SDEA - South Dakota Education Association - Home

Member Voices

Kerry Konda, Aberdeen, SDName: Kerry Konda Local: Aberdeen Education Association Position: High School Speech and Debate # yrs: 11 years Reason for joining: I wanted a seat at the table to help shape policy that affected my students, my classroom, my school district, and my community. SDEA provided me the opportunity to come to that metaphorical table on the school, district, state, national, and now global level. SDEA has allowed me to develop leadership qualities that help make our school and state better for education. In addition, being a member allowed me to apply and receive the NEA Foundation Global Fellowship that is designed to empower teachers to teach global competency and global understanding.

Kacie Johnson, Yankton, SDHi, I am Kacie Johnson, member of the Yankton Education Association and a Middle School resource room teacher. I am in my 7th year of teaching and have been a member of SDEA since day one! I have always known I would be a member of my local professional education association because my parents were teachers and I saw what a difference the organization made in everything from insurance premiums to teacher workdays and contract negotiations. Teachers need an advocate and my SDEA membership gives me that.

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What's Happening

South Dakota teacher pay slipping near national bottom ➲8/9/2023SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - While South Dakota’s teacher shortage is looking slightly more optimistic compared to this time last year, the conversation over pay and benefits is still a driving force in keeping those jobs open.

SDEA Responds to the Adoption of Social Studies Standards by the South Dakota Board of Education Standards4/17/2023Pierre - The South Dakota Board of Education Standards (SD BOES) adopted the proposed social studies standards. The following comments can be attributed to South Dakota Education (SDEA)President Loren Paul in response to the board’s decision:

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.

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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