‘Surprise! You’re South Dakota’s Region 2 TOY’ – BVMS’s Erin Rieff is finalist for SD Teacher of Year
Erin Rieff, the art teacher at Brandon Valley Middle School, is the 2023 BV Teacher of the Year. On Monday, she was surprised at all-school assembly with the South Dakota Region 2 Teacher of the Year award.
Jill Meier/BV Journal
Jill Meier/BV Journal
Erin Rieff (second from left) was recognized as South Dakota’s Region 2 Teacher of the Year. She’s pictured with BV Middle School Principal Dr. Amanda Nelson, BV Superintendent Dr. Jarod Larson and South Dakota Secretary of Education Joe Graves.
“Surprise, Erin Rieff! You’re the 2025 South Dakota Region 2 Teacher of the Year!”
That’s how Rieff, who was selected as the 2023 Brandon Valley Teacher of Year, started off her Monday at the Middle School.
The surprise came in the form of an all-school assembly, where the honor was revealed to the unsuspecting recipient. The announcement – which included an in-person visit from SD Department of Education staff – was made at the start of a most-appropriate week: Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10). The week is dedicated to celebrating the teachers who give their time and energy to the futures of the youngest citizens in South Dakota communities.
“Teachers across the state create a lasting impact on South Dakota kids in hundreds of ways every day,” said Secretary of Education Joe Graves. “They teach, but they also lift up and guide their students through the difficulties and pains that have always been a part of growing up. A teacher’s impact goes far beyond the classroom; their influence carries on years after their students leave the classroom.”
Graves went on to say that BVSD is well known for its academic success “among all the other successes.”
“That is in large part because of your teachers,” Graves shared.
BVMS Principal Dr. Amanda Nelson also gave high praise to the Region 2 Teacher of the Year.
“As you guys know, last year, she was the Brandon Valley School District Teacher of the Year and the state of South Dakota’s Art Teacher of the Year. If you go to that next level, get Region 2 (Teacher of the Year) and be one of the top five recognized for not only what she does with you guys day in and day out, but what she does for our community, what she does for us as people and as colleagues, not just teaching art, but the fact that she can bring sunshine into a room, she can bring the creative spirit out of dang near everyone, and she’s ready for a good time, a creative time and a positive time. I think not only is our art room better, our building and our community are better because she’s here, and I’m glad you’re here,” Nelson said.
Fighting back emotions, Reiff gave kudos to her colleagues.
“I feel like so many of us deserve this, because we work hard day in and day out,” she said. “I am honored and humbled to receive this and it just feels like my love for you is showing. We’re here because we care about kids. I’m thankful for every teacher that helps with the Districtwide Fine Arts Night, who give their time to kids. Everyone appreciates it.”
Reiff is one of five educators from across the state to land regional honors. The 2025 Regional Teachers of the Year are Amy Verhelst, kindergarten teacher at Sioux Valley Elementary in Volga, Region 1; Reiff, middle school art teacher, Brandon Valley, Region 2; Megan Wilson, math teacher at Sanborn Central High School in Forestburg, Region 3; Christy Saltsman, K-8 physical education and grades 6-8 math teacher at Gettysburg School District, Region 4; and Michelle Abbott, second grade teacher at West Elementary School in Spearfish, Region 5.
A panel will select one of the regional finalists to represent the state as the 2025 South Dakota Teacher of the Year, and will represent South Dakota as the candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award.
