Greetings!

Welcome to September! The school year is officially underway, and this month we’re turning our attention to one of the most exciting parts of our journey — recruiting new members to join us. Each month, this newsletter will serve as your go-to resource for important updates, tips, and opportunities, all in one easy-to-read document, so you don’t have to sift through countless emails throughout the month.

Here’s my challenge to you for this month:

✅ Pick a date for your first meeting.

✅ Invite others to join in!

✅ Plan to attend one of our upcoming Learning Expos

This is the perfect time to share your passion for education and open the door for new students to see what Educators Rising is all about. Need a little inspiration? We’ve included resources and ideas below to help you create a fun and welcoming meeting.

Remember — it only takes one invitation to spark someone’s interest in teaching. Let’s make this September a month of growth and energy!

Grateful to serve alongside you,

Travis Lape

State Director, Educators Rising South Dakota

Step Up to the Plate: September Game Plan

As a new year begins, it’s time to set your chapter up for success. Here are three key steps to focus on this month:

1. Recruit Your Team – Invite new members who are interested in exploring the field of education.
2. Hold Your First Meeting – Bring your chapter together, set goals, and build excitement for the year ahead.
3. Plan for Learning Expos – Decide which university expos your chapter will attend and register early to secure your spot.

There’s also a full lineup of opportunities happening across South Dakota this September:

• Sept 17 – Fall Leadership Conference
• Sept 21 – 1st Annual Drive for Education at Great Shots
• Sept 25 – First Learning Expo at USD

Here is the lineup of the rest of the Learning Expos

• Oct 1st - NSU Learning Expo
• Oct 8th - DSU Learning Expo
• Oct 15th - BHSU Learning Expo
• Oct 23rd- Augie Learning Expo
• Oct 28th - SDSU Learning Expo
• Nov 5th - DWU Learning Expo
• Jan 12th - USF Learning Expo
• Feb 6th - Mount Marty Learning Expo

Let’s make September a month of strong starts, meaningful connections, and big steps forward in preparing the next generation of educators.

Welcome to our 2025-2026 EdRising SD Chapters

We’re excited to celebrate the 57 chapters that have stepped up and joined Educators Rising South Dakota this year! Together, you’re creating amazing opportunities for students interested in the teaching profession and inspiring the next generation of educators.

Welcome to Our 10 New Chapters!

We’re thrilled to kick off the year by welcoming 10 new Educators Rising South Dakota chapters into our community! Each new chapter represents more students exploring the teaching profession, building leadership skills, and preparing to make a difference in classrooms across our state.

We can’t wait to see the impact these chapters will have as they join our 57 returning chapters in inspiring and shaping the next generation of educators. Welcome to the team!



1. Arlington
2. Bon Homme
3. Bridewater-Emery
4. Elkton
5. Faulkton Area
6. Henry
7. Lennox
8. Marion
9. McCook Central
10. Vermillion
11. Canistota
12. Armour
13. Parker

As Educators Rising South Dakota continues to grow, we are introducing a state membership due of $10 per student beginning this year. This small fee will help us offset the costs of growth while continuing to provide our signature events—such as the Fall Leadership Conference and State Conference—at no additional charge to members.

In addition to the state due, each member will also pay a national membership due of $15, which connects them to Educators Rising’s national community, competitions, and resources.

More details on how to register students and manage both state and national dues will be shared in our October newsletter. We are committed to making the process simple and clear for both teacher leaders and members.

We appreciate your continued support as we invest in the future of the teaching profession together!

200 E Willow Street

Harrisburg, SD 57032

statedirector@edrisingsd.org

605-360-5529