USD School of Education Celebrates South Dakota's Presence at National Educators Rising Conference
Over four impactful days, more than 3,500 future educators came together to compete, collaborate and connect; among them were students from South Dakota schools including Ethan, Parkston, Watertown, Milbank, Elk Point-Jefferson, Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Hoven High School and Aberdeen Central High School. These young leaders demonstrated exceptional professionalism, passion and dedication to the teaching profession.
Faculty and staff from the USD School of Education — including Jackie Wilber, Ed.D., director of student and professional services, and Melissa Griese, recruitment specialist — were on site to connect with current and future USD students. The team also engaged with South Dakota teacher leaders and alumni, including Natasha Berg, current USD doctoral student and teacher at O’Gorman High School; Robin Schuelke, Milbank teacher and USD alum; and Elizabeth Ketterling, Aberdeen Central teacher and USD alum. Jerry Rasmussen, Ph.D., USD alum and current PDK pathways specialist, also visited the USD booth to share insights with future educators.
South Dakota educators earned several national awards and recognitions at the conference. USD congratulates its valued K-12 partners, including Travis Lape and Tracy Kern from Harrisburg School District and Karlene Stabe from Elk Point-Jefferson, for receiving prestigious national honors acknowledging their innovative work and dedication to the profession.
“Inspired is an understatement,” said Wilber. “Watching so many future educators from our state shine on a national stage reinforces just how bright the future of South Dakota education truly is.”
USD remains committed to supporting Educators Rising initiatives and preparing the next generation of transformational teachers through partnerships, mentorship and professional pathways. The School of Education representatives attended the conference with funding from the Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development Program. The purpose of the RPED Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence and completion among rural students through development of high-quality career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region. In 2024, the School of Education received the RPED competitive grant — $2.27 million over four years — to expand the highly successful Teacher Pathway to rural areas to support rural communities in a "grow your own" teacher program.
About the USD School of Education
The University of South Dakota School of Education prepares students to be leaders in education and human development. As South Dakota’s flagship university, USD is proud to partner with K-12 districts across the region to shape the future of education in our state and beyond. For more information about teacher preparation programs at USD, visit usd.edu/education.
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