Mitchell woman named South Dakota’s 2021 Teacher of the Year

October 9, 2020

PIERRE, S.D. – Amanda Hargreaves has been named the 2021 South Dakota Teacher of the Year.

Secretary of Education Ben Jones made the announcement this evening at a special virtual event.

Harggreaves is a sixth grade teacher in Mitchell, where she helped establish an anti-bullying program.

“The Teacher of the Year program shines a light on this honorable profession,” said Secretary of Education Ben Jones. “The importance of great teaching simply cannot be overstated, and we see it in abundance among our state’s educators. Over the coming year, Amanda will serve as a representative of all South Dakota teachers, advocating for them and their students. With her energy and enthusiasm, I know she will be a fantastic State Teacher of the Year.”

A statewide panel of educators selected Hargreaves from among five regional finalists.

As recipient of the honor, Hargreaves receives prizes including a $5,000 cash award from the West River Foundation and a $1,000 honorarium from the South Dakota Board of Regents to present a series of professional development seminars to aspiring teachers.

In addition, Hargreaves will represent South Dakota as a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award.