Teacher in-service programs are valuable for teacher development and provide a positive kick-start to the academic year.

Northern's College of Professional Studies - Education, in conjunction with The Office of Online & Continuing Education, sponsor the annual Back-to-School Workshop (BSW) every fall semester. All are welcome to attend the BSW for free.

Schools/districts/teachers may participate one of two ways:

  • Attend the workshop in person at the Johnson Fine Arts Center on Northern's campus in Aberdeen
  • Participate via Zoom livestreaming from anywhere, individually or as a group

All BSW participants have the opportunity to register for an EDFN 4/592 companion course for one undergraduate or graduate transcript credit at the reduced tuition rate of $40 per credit hour. The companion course credit meets the South Dakota Department of Education teacher renewal requirements.

Let Northern help kick-start your academic year!

 

18TH ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL WORKSHOP

The Kid Whisperer

Scott Ervin

August 13, 2025, from 8 a.m.- Noon

Northern State University Johnson Fine Arts Center 

 

 

Previous Topics and Keynote Speakers

2024: We're No Longer in Kansas Anymore, Speaker: Eric Curts

2023: Kids Deserve It, Speaker: Todd Nelsoney

2022: Monica Washington

2021: "The Lab Coat Teacher": Dorina Sackman-Ebuwa

2020: Motivating and Managing Disruptive Students; Speaker: Brian Mendler

2019: Adventures in Teacher Leadership; Speaker: Rebecca Mieliwocki

2018: Strategies for Success as a Teacher; Speaker: Alex Kajitani

2017: High Leverage Teaching Practices; Speakers: Francesca Forzani and Nicole Garcia

2016: The Magic of Teaching; Speaker: Billy Riggs

2015: Equipping Leaders for Greater Impact; Speaker: Bob Upgren

2014: Rachel’s Challenge; Speaker: Darrell and Sandy Scott

2013: Common Core Standards; Speaker: Brian Pete

2012: A Framework for Understanding Poverty; Speaker: Ruby Payne

2011:  Preventing Bullying in the Classroom and School; Speaker: Brian Mendler