On April 20, 2026, the South Dakota chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA-SD) presented the South Dakota Computer Science Teacher of the Year Award at TIE26, hosted by Compass at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls.
The recipient of this year's award is Rachel J. Pierson, a Computer Technology, Graphic Design, and Coding & Programming teacher at Memorial Middle School in Sioux Falls, and a founding member of CSTA-SD itself.
Josh Siegfried, Assistant Principal at Memorial Middle School, takes the stage to present the South Dakota Computer Science Teacher of the Year Award at TIE26 on April 20, 2026, at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls.
The award was presented by Josh Siegfried, Assistant Principal at Memorial Middle School, who spoke about how Rachel embodies the school's Mustang CARE values — Community, Act Responsibly, Respect, and Excellence — and how those values show up in everything she does for her students every day.
CSTA-SD chapter president Ben Benson speaks on stage at TIE26, holding the South Dakota Computer Science Teacher of the Year Award. Josh Siegfried, Assistant Principal at Memorial Middle School, looks on at left.
In reflecting on the honor, Rachel shared:
"I am truly humbled to receive this recognition from CSTA-SD — a community I am so proud to have helped build from the very beginning. I want to thank my mentors, my colleagues today and throughout my career, and my students — past and present. You have taught me as much as I have ever taught you.
I believe deeply that computer science is for everyone. Not just future programmers or engineers — every single person benefits from learning to think computationally, to break down problems, and to approach challenges creatively. Those are life skills.
So if you take one thing from me, let it be this: find a way to bring that kind of thinking to every learner in your life."
Rachel J. Pierson receives the South Dakota Computer Science Teacher of the Year Award from Josh Siegfried at TIE26, April 20, 2026.
Know a CS Teacher Who Deserves Recognition?
The South Dakota Computer Science Teacher of the Year Award celebrates the innovative teaching and dedication of educators who inspire students to engage with computer science. CSTA-SD encourages administrators, community members, tech coordinators, librarians, and fellow educators to submit nominations — self-nominations are also welcome.
Nominees will be asked to share a short story about how they teach CS in their classroom, highlight one lesson they have implemented, and provide supporting documents that demonstrate their professional growth.
Nominations for the 2026–27 award cycle will open in January 2027. Watch this space for the announcement.