AVON, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - A hometown teacher is being celebrated as South Dakota’s best.

Becky Haenfler of Avon has been named the 2026 South Dakota Teacher of the Year .

She teaches English Language Arts to middle schoolers, using novels to spark real-world lessons that keep kids hooked on reading.

Dakota News Now Photojournalist Sam Tastad caught up with Haenfler for her reaction to this achievement, and you can watch the full story in the media player above.

As Teacher of the Year, Haenfler receives a $5,000 grant from the West River Foundation and a $2,000 honorarium from the South Dakota Board of Regents to present a series of professional seminars to aspiring teachers.

Haenfler will represent South Dakota as a candidate for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award, to

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