Two South Dakota educators receive big honors

Connie Rous, a 5^th grade teacher in Batesland, received the surprise of a lifetime on Oct. 26, when Gov. Mike Rounds presented her with a prestigious Milken National Educator Award. A few days later, he announced that Charlotte Mohling had been selected as the 2007 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. Mohling is a family and consumer sciences teacher in Wessington Springs.

Both women embody the qualities of an outstanding teacher. Rous, who has been teaching for 13 years, is known for providing a safe haven for her students, where each receives individual attention based on his or her specific needs. She often visits her students’ homes to talk with their families about how they can support their child’s learning. As Shannon County Superintendent Margo Heinert explained, “Connie has a fire for her kids and a passion to education.”

As a Milken award winner, Rous will receive $25,000 in cash and an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles for the annual Milken National Education Conference this spring.

Mohling has taught for 31 years in Wessington Springs, where she encourages students to become self-motivated, inquisitive and responsible learners. She has been an active promoter of technology in the classroom. Mohling is recognized as a leader among her peers – conducting workshops relating to curriculum design, teaching strategies, and integrating technology for effective teaching for fellow professionals. She also serves as a mentor to new teachers in her district.

As Teacher of the Year for 2007, Mohling will receive the use of a car for one year from Springs Auto Inc. in Wessington Springs; a technology package from the SMARTer Kids Foundation; a $3,000 cash award from the South Dakota Community Foundation; a $3,000 cash award from Citibank; a $1,000 honorarium from the South Dakota Board of Regents; and a gift card from the South Dakota Retailers Association.

Mohling will represent South Dakota in the National Teacher of the Year competition.