Special Education teacher at Kennedy Elementary earns Pierre School District Teacher of the Year for 2025 award

A Special Education teacher at Kennedy Elementary School has been selected as the Pierre School District’s Teacher of the Year for 2025.

Jalynn Schmitz– or Mrs. S. as she’s most commonly know as around the school– said she thought another teacher at Kennedy was receiving the recognition.

Schmitz’s classroom mantra is “all students can learn.” She said her support staff play a crucial role in achieving student success.

Kennedy Elementary Principal Rene Lillebo said Mrs. S. is always looking for new ways to support her students.

District Superintendent Dr. Kelly Glodt says nine educators were nominated.

The Pierre 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. Each school district’s Teacher of the Year is considered for a regional honor. Regional winners become nominees for South Dakota Teacher of the Year.

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.