South Dakota is making strides in supporting teachers, and that’s exciting to see.

Mentoring
I know that in your districts, you’re working on hiring for the 2018-19 school year, and I want to take this opportunity to remind you that applications are now open for the statewide mentoring program. If you will have first-year teachers on your staff next school year, this program is a great opportunity for them. The step from student teaching to having one’s own classroom is a big one, and the more support we provide these early-career professionals, the more likely they are to stay in education.

I also know that you have great veteran teachers in your districts who would make wonderful mentors. Please encourage them to consider the statewide mentoring program as well. In addition to the insight they can offer new teachers, it’s not uncommon for us to hear that they learn a lot from their mentees, too. Fresh from the latest teacher training programs, new teachers can offer valuable perspectives to their more experienced colleagues.

It is also worth noting that districts can receive funding to handle mentoring locally. Additionally, both mentors and new teachers meet certificate renewal credit requirements by successfully completing the program. They can also purchase three graduate credits each year of the program. More information is available on the mentoring program webpage.

Teacher of the Year
Thank you to all of the school districts that have submitted the names of their Teachers of the Year. The Department of Education is now reviewing applications for Regional Teachers of the Year, and will announce the winners during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

The 2019 South Dakota Teacher of the Year will be chosen from those regional candidates and announced in October at the Teacher of the Year banquet.

This program is a great way to honor educators for the work they do. If your district doesn’t typically participate, I hope you’ll consider doing so in the future. It’s a way for colleagues to lift each other up, as well as a way for your community to say thank you to teachers who make a difference in the lives of their students.

Thank you for everything you do for South Dakota students. If you have any questions or concerns, my inbox, phone line and door are open.