Sunday, February 7, 2016

South Dakota’s Greatest Asset: Our Teachers



Every year after the state science and math teachers’ conference in Huron, I am always so proud of the great teachers we have in South Dakota.  I love going to the conference because I get to talk with these dedicated professionals who are always seeking opportunities to learn more and improve their teaching.  Many of them pay for the entire cost or partial cost of their attendance with their own money, despite the fact that they don’t get paid well.  They do this because they believe in the importance of investing in education.

I had the privilege and opportunity of receiving a great public education in South Dakota from Kindergarten through my Master’s degree.  Throughout that time, I had some amazing teachers and I remember ALL of them having some impact on my life.  I am certain that their influence was a factor in my career decision, and their support was essential to my success as an educator.

Now is the time for South Dakotans to invest in their greatest asset—our teachers.  While I am not a huge fan of a regressive tax, I will support this measure if it is the only way that the legislature will fund a significant raise for teachers.  I would hope that they will consider alternatives to a sales tax, but I want you to contact your legislators about HB 1182 because there is an important vote on Wednesday! To find your legislators and contact them, go to the SD Legislative Site.

Here are some other education funding and taxation bills that I would encourage you to read, HB 1130,  SB 131, and SB 151. Talk to your legislators about these as well.

We MUST invest in education in South Dakota for the future of our state.  NOW is the time to act!

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