Darwin Daugaard Archives - Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Dell Rapids Public High School Educator Awarded Association of American Educators Foundation Classroom Grant

November 27, 2019 by Submitted

Dell Rapids, SD – Mr. Darwin Daugaard, a science teacher at Dell Rapids Public High School in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, has been awarded a classroom grant by the Association of American Educators Foundation (AAEF) for the purchase of fuel cell kits to help his students emulate his recent bacteria research by constructing ten operational fuel cells.

“I hope to give my students an experience in STEM research with a real-world application,” noted Mr. Daugaard in his application. “My students will see that there is a good use for bacteria and waste material as well as assembling a device that gives people a green renewable resource.”

AAEF is committed to offering individual educators various avenues for improving effectiveness in the classroom. “AAE commends the dedication that Mr. Daugaard has demonstrated in securing funding for materials that will expose his students to scientific research including, design, data collection, analysis, and critical thinking,” said AAE Senior Professional Programs Manager Melissa Pratt. “Our scholarships and grants are an investment in empowering teachers as professionals and supporting students in all educational communities nationwide.”

The Association of American Educators Foundation (AAEF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides teachers and leaders with opportunities, information, and funds to reform and improve the education of America’s youth. AAEF was established to support the activities and mission of the Association of American Educators (AAE)—the largest national, non-union, professional educator organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to educator empowerment and advocacy—promoting professionalism, collaboration, and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE is committed to a teaching profession that is student oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling. AAE serves members in all fifty states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership is $16.50 per month which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources, and many other benefits. Visit aaeteachers.org for more information.

Two Dell Rapids Teachers Receive Awards

October 15, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Two Dell Rapids School teachers recently received awards for their outstanding work and efforts in the classroom.

Third grade teacher Karla Gruis was awarded the “General Education Teach of the Year” by New Directions Down Syndrome Association of Sioux Falls. Nearly 200 families in South Dakota, southwest Minnesota, and northwest Iowa make up the membership of New Directions. New Directions presented the award on September 20th at the annual Buddy Walk at Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls. Gruis was recognized for her commitment to the education and inclusion of students with Down Syndrome, inclusive attitude and spirit, welcoming change in the classroom and willingness to adapt to student’s individual needs, as well as seeking out opportunities for the student to be included and maintain ongoing communication with the entire team.

High school science teacher Darwin Daugaard was also recently awarded this year’s South Dakota “Outstanding Physical Science Teacher of the Year” award sponsored by 3M Company and the South Dakota Science Teacher’s Association. The award also came with $1,000 check for Daugaard to support his classroom efforts, purchase equipment, to aid in his continuing education, or allow him to share his expertise with his fellow teachers by providing travel funds.

Congratulations to both Gruis and Daugaard for their awards!