Eight Sioux Valley High School students completed “Teens as Teachers,” a youth leadership and mentorship program of the South Dakota Youth Foundation.
The “Teens as Teachers” program empowers high school students to teach and mentor younger peers, helping them develop essential skills in leadership, communication and education. The South Dakota Youth Foundation awarded a total of $2,000 in scholarships to Sioux Valley participants this year. First-year teens who completed the program earned a $250 scholarship.
All eight teens were first-year teachers, and each earned a $250 scholarship. The teens are Addison Coon, Jaelyn Moe, Quynn Nielson, Logan Owens, Mattayah Bell, Hannah Duncan, Logan Hanson and Landon Owens.
Megan Jacquet is the local adviser for the program; she has played a vital role in the success of the Sioux Valley program.
As a teen teacher, students gain actual classroom teaching experience as well as practice in leadership and teamwork in real-world settings. Teen teachers, elementary-aged youth, and the community all benefit from the skills and knowledge gained by their teens.
When reflecting on what they gained from participating in the “Teens as Teachers” program, several students indicated:
Ive got to learn more about the pillars myself, so I was learning with the kids as well, and it was really fun, and it also helped me accomplish that I for sure want to work with kids when Im older, Bell said.
I am hoping to become a special education teacher. I think this experience has for sure sealed the deal for me that I want to become a teacher and give back to those in the community. It has been a great experience, and I would recommend it to anyone thinking about teaching or anyone wanting to give back to the community, Duncan said.
Teens participate in a training summit that prepares them to teach and mentor elementary students in their local community. Teen teachers may choose to teach either lessons in character education or healthy life skills. The South Dakota Youth Foundation invests in the “Teens As Teachers” model as a highly effective method to impact behavior.
Celebrating 10 years, the foundation has trained 857 teens statewide who have delivered over 52,000 messages of healthy life skills and the character traits of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Training included curriculum, lesson planning, working with elementary students, and classroom management. High school students can participate in “Teens As Teachers” each year of high school.
‘Teens as Teachers’ program Turns 10
A birthday bash and live auction benefit will be at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron on Aug. 31, starting at 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate a decade of youth leadership with cake, prizes, and more fun surprises.
This special event honors 10 years of impacting South Dakota youth through the “Teens as Teachers” program. Donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners support “Teens As Teachers,” character education, and Healthy YOUth lessons. To support youth leadership and education in South Dakota,
Visit the South Dakota Youth Foundation website or contact [email protected].
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