ABERDEEN, S.D. – Aberdeen Central High School Teacher Erich Schaffhauser has been named the 2027 Regional Teacher of the Year for South Dakota’s Region 4.
Schaffhauser, Media Production Teacher at Central’s ATEC Academy, is now one of five finalists for South Dakota’s 2027 Teacher of the Year.
The South Dakota Department of Education selected one teacher from each region across the state as a finalist for 2027 Teacher of the Year, according to a news release.
“Each year, the department receives applications from exceptional educators across South Dakota,” said Allison Englund, DOE Teacher Quality Specialist, in the news release. “Celebrating Teacher of the Year is one way we can continue to uplift our educators and reassure them on the impact they are making every day.”
Schaffhauser, who was selected for Region 4, was also one of the Aberdeen Public School District’s three Golden Apple Award winners this year. In his role at ATEC, Schaffhauser has significantly transformed the educational and creative experiences of students at CHS, particularly through the development of the award-winning CHS Eagle Zone broadcast.
The state’s other Regional Teachers of the Year are:
Region 1: Alysha Hamann, Brookings School District, Middle School Special Education.
Region 2: Christina Berger, Harrisburg School District, Third Grade Teacher.
Region 3: Krissa Korkow, Huron School District, First Grade Teacher.
Region 5: Kathryn Swank, Rapid City Area School District, Fifth Grade Teacher.
“Our students are the future of our state, and teachers help make sure they are ready for the opportunities that come their way," said Governor Larry Rhoden in the news release. "I am proud of all our educators — including these 5 finalists. They play a key role in keeping our state strong, safe, and free for our kids and our grandkids."
Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves will visit each regional finalist to personally congratulate them and present them with a Teacher of the Year banner.
“Teachers celebrate accomplishments every day, whether it’s a student mastering a new concept or a colleague sharing a new lesson plan that worked well in their class,” said Secretary Graves in the release. “Teachers often forget to celebrate their own achievements, and being able to contribute to recognizing this great honor is something I deeply cherish.”
Later this summer, each finalist will interview before a panel that selects the 2027 South Dakota Teacher of the Year, which will be announced this fall. To learn more about the Teacher of the Year Program, visit doe.sd.gov/oatq/teacheroftheyear.aspx.
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.