VOLGA, S.D. (KELO) — The Sioux Valley School District is now home to the 2025 South Dakota Teacher of the Year.
Amy Verhelst teaches kindergarten at Sioux Valley Elementary in Volga.
Her inspiration for becoming a teacher can be traced back to her days as a student.
“Growing up in Parkston, South Dakota, I had a lot of great teachers. I felt like I hit the jackpot year after year with getting the best of the best,” Verhelst said.
Verhelst’s state teacher of the year honor was announced last week.
“I was very shocked to find out I was teacher of the year, but I was very honored,” Verhelst said.
Her colleagues initially nominated her for teacher of the year in the Sioux Valley School District.
That ultimately led to the honor at the state level.
“She has such a love for students and for learning. She loves to share her knowledge with not only her students, but the parents of her students, other teachers,” Special Education Teacher Kari Knutson said.
“She is a great example of just a lifelong learner. She’s very passionate about the science of reading,” First Grade Teacher Jaclyn Roach said.
Verhelst says it’s important to use strategies that work for all students.
“Kindergarten I feel like is a big year for them because they come in, sometimes they don’t even know their letters, and by the end of the year they’re reading and writing full sentences, paragraphs, stories,” Verhelst said.
Verhelst says teaching is her dream job.
“It’s the best. I love the kids. They’re so fun,” Verhelst said.
Now she gets to share her passion for education with others as the South Dakota teacher of the year.
Verhelst will represent South Dakota as a candidate for the national teacher of the year award.
