USD Teacher Residency and Education

From classrooms and residencies to crossing the graduation stage. 🎉
Congratulations TRE graduates—you did it! 👏🎓

Congratulations to Secondary Education major Samuel Markley on being named South Dakota’s Assistant Debate Coach of the Year!👏

Secondary Education major Samuel Markley isn’t just celebrating graduation—he’s also been named South Dakota’s Assistant Debate Coach of the Year 👏

Voted on by the community, this award honors a coach who truly goes above and beyond. During his residency year, Sam stepped in as a long-term substitute and helped lead Washington High School’s debate team—building something special along the way.

Those who nominated him shared:
“Samuel Markley has helped cultivate something special at Washington. He has built an inclusive, empowering environment that has turned the school into a powerhouse in Lincoln Douglas Debate.

Beyond competitive success, Sam has become a coach other programs seek out for guidance and collaboration… He cares deeply about students and helps them achieve consistent excellence, all while modeling strong character and work ethic.”

We couldn’t be more proud. Congratulations, Sam—this is just the beginning of an incredible career! Go yotes!

🎉 Congratulations to our Spring 2026 USD School of Education Teacher Education graduates! We’re proud to celebrate your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to education. The future of teaching is bright because of you!🌟🍎

🎉🎓 CHEERS TO OUR MASTER'S GRADUATES! 🎓🎉

We are celebrating graduates from our Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Special Education M.A. programs, all leading to initial teacher certification. These future teachers are ready to inspire learners, support diverse needs, and shape the next generation.
This year is especially exciting as we celebrate a huge milestone: the first graduating cohort of the Elementary Education M.A. Plus Certification program! Launched just two years ago, this program was created to prepare outstanding elementary teachers—and seeing our first graduates cross the stage is truly something special. 🌟

🎓 Congratulations to the Spring 2026 USD–Sioux Falls Teacher Education Graduates! 🍎📚
These future educators are ready to inspire learners, shape classrooms, and make a lasting impact in schools and communities near and far.

Julie Olson, a Curriculum and Instruction doctoral candidate, successfully defended her dissertation titled, "Efficaciousness of Generative AI for Integrated STEM Planning and its Impact on STEM Teacher Self-Efficacy"!

Congratulations Dr. Olson! 🎉

Cameryn Ronspies, a Curriculum and Instruction doctoral candidate, successfully defended her dissertation titled, "Exploring K-2 Teachers' Perspectives Around Screen Time in Blended Learning Classrooms"!

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Ronspies! 🎉

USD Elementary Education majors Justin Tallman and Kayla Duenas, along with USD instructor Kelly Knutson, joined students at the Boys & Girls Club of Vermillion to lead parachute games and team challenge activities.

Hands-on experiences like these give future educators the opportunity to engage students through movement, teamwork, and fun!🤸

🌞 End-of-Year Fun with PETE! 🌞

The PETE (Promoting Exercise Through Education) group wrapped up the year with an outdoor games night full of energy led by KSM and PE majors! 🏃‍♂️🎯