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Teacher of the Year Nominations

The Douglas School District is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the Teacher of the Year Award programs! This award recognizes outstanding full-time classroom teachers who make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students, peers, and the community.
 
DSD Teacher of Year award logo
 

Nominations and Eligibility:

  • Any Douglas staff member in a certified position. (Does not include administrative positions or classified
    positions)
    • be a fully certified teacher;
    • be employed by a South Dakota accredited school district - pre-kindergarten through grade twelve;
    • have at least 3 full years of teaching experience;
    • be planning to continue in an active teaching status (supervisory and administrative responsibilities are secondary considerations) for at least 2 more years;
  • Nominations may be submitted by students, parents/guardians, colleagues, administrators, or community
    members.
  • Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to students, professional excellence, and the mission of Douglas
    School District.


Criteria to Consider for Nominees:

Instructional Practices and Teaching Expertise; Student Learning and Growth; Inspires All Learners and Creates Belonging; School and Community Involvement; Respectful Daily Interactions; Teamwork and Support for Colleagues; Continued Learning and Improvement; Communication and Partnerships with Families; Responsibility and Leadership; Representing the District - Download the Criteria

Nomination Deadline:

Nominations must be submitted by the end of the day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

Process and Timeline:

  1. Nomination Form Completion by the deadline.

  2. Building-Level Selection: Douglas School District Administration will review nominations to ensure nominees meet the qualifying criteria and select one certified representative from each of the district’s six buildings. Each building winner will be recognized and awarded $250.

  3. Elementary and Secondary Finalist: A review committee will evaluate the six building representatives and select one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist to be moved forward as nominees for the South Dakota American Legion Educator of the Year Program.

  4. District Teacher of the Year: From these two finalists (one elementary and one secondary), the review committee will select one teacher, subject to Board of Education approval, to advance to the state-level South Dakota Teacher of the Year* program and will receive additional recognition and $1,000.
    *Learn more about the South Dakota Teacher of the Year Award Program  

 

Award Timelines:

Building Level Teacher of the Year:
 
    • Nominations will be reviewed and announced on Friday, November 13, 2026. 

American Legion Educator of the Year:
    • The review committee will announce two finalists to move forward on Friday, November 20.
 
South Dakota Teacher of the Year:
    • January: The review committee will announce the "District Teacher of the Year" during the January Professional Development.  finalist 

    • February: Douglas School District submits its selected nominee to the state program.

    • March 30: District Teacher of the Year winners must submit their applications for Regional Teacher of the Year consideration.

    • Teacher Appreciation Week: Regional Teacher of the Year winners are announced.

    • June 3: Regional winners must submit their own applications to be considered for the State Teacher of the Year award.

    • July/August (date to be announced): State Teacher of the Year Selection Day in Pierre.

    • September: State Teacher of the Year Banquet.