Headlines

2023 SDEA/NEA Election

4/21/2023
SDEA/NEA Candidate Statements for the upcoming 2023 election.

Social Studies Standards Debate in SD Enters Home Stretch

2/28/2023
The 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

2/8/2023
I 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.

SD House Republican lawmakers want school choice in state

2/3/2023
“Let’s be clear, these two bills are voucher bills,” said Sandra Waltman, Government Relations and Communications Director for the South Dakota Education Association (SDEA). “Vouchers are when we take your tax dollars and give them to private schools, who get to pick and choose who their students are.”

SD educators worry new bill would lessen public school funding

2/3/2023
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) –Two groups of South Dakota educators are speaking out against a legislative bill they argue would take away funding from the state’s public schools.

Statement from SDEA Executive Director on the Recently Revised Social Studies Standards

1/23/2023
Pierre – The South Dakota Department of Education released revisions to the proposed social studies standards. The following comments can be attributed to South Dakota Education (SDEA) Executive Director Ryan Rolfs.

Social Studies Standards public hearing moved & teachers feel left out

1/11/2023
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Board of Education Standards has changed the location and moved the date of its next hearing on proposed content standards for social studies. The move has left many teachers frustrated.

Plan Your Vote 2022

10/4/2022
The 2022 General Election is Tuesday, November 8 and its outcome will have a direct impact on South Dakota’s public schools and students. From choosing the state leaders who will make the important decisions about the direction of public education to expanding healthcare to thousands of South Dakotans the voice and vote of public educators matter. How can you make a difference? Plan your vote!

Honored Women Educators of South Dakota

8/17/2022
Honored Women Educators of South Dakota (HWE) met June 25 at the SDEA office in Pierre. Four new members were inducted into Honored Women Educators of SD, formerly known as the Annie D. Tallent Club of SD from 1954-1993. Educators are invited to join through a nomination process. New members include: Sharon Johnson, Webster; Brenda Nugent, Rapid City; Michele Petersen, Rapid City and Allison Vetch Leach, Aberdeen.