Leanne Schlekeway has been selected as the Pierre School District’s Teacher of the Year.
District Superintendent Dr. Kelly Glodt says she was chosen from among three finalists.
Schlekeway was humble when sharing her thoughts about the recognition.
The school district’s criteria for Teacher of the Year takes into account positive roles the teacher assumes in the community and respect expressed by students, parents and colleagues.
Schlekeway, along with every other South Dakota school district Teacher of the Year, will be considered for a regional honor. Regional winners become nominees for South Dakota Teacher of the Year.
The news release from the Pierre School District is below.
Leanne Schlekeway, a Math and Riggs Alternative Center teacher, and the 504 Coordinator at Riggs High School, has been selected as the Pierre School District’s Teacher of the Year for 2024.
Principal Kelly Hansen shares: “Mrs. Schlekeway fulfills many roles that meet the needs of a variety of learners. Her efforts to connect with students through the various roles she fulfills is evident daily as she works to consistently encourage, support, and advocate for them. She has a strong skill set that balances her ability to advocate for students, while still setting high expectations for their learning. That balance has fostered success and positive outcomes with numerous students, through many programs. Additionally, she brings a calm and confident demeanor to each of those roles that builds effective partnerships between the school and the home. Mrs. Schlekeway has been a guiding figure in the creation and ongoing growth of RAC, which has experienced increasing success over time with students. The growth and continual improvement of this program speaks to her desire to grow professionally, best support students, and for the betterment of Riggs High School. Her commitment to ongoing improvement has helped build many programs that support students in achieving success and meeting individual goals.”
“This is a well-deserved honor,” said Superintendent Glodt, “This award reflects Leanne’s ability to inspire students from all backgrounds, her exceptional skills and dedication, and her commitment to the teacher profession. This is a very tough decision each year as we have many outstanding teachers throughout the district.”
The school district’s criteria for Teacher of the Year takes into account positive roles the teacher assumes in the community, and respect expressed by students, parents and colleagues.
Every school district’s Teacher of the Year is considered for a regional honor, and those recipients become nominees for South Dakota Teacher of the Year, announced at the annual Systems Change Conference for educators.
The South Dakota Teacher of the Year Program is made possible by the National Teacher of the Year Program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with the Voya Foundation.
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