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On April 20, 2026, the South Dakota chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA-SD) presented the South Dakota Computer Science Teacher of the Year Award at TIE26, hosted by Compass at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. The recipient of this year's award is Rachel J. Pierson, a Computer Technology, Graphic Design, and Coding & Programming teacher at Memorial Middle School in Sioux Falls, and a founding member of CSTA-SD itself. Josh Siegfried, Assistant Principal at Memorial Middle School, takes the stage to present the South Dakota Computer Science Teacher of the Year Award at TIE26 on April 20, 2026, at the Denny ...

CSTA-SD Newsletter Issue: October 2025----- A Message from the President Hello CSTA-SD Members! As we move into fall, I want to share some exciting updates from our recent board meeting on September 17, 2025. We're actively working to bring you more valuable resources, professional development, and opportunities to connect with fellow computer science educators across South Dakota. Your engagement is vital to our success, and we encourage you to participate in our upcoming events and initiatives. Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing computer science education! Upcoming Events & Professional Development ...

Celebrating Brad Nupen: September Teacher of the Month for CSTA South Dakota We are thrilled to announce that Brad Nupen has been named the September Teacher of the Month for CSTA South Dakota! Congratulations, Brad, and thank you for your dedication and service to the computer science community in our state. Brad has made a lasting impact in his classroom and beyond, inspiring students to explore, create, and innovate in the world of computer science. We’ve even created a special poster featuring some of the wisdom he shares with his students , capturing the spirit and insight that make his teaching so remarkable. We want to hear what’s ...

Middle school educators—are you looking for a fresh, engaging way to connect science and computer science? The Broad Institute has created a free, ready-to-use curriculum that blends biology concepts with coding in Scratch, and they’re offering a free webinar to help you get started! Join the Bio-Coding Club Webinar on 🗓️ Tuesday, August 12 🕒 3:00–4:30 PM ET 🔗 Register here What is the Bio-Coding Club? Developed in partnership with Putnam Avenue Upper School in Cambridge, MA, the Bio-Coding Club was designed as an after-school program for grades 6–8—but it’s flexible enough for in-class use, STEM camps, or coding clubs. Each module pairs ...

Are you a South Dakota classroom teacher ready to level up your skills in cybersecurity, computer science, or artificial intelligence? This is your chance! 🚀 What’s in it for you? ✔️ One-time sponsorship funding to support your professional development ✔️ Opportunity to earn a Graduate Certificate in Computer Science & Cyber Education from Dakota State University ✔️ Network with like-minded educators across the state ✔️ Gain the knowledge and confidence to teach cyber courses in your district or with DSU 📅 Program runs August 2025 – Summer 2026 📝 Application deadline: June 27, 2025 📣 Decisions announced: July 25, ...