ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Millicent Atkins School of Education at Northern State University recognized its first-ever Student Teachers of the Year during the Millicent Atkins School of Education Clubs Graduate Celebration on Tuesday, May 5.
The new recognition program was created to honor teacher candidates who demonstrated exceptional impact, professionalism, growth and relationship-building during their student teaching experiences. Nominations were submitted by cooperating teachers, university supervisors and Millicent Atkins School of Education faculty members working directly with candidates in the field.
A total of 21 nominations representing 18 individual student teachers were submitted during the inaugural year of the program, representing approximately 40 percent of all student teachers across the 2025-26 academic year. Notably, 76 percent of nominations came from cooperating teachers, reflecting the strong partnerships between Northern and P-12 schools across the region.
All nomination materials were anonymized and reviewed using a structured scoring rubric by members of a Teacher Education Council subcommittee.
"This process was designed to recognize authentic impact in classrooms while ensuring that the selection process remained thoughtful, professional and data-informed," said April Hinze, director of professional preparation. "What stood out most throughout the process was the consistency of feedback from the field about the quality, professionalism and care demonstrated by our candidates."
Awards were presented in three categories:
Early Childhood/Elementary Education — Winner: Hailey Tobin. Finalists: Isabella Sautner and Cameryn Logan.
K-12 Education (Special Education, Art, Music and Physical Education) — Winner: Addison Cumbow. Finalists: Jeslyn Huinker and Julia Orr.
Secondary Education — Winner: Isabelle Moore. Finalist: Katelyn Mehlhaff.
Seth Martens received an honorable mention for receiving multiple nominations from different stakeholders.
Additional nominees recognized during the event included Sara Evenson, Erin Lemke, Nevaeh Meyer, Elizabeth Wanous, Colton Wicks, Kaitlyn Mass, Tia Swiontek, Avery Kautz and Marlana Wollman.
Throughout the nomination process, cooperating teachers and supervisors consistently highlighted candidates' abilities to build meaningful relationships with students, adapt instruction to meet individual needs, respond professionally to feedback and create inclusive classroom environments.
Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education, presented the awards during the celebration.
"I could not be prouder of them, not only for what they have accomplished, but for the hope they represent for our schools, our communities and the generations of students they will serve," Schwan said. "At Northern, preparing outstanding teachers is part of who we are. It is our legacy and a responsibility we take very seriously. Our teacher candidates are building relationships, creating belonging and meeting students where they are — showing us what the future of education can look like when talented, caring people choose to teach."
The Millicent Atkins School of Education plans to continue the Student Teacher of the Year program and explore additional opportunities to celebrate candidate excellence and strengthen partnerships with schools and cooperating teachers throughout the region.