PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden has proclaimed May 5-9 as Teacher Appreciation Week in South Dakota. As part of the celebration, the Department of Education is announcing this year’s Regional Teachers of the Year. One of these five outstanding educators will be selected as the South Dakota Teacher of the Year.
The Regional Teachers of the Year are as follows:
- Region 1: Jenna Sinner, high school science, Webster Area School District, Webster;
- Region 2: Gina Sershen, 5th grade science, Brandon Valley Intermediate School, Brandon;
- Region 3: Becky Haenfler, 5-7 English Language Arts, Avon School District, Avon;
- Region 4: Jennifer Anders, high school math, Harding County School District, Buffalo; and
- Region 5: Ann Anderson, 5th grade, Belle Fourche Middle School, Belle Fourche.
Secretary of Education Joseph Graves will visit each of the regional winners’ classrooms in the days ahead to recognize them for their efforts.
“Having the opportunity to visit outstanding teachers throughout the state is a highlight of my job,” said Graves. “Whether it’s in a small school or a large one, I am able to see teachers who have mastered their craft, and I can see the impact they make on each student in their classrooms. The amount of work and care these teachers demonstrate every day is inspirational.”
Later this summer, a panel will select one of these regional finalists to represent the state as the 2026 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. That individual will be South Dakota’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award.
