Megan Wilson, Sanborn Central School District

To raise awareness of the teaching profession and to encourage young people (and adults looking for a new challenge) to consider careers in education, the Department of Education (DOE) has launched a new series of videos. The videos feature South Dakota educators talking about the rewards of being a teacher. This week, we're featuring Megan Wilson, a Sanborn Central High School math teacher, who talks about the advantages of teaching in a small school, where she is much more than a math teacher.

The Office of Special Education Programs/Early Childhood Services will begin its 2025 Bright Beginnings Training in January. For Birth to Three direct service providers (private and school district staff serving children in need of prolonged assistance) this is a required training of anyone providing services to children in the Birth to Three program. However, the training is open to all K-12 educators who are interested in increasing family support in students' education.

There will be four rotations of the training in 2025, with modules beginning in January, March, August, and October. Each training is four weeks of guided instruction and four weeks to complete a fidelity video. Each week of instruction is approximately two to three hours of work and comes with 20 continuing education contact hours.

To register, visit Bright Beginnings 2025. Please contact Jennifer Kampmann at the Department of Education with any questions.

This one-hour webinar helps educators learn about a new math advising tool designed to help students align their middle and high school math coursework options to career interests and relevant programs of study in college.

Middle and high school civics and government teachers are invited to the state capital to experience first-hand the workings of state government.

Teachers who take part in Capital Connections will be able to study the process of governing through observation and conversations with those responsible for making, implementing, and interpreting the law. Educators will return to their classrooms with a deeper understanding of the workings of government and a renewed enthusiasm for preparing the next generation of citizens and leaders.

Participating teachers will receive a $300 stipend and complimentary lodging and meals. Those who fully participate in Capital Connections will receive 15 continuing education contact hours. Register online.

This one-hour webinar is designed for high school teachers and career counselors. Learn about postsecondary coursework opportunities available to juniors and seniors through the High School Dual Credit program. Program updates will be provided by both the South Dakota Board of Regents on behalf of the state universities, and South Dakota technical colleges.

This course is a part of the Dakota Dreams Educator Webinar Series. To register, visit the DOE's professional development platform. Those who attend the live webinar through the completion of a short survey will receive one continuing education contact hour.