SDCTE's annual spring conference was held at the Mitchell Holiday Inn, Friday afternoon, March 23, and Saturday morning, March 24. A variety of sessions were offered each day, and those who were in attendance offered enthusiastic praise for the conference.
The Friday night banquet featured Paul Higbee, SDCTE's 2000 Author of the Year as keynote speaker. Past President Karen Harrington presented Staci Haag from Dakota Valley with the 2001 English Teacher of the Year plaque and announced Dan O'Brien as the 2001 South Dakota Author of the Year. Other award winners included the two SD Young Authors, Andrea Oliver and Sarah Pieplow, students at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls.
During the business meeting, the SDCTE Constitution and By-laws were updated and approved by the voters. A copy can be found on the SDCTE website. Suggestions were given for increasing membership dues in an effort to fund a greater SDCTE presence in the state. The Executive Committee will take those suggestions under advisement.
Please start thinking about possible presenters for the 2002 conference at Cedar Shores Resort near Chamberlain, March 22-23, 2002. And don't overlook your own expertise! Give your ideas to any Executive Council member (Nancy Kampfe, Roger Ochse, Dodie Bemis, Karen Harrington, Sharon Olbertson, Nancy Zuercher, Deb Knutson).
SDCTE is also in need of three additional presenters for the SDEA
Professional Development Conference, Oct. 5-6, 2001, in Rapid City. Three members have already volunteered: Deana
Brodkorb, Connie Krueger, and Paul Higbee. If you are an SDEA member and interested in presenting next fall,
please contact Dodie Bemis at 882-5284, ext. 328, or dbemis@wtn.k12.sd.us.