of the people I have met and the experiences we have shared.
However, some of the most meaningful opportunities this past year have been the chance to meet teachers and students across our own state who are doing amazing things. They are impacting not only their classrooms, but also paving the way for their schools and communities to challenge students, create opportunities, and grow. And the more teachers I have had the opportunity to meet, the more I have realized that something special happens when teachers get together. We collaborate, we share, we encourage, and we continue to inspire one another to grow. This year has reminded me that South Dakota educators are doing big and amazing things—even when it doesn't always feel like it—and that the strength of our education system comes from the people who show up every day and put students first.
As I conclude my year of service, I carry with me a renewed sense of pride in our profession, our state, and the people who make South Dakota education what it is. I also know that the work does not end here. If anything, this experience has inspired me to continue working, leading, and advocating for our students, our schools, and our communities long after this year of service comes to a close. What an honor it has been to represent you, and what a privilege it has been to learn from you. Most of all, what a gift it has been to be reminded that the future of South Dakota is in the hands of some pretty incredible educators. I am more proud than ever to be one of them.
