SDSU Alumni Honored with State Teaching Excellence Awards

Awards Highlight Dedication of Educators in Agriculture and Community

Bonnie Johnson
October 01, 2025
Media Article

Three SDSU alumni received state teaching excellence awards for their commitment to agriculture education, classroom innovation, and mentoring students. Their success highlights the impact of SDSU’s programs in preparing educators.

Three alumni of the South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences have been recognized with South Dakota Association of Career and Technical Educators (SDACTE) Excellence Awards.

Honorees include Andy Jensen, Tanner Peterson, and Charlene Weber, each celebrated for their contributions to student success and community involvement.

The SDACTE awards are designed to recognize outstanding educators who inspire students and demonstrate leadership in career and technical education. “It’s a good way to really showcase [teachers’] excellence,” said Laura Hasselquist, SDSU assistant professor of agriculture education. “It’s their peers, other teachers, people they respect and value within their field recognizing their excellence.”

Andy Jensen, an agriculture educator at Marion School and 2012 SDSU graduate, received the Teacher of the Year award. He emphasizes hands-on learning and encourages students to take risks and grow. “At the core of my teaching is the belief that when you put students first, their needs, their growth and their success, the rest will naturally fall into place,” Jensen said.

Tanner Peterson, a 2022 graduate and agriculture educator at Tri-Valley High School, earned the New Teacher of the Year award. He focuses on real-world learning through labs, internships, and FFA participation. “Winning this award as a newer ag teacher is incredibly meaningful to me,” Peterson said.

Charlene Weber, agriculture educator at Howard High School, received the Carl Perkins Community Service Award for her students’ partnerships with over 20 local stakeholders. Her projects, such as the Honoring Heroes Breakfast and community garden shed, connect classroom learning with service.

All three educators' credit SDSU for shaping their careers. Jensen and Peterson shared that their professors, mentors, and experiences at SDSU helped guide their passion for teaching and developing leadership skills.

The SDACTE award process involves nominations, applications, and evaluation by committees across multiple divisions. State award winners now advance to regional consideration, continuing to represent South Dakota on a larger stage.

Their recognition underscores the lasting influence of SDSU in preparing educators who combine teaching excellence, student engagement, and community leadership.

Photo by: www.sdstate.edu