Tea Area School District announces Teacher of the Year finalists: Teacher of the Year announced at K-12 Graduation Program, May 11

By Dr. Tonia Warzecha, 

Superintendent

The Tea Area School District Teacher of the Year Committee recently selected four outstanding finalists for the 2026 Tea Area Teacher of the Year honor, following another strong year of nominations from across the district and from the community. Nominations opened on April 1, and the committee was pleased, but not surprised, by the number and quality of submissions. The response reflects what our community already knows: Tea Area is home to exceptional educators who make a meaningful difference for students every day. 

Tea Area’s Teacher of the Year program began in 2014 and is aligned to the South Dakota Teacher of the Year program. Each year, our honoree has the opportunity to apply for the Regional Teacher of the Year and potentially advance to become the South Dakota Teacher of the Year, representing educators from across our state in Washington, D.C. This connection highlights the important role our teachers play not only in Tea, but in shaping the future of education statewide.

The 2026 finalists represent excellence across grade levels and disciplines:

• Miss Rachel Risse, Legacy Elementary Special Education

• Mrs. Brenda Whitehead, Tea Area Middle School Math

• Mrs. Jolene Kayser, Tea Area High School Science

• Mrs. Loren Bauder, Tea Area High School Foreign Language

Each finalist demonstrates a strong commitment to student learning, collaboration, and professional excellence.

The 2026 Tea Area Teacher of the Year will be announced on Monday, May 11, during the district’s K-12 Graduation Program at 1:50 p.m. at the Tea Area High School gymnasium. This special event celebrates our graduating seniors and recognizes academic excellence and accomplishments, while also honoring the outstanding educators who help make those achievements possible. 

We are proud to recognize these four exceptional finalists and grateful for the lasting impact they make on our students, schools, and community each day. 

Join us in celebrating their accomplishments as we announce the 2026 Tea Area Teacher of the Year at the K-12 Graduation Program on Monday, May 11.