By Scout Nelson
Three alumni of South Dakota State University’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences have been recognized with South Dakota Association of Career and Technical Educators (SDACTE) Excellence Awards.
Andy Jensen, Tanner Peterson, and Charlene Weber were among eight educators honored statewide for their commitment to teaching, student achievement, and community involvement.
Andy Jensen, agriculture educator at Marion School, received the SDACTE Teacher of the Year Award. A 2012 graduate, he is known for creating classrooms where students take risks, engage in inquiry-based projects, and apply lessons to real-life experiences. He said the honor represents the dedication and effort poured into his students and programs.
Tanner Peterson, who teaches agriculture at Tri-Valley High School, was named New Teacher of the Year. A 2022 graduate, Peterson brings real-world learning into the classroom with interactive labs, internships, and FFA activities. He said the award reflects his students’ success and the support of peers and community members.
Charlene Weber, agriculture teacher at Howard High School, received the Carl Perkins Community Service Award. She was recognized for leading student projects with local businesses, farms, and organizations, including community gardens, veteran breakfasts, and farm experiences that connect students with service.
All three award winners credit their time at SDSU for shaping their careers. They highlighted the mentorship, leadership opportunities, and education programs that prepared them to succeed as teachers and role models.
The SDACTE honors educators annually across multiple divisions. Nominees are evaluated at both the division and state level before being selected as award winners. State recipients now advance for consideration at the regional level.
These awards highlight how agricultural educators inspire students, strengthen communities, and build the next generation of leaders in South Dakota agriculture and beyond.
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Categories: South Dakota, Education