Awards, Scholarships & Grants

SDEA Scholarship for Minorities

The South Dakota Education Association/NEA is proud to announce the availability of scholarships to promising ethnic minority students who are seeking degrees in either the teaching field or school counseling.  The intent of these scholarships is to provide financial support to students who are doing their student teaching or school counseling internship.
Deadline: April 15, 2008
Guidelines & Application

SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation Grants

The SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation Program provides grants up to $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) to members of the association in support of innovative educational and student-oriented projects. The foundation program funds new member-led projects. The SDEA/NEA Educational Foundation gives preference to proposals that address student achievement, cultural diversity issues, include community partnerships, and can be duplicated by others.
Deadline: May 1, 2008
Grant Guidelines & Application
2007 and 2006 Recipients

Honored Women Educators of South Dakota

Three educators who have made a difference for children and public education were inducted into the Honored Women Educators of South Dakota Oct. 20, 2007, at Cedar Shores Resort in Chamberlain. Those inducted were Linda Demery, Sharon Olsen and Celia (Kathy) Rayhill.  See story and photos here.

To nominate a member for the Honored Women Educators of South Dakota,
see guidelines and nomination form.
Deadline: May 1, 2008

Ramia Borsma Memorial Scholarship

The South Dakota Education Association/NEA awards scholarships to outstanding students who are planning on entering the teaching profession . The Association may annually award up to three $750 scholarships for each academic year.
Deadline: February 15, 2009
Details & Nomination Form

Award for Teaching Excellence

The NEA Foundation together with the National Education Association inspires public education employees to ensure that all students succeed. Created by the National Education Association, the foundation makes grants to improve public education nationwide.
Deadline: April 3, 2008
Details & Nomination Form

SDEA/NEA Friend of Education Award

The Friend of Education Award is to honor a person or organization that has made a significant contribution on a statewide basis toward achieving a quality public education for all students.
Deadline: October 1, 2008
Details & Nomination Form

SDEA/NEA Human and Civil Rights Award

The Human and Civil Rights Award is to honor an individual, student, or organization for their work in promoting human and civil rights.
Deadline: October 1, 2008
Details & Nomination Form

Members/Locals of Distinction Program
We want to recognize the achievements of our talented SDEA /NEA members as well as the great things our local associations accomplish. If you, a fellow member or your local association has done something noteworthy, complete a nomination form

American Star of Teaching Award
Mike Olson, a math and computer science teacher at Bennett County High School, was named South Dakota’s 2007 American Star of Teaching Sept. 19. To see full story and photo, click here.

Presidential Award
President Bush honored Hill City Elementary School science teacher Sharla Steever with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation's top honor for teaching in these fields.  To see full story and photos, click here.

History Teacher of the Year
Jane Olson, a fourth grade teacher in Watertown, was named the History Teacher of the Year in South Dakota.  Click here for story and photos.