All the NEA RA delegate races, and all but two Board of Director races, are uncontested. The contested elections include one position in Plains Unit and the statewide Minority at Large position. The SDEA Board of Directors voted at its February 2025 meeting to automatically declare the winners of the uncontested races. This means all other races will not receive ballots. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact SDEA President Loren Paul, at [email protected], Elections Committee Chair Stephanie Hageman, at [email protected], or Elections Committee Liaison Brooke Quinlivan, at [email protected].
2025 SDEA Election Statements
Executive Office Positions
Treasurer
Tess Canet
I am Tess Canet and have been a member of the South Dakota Education Association since I began my certified teaching career in 1997. I am currently serving as your SDEA Treasurer and would like to thank you for already entrusting me with the duties of this position. I have enjoyed working on behalf of the members, helping to ensure that dues dollars are spent to best serve you, the members. I would greatly appreciate your vote for re-election as the SDEA Treasurer and will continue to be a voice for the association’s members. Thank You!
Board of Directors
Eastern Prairie 1-year
Susan Zueger
As a member my entire career, I have seen the power of our collective voice in making change. I hope to bring the knowledge I’ve gained from twenty-four years as a middle school educator, along with my experience on my local executive board, to help represent the Eastern Prairie Unit.
Eastern Prairie 2-year
Andrew Travers
I seek to represent my fellow SD educators on the SDEA Board. I have 20 years experience in education: CCSD in Las Vegas, and SFSD since 2011. I am also a music educator, and professional musician. I am humbled to seek this opportunity to serve.
EGL 2-year
no candidate
Western 2-year
Robert Dahlenberg
We are entering new territory as an organization of professionals. The changes that are coming to public education in the next year are full of pitfalls. It is important to show solidarity and continuity through these challenges and it is my hope that I can be a part of that.
Deborah Rohls
I’m Debbie Rohlf, a high school science teacher at Hot Springs, teaching biology, chemistry, and physics. A proud Western Unit graduate from Belle Fourche HS and SD Mines, I’ve served as a Western Board member for two years and unit co-chair for six months. I’m dedicated to advocating for educators!
Plains 2-year
Shawn Olsen
I would be honored to continue representing and being a voice for the Plains UniServ. We need to continue moving our association forward and strengthen our collective voice for all things that matter in education.
Jeremy Schultz
I am Jeremy Schultz, a thirteenth year educator, and currently the McLaughlin Education Association President. As an active member of Leaders for Just Schools, I would be honored to serve as your representative for the Plains unit as we work to build a collective voice for education.
SEE 2-year
Amanda Sonne
As an educator with over 25 years of teaching experience, my priority is ensuring all students are seen, valued, and served as unique learners. As your SDEA SEE BOD member, I will pledge to keep the SDEA mission and vision in the forefront as I do the organization’s work.
ESP Member At-Large 1-year
Lisa Jennings
Thank you for the support that you have given me as the ESP-At-Large Director. Education Support Professionals are a vital part of our schools and representing our wonderful ESP across the state is an honor and privilege. I look forward to continuing to serve SDEA and our members.
Minority At-Large 2-year
Qiang Ai
As 2nd-year educator and former NEA Delegate, I enthusiastically seek the role of SDEA Board Director. Committed to positive change in education, my unique blend of experience and passion aims to advance education and advocate for SD educators. Let’s unite for a flourishing educational community, and shape a successful future.
Heather Harmon
Substitute, paraprofessional, and teacher. ALL staff are important for a students’ success. I’ve served at local negotiations and as RA delegate at state/national levels. I’ve served as ESP At-Large; I’d like to now serve all educators of SD. I know what it means to work hard and be undervalued.
NEA/RA Delegate
NEA RA Eastern Prairie Delegate
Tim Eckart
I am the local president for the Sioux Falls Education Association and chair for the Eastern Prairie Unit. It is my hope to represent South Dakota at the NEA RA and to bring important information back to the Eastern Prairie Unit and South Dakota.
Lisa Jennings
I have had the privilege of representing SDEA members at the NEA RA. To be part of the democratic process that moves NEA forward at the national level is a great responsibility and not one that I take lightly. I appreciate your confidence in me as I continue to serve.
NEA RA Western Delegate
Heather Harmon
Substitute, paraprofessional, and teacher. ALL staff are important for a students’ success. I’ve served at local negotiations and as RA delegate at state/national levels. I’ve served as ESP At-Large; I’d like to now serve all educators of SD. I would like to represent you at the national level this year.
NEA RA Plains Delegate
Jeremy Schultz
It would be a great honor for me to represent South Dakota educators at the NEA RA. I participated in my first RA last year and I’m eager for another chance to connect with fellow educators nationwide, advocating for public education at the national level.
NEA RA Ethnic Minority At-Large Delegate
Qiang Ai
As enthusiastic 2nd-year educator, I am thrilled to announce my running for NEA RA Delegate. With aspirations to serve as an Education Conference Delegate, my goal is to amplify the diverse voices within our community and advocate for meaningful change in both South Dakota and the broader U.S. education landscape.
NEA RA ESP At-Large Delegate
Lisa Jennings
I have had the privilege of representing SDEA members at the NEA RA. To be part of the democratic process that moves NEA forward at the national level is a great responsibility and not one that I take lightly. I appreciate your confidence in me as I continue to serve.
NEA RA At-Large Delegate
Emily Deinken
Since starting my teaching career, I have been a dedicated advocate involved in SDEA’s Legislative Action Team, our annual Lobby Day, and my own Advocate for Educators initiative. As an NEA Representative, I am ready to share South Dakota’s vision nationally and bring a fresh perspective on improving public education.
Emily Meyer
Free public education has long been a pillar of American Democracy. In 2025, unfortunately, the general population is in doubt of this pivotal institution. Participating as an NEA RA allows me to be a changemaker in combatting this false idea. I have faith in American democratic ideals, its future; its people.
Robert Hoffmann
I wish to attend the NEA RA again in these most challenging times, to give voice to important policy issues.
I have served with SFEA, SDEA, NEA, and NEA-Retired in several membership and leadership capacities.
Ready, Set, Grow!
