As the school year begins to wind down, the state of South Dakota is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week.
As part of this week’s events, the state Department of Education announced the 2025 Regional Teachers of the year.
Teachers recognized for their positive impacts on their students and communities are:
• Region 1: Amy Verhelst, Kindergarten, Sioux Valley Elementary School, Volga
• Region 2: Erin Rieff, Art, Brandon Valley Middle School, Brandon
• Region 3: Megan Wilson, Math, Sanborn Central High School, Forestburg
• Region 4: Christy Saltsman, K-8 Physical Education and 6-8 Math, Gettysburg School District, Gettysburg
• Region 5: Michelle Abbott, 2nd grade, West Elementary School, Spearfish
One of these five will later be selected as the South Dakota Teacher of the year and be a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award.
