DSU Educators Rising Learning Expo to inspire future teachers
October 5, 2026
MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State University’s College of Education & Human Performance will welcome high school students interested in education careers to campus for the annual Educators Rising Learning Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
The event allows prospective educators to experience the teaching profession through hands-on activities, connect with current educators and DSU students, and learn more about teacher education programs and career pathways. The expo builds on previous events designed to increase students’ knowledge of and enthusiasm for teaching while offering a closer look at the profession.
“The Learning Expo is an opportunity for students to see that teaching is an active, creative, and incredibly rewarding profession,” said Dr. Jennifer Nash, associate professor in the College of Education & Human Performance. “We want students to spend the day exploring different areas of education, interacting with teachers and future teachers, and imagining themselves making a difference in their own classrooms someday.”
The expo will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome from r. David DeJong, dean of the College of Education & Human Performance, followed by a “Teacher Talk” from Becky Haenfler, the 2026 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. Nicole Steele and Megan Janke will serve as moderators for the opening session. DSU is expecting between 150 and 200 participants at this year’s event.
Students will then choose from three rounds of breakout sessions covering a wide range of teaching and learning topics. DSU faculty members and area educators will lead sessions, including interactive experiences focused on multilingual learners, literacy, special education, classroom engagement, science education, kinesthetic learning, coaching, and more.
Several sessions will give students a chance to experience teaching strategies firsthand. “Sound Shapers” will use games and challenges to explore skills children need as they learn to read, while “BREAKOUT of Your Shell! Become a Teacher!” will challenge participants to solve clues and complete activities related to becoming an educator. “Reel Lessons” will use familiar movies to spark conversations about teaching, learning, relationships, and making a difference.
Other sessions will introduce students to strategies for supporting English language learners, incorporating movement into the classroom, teaching vocabulary visually, and creating inclusive learning environments for students with different needs. Students interested in science education can also learn about teaching opportunities in South Dakota and DSU’s Secondary Science Education program.
Current DSU students will also play a role in the expo. Members of the DSU Educators Rising Club will host a fast-paced session featuring teacher-themed challenges followed by an opportunity for high school students to ask questions about education majors, classes, campus activities, college life, and becoming a teacher.
The day will also include lunch, campus tours, and information from DSU Admissions.
“Students don’t have to know exactly what or where they want to teach to benefit from this experience,” Nash said. “The goal is to give them a place to explore those possibilities, meet people who share their interest in education, and see that there are many different ways they can have an impact as a teacher.
Educators Rising is a national organization focused on developing the next generation of educators and creating a pathway for young people interested in teaching. Dakota State works with Educators Rising in South Dakota to introduce high school students to the profession and provide opportunities to explore teacher preparation at the university.