Congratulations to Dr. Nathan Bates,
SDWLA Teacher of Year for 2024-2025!
Dr. Bates is Associate Professor of Practice in German at the University of South Dakota. The award recognizes the work he does to promote language learning, implement world language standards, and connect students with community partners like the Heritage Hall Museum and Archives (see image below). As SDWLA Teacher of Year for 2024-2025, Dr. Bates is our state nominee for the 2025 Central States Teacher of the Year Award.
The South Dakota World Languages Association (SDWLA) is a South Dakota community of teachers that share ideas and information. The association accepts members who teach in the K-12 and/or university world language settings.
The SDWLA annual conference is an opportunity to learn about the newest trends and advances in the profession. The conference is the only available professional development opportunity in the state of South Dakota specific to language-teaching. Teachers will come away with a stronger knowledge of teaching practices, assessments, current trends and issues in the profession. The conference offers:
The SDWLA annual conference is an opportunity to learn about the newest trends and advances in the profession. The conference is the only available professional development opportunity in the state of South Dakota specific to language-teaching. Teachers will come away with a stronger knowledge of teaching practices, assessments, current trends and issues in the profession. The conference offers:
- Breakout sessions, including presentations and workshops provided by faculty from regional universities, other experienced teachers and/or professional language specific speakers.
- Language-specific business meetings
- Opportunities to network with other language professionals in the state
- Continuing education credit for attending the conference