Tell us more about you – hometown, family, education…anything you want your fellow SDEA members to know?
“I grew up in Clear Lake, SD – graduated Alyssa Becht from Deuel School District in 2011. Now I live in Aurora, SD but teach at Deuel in Clear Lake. Attended Northern State University in Aberdeen from 2011-2015. My parents are still in the Clear Lake area, and I have two sisters and 1 brother-in-law. A fun fact is that when we gather for family dinners, we have more dogs than people! Ha!
I married Justin Cassels in 2014 and we have two dogs (he also graduated from Deuel and his parents are in Clear Lake – 3 brothers and 2 sisters-in-law on his side).”
What was your initial thought when you heard your name announced as the South Dakota Teacher of the Year?
“I was shocked when they announced my name as the State Teacher of the Year. I don’t know if it registered right away, but it was the best feeling once it finally sunk in. The whole night following the announcement was a bit of a whirlwind of excitement and a roller coaster of emotions, but all around incredible.”
What are you most looking forward to over the next year?
“I’m really looking forward to creating and growing connections. The process up to this point has already given me amazing new encounters with fabulous educators and people that support education across the state, and I’m looking forward to expanding that network. I’ve been stuck in a bit of a music bubble for the first 8 years of my career, so I’m excited to grow that circle.”
What do you see as some of the greatest challenges facing public school educators and students in the coming years?
“I think the worker shortage, specifically teachers, is going to be a major challenge for public education in the future. I know our state is working tirelessly to support and encourage education, but I think it’s really going to hurt schools and our students’ education to be continually understaffed. We need to grow teachers and keep teachers in our state.”
What advice do you have for teachers who are just entering the profession? “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved in mentor programs. The first few years of teaching can be overwhelming, but if you are surrounded by people who support you and offer advice, it can change your whole experience.”
Is there something your students know about you that others may not?
“My students know my emotional, band-geek side better than anyone else. They know that I cry tears of joy and when they nail a passage in music and their growth shines through, they are embarrassed when I geek out to music outside of the classroom, and they know that I’m always up for a hug.”
Best method of self-care?
“I really enjoy taking time to disconnect from the world. I love doing anything outside, playing with my dogs, reading, and exercising. I like to stay involved in sports and be active in my church.”
As a Band Instructor, do you have favorite song?
“I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite song if I had to. I’ve kind of been like that my whole life, but I definitely have specific playlists that are catered to different moods”
Any parting words of wisdom?
“My only other words of wisdom would be to say yes to things that scare you. I’ve found that the best experiences happen outside of my comfort zone.”
