SDEA - South Dakota Education Association - Home

Member Voices

Brooke McLellan, Spearfish, SDMy name is Brooke McLellan & I am a member of Spearfish local chapter for the third year. I teach K-2 Technology and STEM in my district & I love my job! This year was my first experience being a member of the local Negotiations Team and witnessing the process of advocating for my peers on this level. It is by far my favorite part of being a part of this association, because I believe we as teachers need to be a part of that decision-making process in order to be heard and make change.

Joann Curoe Stephens, Belle Fourche, SDHello from Belle Fourche Education Association! My name is Joann Curoe Stephens and I'm a seventh grade English Language Arts teacher. I have been a member for 35 years and treasurer for at least half of that. When I first joined BFEA, I remember tenured members telling me I must join the association for legal representation and liability insurance. That may have been true then but I'm still a member. SDEA still gives teachers a voice and chances to be heard. SDEA offers trainings and workshops such as edCamps and preparation for National Board Certification. SDEA gives teachers what they need to be the best teachers. That's why I'm involved.

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What's Happening

2023 SDEA/NEA Election4/21/2023SDEA/NEA Candidate Statements for the upcoming 2023 election.

Social Studies Standards Debate in SD Enters Home Stretch ➲2/28/2023The state Board of Education Standards could take action at its April meeting on the latest content plan for K-12 social studies classes. The road map for updating what is taught for the subject has been rocky after the first plan was scrapped in 2021. Recent tension has largely centered around forcing younger students to focus more on memorization as opposed to developing critical thinking skills.

Educators and parents protest proposed social studies standards ➲2/13/2023“Parents and teachers were not involved in this set of proposed social studies standards, and that’s an issue because the parents and teachers are the ones that’ll be living these standards another issue we have with the standards is a lot of them are misplaced within the gray bands and our younger students will be learning things like politics and warfare that are just not appropriate for there age group,” said Rapid City teacher Jennifer Macziewski.

MACZIEWSKI: Social studies standards are not feasible ➲2/8/2023I am a passionate teacher of early learners. Last year I was recognized as regional teacher of the year. I strongly oppose the social studies content standards currently being considered by the South Dakota Board of Education Standards. To understand why, let me tell you more about a typical day in my classroom.

Tips & Tools

Freedom to Learn Educators are committed to teaching students a full history, including the good and bad, while helping them develop the critical thinking skills that enable them to be productive citizens committed to our country's great promise; that we are all created equal. State standards should help students develop the necessary critical thinking skills to aid them in becoming productive members of our society. Students deserve standards that challenge them to meet their fullest potential while having the freedom to learn in an environment where they can pursue their passions.

PBS LearningMediaIn this one-hour virtual learning seminar, PBS master trainers and educators share tips and techniques to support engaging, effective distance learning. Educators of children of all ages are introduced to virtual learning technologies, tools, and hacks to set up a digital classroom with confidence.

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A professional organization working hard for educators, so they can continue to work hard for our kids.

Buildings, busses, classes and curriculum. Schoolbooks, pencils, homework and grades. Parents and teachers. Budgets. Taxes. It's easy to get lost in the details when we consider everything educators do to provide the best education for South Dakota's children. The SDEA encourages you to pause and remember: It's about our kids.

What the South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) stands for

Advocating New Directions for Public Education

The SDEA works with our state's elected officials to ensure the best possible outcomes for students and members. Recent accomplishments include improved teacher pay across the state of South Dakota.

Influencing the Decision-Making Process at Local, Regional, State and National Levels

The SDEA works with local leaders to promote increased education funding for a safe and secure learning environment where students are comfortable and eager to learn, and by seeking out the best teachers and education support personnel for South Dakota's schools.

Strengthening the State's Education Workforce

All South Dakota educators benefit from the work of the SDEA, who makes the state's education workforce stronger as a whole.

Empowering Educators Across the State

Through professional development sessions and trainings, the SDEA encourages all educators to continue to develop their craft with hands-on learning.

Questions/Comments

Please contact us if you have any questions or comments:

605-224-9263

411 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501

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