South Dakota Regional Teachers of the Year Chosen

National Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to honor and celebrate the incredible educators who shape our future through their dedication, passion, and commitment to students across the country.

Observed during the first full week of May (this year from May 5-9, 2025), this special recognition period gives communities, parents, and students the opportunity to express gratitude to teachers for their tireless work both inside and outside the classroom.

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Dakota News Now is reporting that in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week, the South Dakota Department of Education has announced the Regional Teacher of the Year Awards.

Gina Sershen is a 5th-grade science teacher at Brandon Valley Intermediate School and is being recognized as one of the South Dakota Regional Teachers of the Year.

I’m so lucky to teach at Brandon Valley. There’s so many amazing teachers, so it is an incredible honor, and it’s very shocking that I’m even doing this. So, I feel very grateful, I feel so lucky to be a teacher, and to be able to get this award just means the world to me - Gina Sershen

This  is the full list of Regional Teacher winners:

• Jenna Sinner
  
  • High school science, Webster Area School District, Webster
• Gina Sershen
  
  • 5th grade science, Brandon Valley Intermediate School, Brandon
• Becky Haenfler
  
  • 5-7 English Language Arts, Avon School District, Avon
• Jennifer Anders
  
  • high school math, Harding County School District, Buffalo
• Ann Anderson
  
  • 5th grade, Belle Fourche Middle School, Belle Fourche

Read more: 14 South Dakota Parent Sayings That Mean You're In Trouble

Later this summer, one of these awesome educators will be chosen as the South Dakota Teacher of the Year.

Source: Dakota News Now