Thursday, February 10, 2022

Nicole Weron: SD School Counselor of the Year

Nicole Weron (left) and Randi Hartman,
2021 SD School Counselor of the Year, in
Washington, D.C., for recognition events

Nicole Weron
School Counselor
Hill City Elementary School
Hill City, S.D.

A school counselor since 2004, Nicole Weron has a bachelor’s degree in human services and political science and a master’s degree in counseling and human resource development, both from South Dakota State University.

In her work at Hill City Elementary School, Weron built the K–5 comprehensive school counseling program and presents biweekly, structured counseling activities in every classroom. Her lessons are structured based on student need and are an integral part of students’ total educational experience. The school counseling program also incorporates support and collaboration from administrators, teachers, students, and the community. Teachers and parents value the program and consider it an equal partner in the educational process; it promotes the achievement of all students.

“I love caring for students and being a part of their support system,” Weron said.

Weron is a member of ASCA, the South Dakota School Counselor Association, the South Dakota Counseling Association and the West River Counseling Association.

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Celebrating CTE Month

 

Laura Scheibe

Laura Scheibe is the South Dakota Department of Education's director of college, career, and student success.

As we celebrate CTE month this February, I would like to give a shout out to all our teachers who are doing amazing things to prepare our students for what comes next, whatever that looks like.

 We know that the time our children spend within the K-12 classrooms is formative. Every teacher has a role in shaping the path a child’s life will take. We also know that our CTE teachers play a special role in connecting students to experiences, content, and skills that will serve them in the world beyond the safe space of K-12. Every day you work with students to put together the pieces of core content, CTE learning, and career exploration and preparation. You are essential to helping our students see the bigger picture around them, to know what a career in South Dakota can offer, and the pieces they need to get there. In a time when we are seeing increased numbers of students disengaged from their learning, you help them see the relevance. In a time when so many other classrooms across the country are or have been virtual, you have been there day in and day out, teaching them safely. In a time when students need to be able to see how their future connects to their lives today, you give them that vision.

CTE month is an opportunity to celebrate what goes on in our classrooms every day of the school year. One way we can see the outcomes of that work is through the higher graduation rates of CTE students – tangible data that demonstrates the success you help students achieve. You can find that information and more on the newly-launched CTE report card, found on the state and district tabs here. Use this public tool to show your impact. 

Connect across your school buildings and across your communities – share your stories, spread the word, and help make CTE a part of every student’s academic journey. Let’s make this #CTEMonth epic for #SDCTE22.