South Dakota has a new Teacher of the Year.
George Hawkins teaches social studies at Jefferson High School in Sioux Falls.
Secretary of Education Joseph Graves made the announcement at a banquet in Mitchell.
“George is the embodiment of excellence in teaching,” said Graves. “His ability to take what he has learned and experienced outside of the classroom, and incorporate that into lessons about history and government, is a gift to his students today.”
A statewide panel of educators selected the winner from five regional finalists.
Hawkins will receive a $5,000 grant from the West River Foundation. He also receives $2,000 from the state Board of Regents to present seminars for aspiring teachers.
Hawkins was named the Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year for the Sioux Falls school district earlier this year.
He now advances as a candidate for National Teacher of the Year. That award announcement is scheduled for this spring.