Over the course of the last 20 years high school sports have undergone many changes. One of these major changes has been the introduction of girls wrestling.

What was once seen as impossible is now being implemented at schools across the country, including right here in the Sioux Falls School District.

This is a sport that can instill lifelong character traits in young women including confidence, grit, resilience, strength, and discipline. Listen along as we meet Lydia, who will be starting high school wrestling next year, and who is looking forward to reaping all the benefits this sport has to offer.

On today's episode of Teacher Talk, presented by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Gina Benz and Jackie Wilber discuss some of the ways schools throughout South Dakota are recruiting teachers. Some new initiatives are referred to as "grow your own" programs, where prospective future teachers are exposed to the ins and outs of the profession well before they even begin the pursuit of a formal college degree.

Schools throughout SD are home to the Education Rising program, which acts as an extracurricular club that students interested in the profession can participate in to learn more about future opportunities. The Teacher Pathway program in the Sioux Falls School District lets students earn credit, both in high school and at the college level, for learning about the teaching profession.

Tune in to learn more about these exciting programs designed to usher in the next generation of amazing teachers!

It's more than just arguing. High school debate is a great way for students to use their voice and join a community.

Washington High School head debate coach Angelica Mercado-Ford credits debate with helping her find her voice in high school, and she is now leading the next generation of speakers to follow their passions.

In contrast to what we see in popular culture as "debate", the actual skill of debate is an art and a science that requires intellect and creativity. Listen in as these students share what debate means to them, and why it helps them find direction and meaning.

The South Dakota Department of Education plans to replace the current state exam with the ACT beginning in the 2025-26 school year. This is (mostly) seen as positive news, and in this episode of Teacher Talk, presented by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, our guests go over why this is a step in the right direction.

Learning how to read is one of the most fundamental things a person can do to start their journey of becoming a successful member of society. But did you know that according to a USA Today report, 79% of adults in the USA are literate, and 54% read at or below a 6th-grade level?

The "science of reading" has become a hot-button issue among educators and legislators over the past few years, and while the debate over how to teach students how to read continues, there is universal agreement on its importance.

In this episode of Teacher Talk, presented by South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Dr. Jackie Wilber (University of South Dakota) and Gina Benz (Sioux Falls School District) discuss the science of the "science of reading" with host Lori Walsh.

Whether you are a parent, a student, or an advocate for community engagement, there is no denying that when we work together amazing things happen. The Sioux Falls School District is proud to partner with many gracious organizations throughout the area, and the Sioux Empire United Way (SEUW) has been one of those organizations giving back for many years.

Our guests on this episode are Christina Riss, Chief Operations Officer for the SEUW and Patti Lake-Torbert, Senior Support Coordinator of Student Services for SFSD.

One of the most powerful aspects of this partnership is it's direct impact on students and families throughout the District. School counselors are in constant communication with District administration as to what the need is, and with help from the United Way, those needs can be addressed directly.

Tune in to hear real-life stories about the direct impact this partnership has had throughout SFSD, and how you can engage and become part of the process.

Fictional teachers have delighted and inspired people for generations, and some can have a big influence on people who currently work in education.

Fictional teachers show up in all forms of pop culture media from books to television, movies to comics, and they can give current teachers something to relate to (or commiserate with :)

This week, we have a lighthearted conversation about some of our guest's favorite examples of fictional teachers, from The Little House on the Prairie to the Magic School Bus.

Today our hosts are talking about the ins and outs of teacher residencies - or what many know as "student teaching". This is where aspiring teachers spend time in the classroom of an experienced teacher while preparing to enter their chosen profession.

Some students who go through a residency program state that it gives them more confidence of what to expect during the school year. There are many guides in place to make sure each teacher resident is provided with everything they need to get the most out of their experience.

Gina Benz (teacher at Roosevelt High School) and Jackie Wilbur (USD School of Education) give us all the details on this program in their conversation from SDPB's "In the Moment" hosted by Lori Walsh.

Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher? Then you need to listen to this very special episode of Teacher Talk! SDPB host Lori Walsh sits down with Dr. Jackie Wilbur from the USD School of Education and Roosevelt HS teacher Gena Benz to talk about what it takes to become a public school teacher.

Sue Bills has some stories to tell.

She is the longest serving employee of the Sioux Falls School District right now, having worked at Whittier Middle School for 44 years! All those years she has served in the field of special education, and she has a passion and heart for her students that is an amazing thing to witness.

Our conversation goes back to the start, to hear about what got Sue interested in education, to the changes in technology she's seen and what keeps her going, day in and day out.

SFSD is lucky to have someone like Sue Bills. She is a shinning example of what a "legacy employee" looks like. Thank you for everything you do, Sue!