The South Dakota Department of Education is currently seeking feedback on the proposed Health Education and Mathematics Standards. As professionals and experts in your fields, this is an important opportunity to use your voice to help shape what students across our state will learn in the years ahead.
Both sets of proposed standards were developed with the goal of clarifying and simplifying terminology while ensuring students can make meaningful, real-world connections through their learning. I encourage you to review the proposed standards carefully and consider how well they align with the needs of the students you serve every day.
As I continue engaging with members across the state, I am constantly inspired by the incredible work you do—whether being recognized for an award, finding new ways for your local association to positively impact your community, or encouraging a student to persevere through challenges. You are making a lasting difference in South Dakota’s public education system. I hope you take time to reflect on your impact and celebrate both your own achievements and those of your colleagues.
At SDEA, we are preparing for a series of upcoming elections that will help shape the future of public education in South Dakota for years to come. Whether at the local, state, or national level, I encourage you to get involved to ensure that every South Dakota student continues to have access to the high-quality public education they deserve.
This spring, SDEA will hold elections for several key leadership positions, including President, Vice President, NEA Director, and a Board of Directors seat in each of our five units. It is essential that we fill these roles with strong, passionate leaders committed to advancing SDEA’s mission.
Additionally, we are seeking candidates to represent SDEA at the NEA Representative Assembly in Denver, Colorado, in July 2026. If you have never attended a NEA Representative Assembly, I encourage you to consider running as a delegate. This event provides an incredible opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of public education alongside your South Dakota colleagues and more than six thousand educators from across the nation.
When I became your SDEA President, I promised to stand beside you, work with you, and fight for you and your students. Today, I ask that you join me in keeping that promise. By taking an active role in our association, we can continue to strengthen our collective voice and make a lasting difference—together.
As Helen Keller so wisely said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
