DES MOINES, Iowa – Sally Pies from Brookings High School is the National Speech & Debate Association’s 2017-2018 South Dakota Educator of the Year.
From more than 5,000 member coaches and teachers across the country, Pies was selected as the South Dakota Educator of the Year because of her unwavering commitment to speech and debate education. Her passion for speech and debate has enhanced the quality of education in South Dakota and beyond.
“Speech and debate changes lives,” said National Speech & Debate Association Executive Director J. Scott Wunn. “Sally Pies has provided outstanding leadership in helping students improve their communication skills, build confidence and increase critical thinking skills. All of these skills will better prepare students for college, a career and a successful life after school.”
To be nominated for this award, educators must coach and teach speech and debate, have a minimum of five years’ experience in the classroom, demonstrate broad contributions to the field of education, provide support and mentorship to the speech and debate community, and model the established NSDA Coach Code of Ethics.
Additionally, each State Educator of the Year award winner will be considered for the 2017-2018 National Educator of the Year Award. The national award winner will be announced on National Speech and Debate Education Day on March 2.
“We couldn’t be more proud to recognize the hard working, passionate, and dedicated educators who do so much for the speech and debate community and their students,” Wunn said. “Every day, they empower young people to use their voice. They are making a huge impact on the lives of others.”
To learn more about the award process, visit www.speechanddebate.org/educator-of-the-year.
