Teach SD, Oct. 29, 2025

Oct. 29, 2025

Oct. 29 is Buckle Up Phone Down Day

Take the pledge to buckle up and put your phone down, every trip, every time!

America’s Field Trip Contest Now Open!

Students in grades 3-12 can share their perspectives on what America means to them for a chance to earn a field trip experience.

South Dakota Rising Stars Award – nominations due soon

Nominations are due Nov. 3 for First Lady Sandy Rhoden’s inaugural Rising Stars Award

Presidential AI Challenge

Educators and students can gather a team to solve real-world challenges using AI-powered solutions.

Photo of smarthphone with message You are enough, just as you are.

Sign up for free, weekly affirmation texts

As part of DSS’s “Notes to Self” campaign you can now receive affirmations, right on your phone.

Image of proclamation announcing October as Farm to School Month

Governor Rhoden Proclaims October Farm to School Month

South Dakota proudly joins the nationwide celebration with Governor Rhoden’s Executive Proclamation of October as Farm to School Month.

Save the Date. Elevate. Educate. Empower. Mitchell High School. June 16-17, 2026

Literacy Conference:
Elevate. Educate. Empower.

The Department of Education is looking for educators interested in presenting at its upcoming literacy conference, to be held June 16-17, 2026.

2026 Virtual South Dakota Statewide Mentoring Program.

Applications now open for speaker breakout session proposals

The Department of Education is looking for educators interested in presenting the 2026 Virtual Statewide Mentoring Program Summer Academy.

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

Literacy Blueprint Courses Now Available

Asynchronous, online

The department and the Board of Regents partnered to design courses grounded in the Science of Reading for South Dakota educators to develop skills needed for the classroom – irrespective of grade level or content area. Each course is asynchronous and all mirror each other to create an ideal school-wide professional development opportunity for educators. Courses are open now for enrollment for completion by October 2026. The courses are free; educators can receive 45 CECHs or 3 graduate credits through any South Dakota regental university (participants are responsible for the cost of credits). Explore the courses more and register now at the DOE’s professional development platform. Questions? Reach out to the DOE Literacy Team.

Career Connections Virtual Learning Series

Nov. 5 & 12, online

The Career Connections Virtual Learning Series bridges career, academics, and workforce readiness skills to help students graduate high school college, career, and life ready. The series is open to all educators, including CTE teachers, school administrators, and school counselors. Graduate credit or continuing education contact hours are available.
For questions, contact Kristin Larson or Mercedes Snedeker.

South Dakota Indian Education Summit

Nov. 14, Aberdeen

Register is still open for the 2025 Indian Education Summit. Julie Garreau, an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and CEO of the nonprofit Cheyenne River Youth Project will keynote the conference. See the array of presentations - there’s something for everyone, from leading change to engaging families and strategies to apply in your school setting. Registration is $100 and covers the conference, lunch and dinner; schools can take advantage of registering for $500 for the opportunity to bring an unlimited number of teachers and staff. Don’t miss out!

Title Programs 101

Throughout the 2025-26 school year

Looking for a refresher on navigating Title Programs? New to a Title role? Looking to beef up your knowledge? Then we have the course for you!

Title Programs 101 is a free, self-paced course for anyone looking for more in-depth information about Title programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). While it does not replace the Title Programs Technical Support Handbook, it’s packed with valuable insights to help you navigate and implement Title Program requirements.

If you took a look last year, take the time to check it out again this year - new modules are being released regularly so you can keep learning at your own pace.