SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There are 18 hundred teachers in the Sioux Falls School District, but there’s one who stands out above the rest.
She works at Garfield Elementary, and on Wednesday she received some special recognition.
Jane Eilertson is at the head of the class when it comes to teaching.
She is the longest-tenured teacher in the district with 42 years; 40 of those have been right here at Garfield Elementary.
But today, she had no idea this was coming.
“I was very surprised, it just took my breath away,” Eilertson said.
The Sioux Falls Education Foundation recognized her commitment to kids with an early morning surprise party including breakfast, balloons and a bouquet.
Eilertson says she feels very lucky and blessed to be part of the school district for so many years and has no plans of calling it quits, not yet.
“I love what I do, I have people ask why are you still teaching and my answer is, because I still have the passion, I still have the love for students, I still have the love for families, I still have the love for helping them learn and grow in this journey of life,” Eilertson said.
“With Jane being here for 40 years, if there’s anything you ever want to know about Garfield we go to Jane,” Garfield principal Kristin Skogstad said.
Tomorrow is the first day of school in Sioux Falls and her principal gives high praise to Eilertson.
“She’s the kind of person you want teaching your child on their very first day of public school because she truly does loves kids and their families and has their interests in her heart at all times,” Skogstad said.
In her 42-year career as a teacher, Eilertson says she has seen so many changes, especially with technology, but one thing that hasn’t changed for her is her dedication to children and helping them learn.
“I want to teach as long as I can and I would definitely do it over again,” Eilertson said.
Eilertson started working in the district back in 1983 at the old Hawthorne Elementary School.
