Belle Fourche Science Teacher: A Contender for South Dakota's Top Teaching Honor

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) — During Teacher Appreciation Week in South Dakota, the state’s Department of Education has named five educators as Regional Teachers of the Year. Among them is Ann Anderson from Belle Fourche Middle School.

Anderson came from a lineage of teachers, with his mother dedicating 40 years and his father 39 years to teaching, along with other relatives involved in education. Thus, pursuing a career in this field seemed like a natural choice for him.

She is now in her 26th year as a fifth grade teacher, the last 19 of those years have been spent at Belle Fourche Middle School teaching science.

I've also taught social studies here before, and I'll continue doing so next year," Anderson stated. "This year, we introduced the science of reading as well." He continued, "I have been leading a small session at the close of each school day, which has been quite enjoyable for me. It feels great to revisit something like phonetics after such a long time.

Anderson mentioned that she ensures having fun in the classroom so that her students can enjoy themselves as well.

She mentioned that being chosen as the Regional Teacher of the Year gave her an immense sense of accomplishment.

The children approached and offered me hugs and all sorts of gestures," Anderson stated. "It was amazing. I guess it’s enjoyable witnessing their enthusiasm for you. Feeling their excitement about my achievement was truly rewarding.

She mentioned that besides aiming for enjoyment, her guiding principle as an educator is "each minute, each child, every day."

Anderson stated, "It’s important to ensure that you speak with each child daily, checking up on them and confirming that they are benefiting from the experience."

Anderson stated that numerous educators have left an enduring, favorable impact on her life.

Her guidance for both novice and experienced educators was straightforward.

Don’t stress over minor details; many things simply aren’t worth worrying about," Anderson stated. "I get to know these students both inside and outside the class, spending about an hour with them daily, which is great. So often, I aim to concentrate on their needs within this time frame and create the most positive learning environment for them.

Along with Anderson, Jennifer Anders, who teaches high school mathematics in the Harding County School District, has been chosen as the Regional Teacher of the Year.

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