CSTA-SD Newsletter
Issue: October 2025-----A Message from the President
Hello CSTA-SD Members!
As we move into fall, I want to share some exciting updates from our recent board meeting on September 17, 2025. We're actively working to bring you more valuable resources, professional development, and opportunities to connect with fellow computer science educators across South Dakota. Your engagement is vital to our success, and we encourage you to participate in our upcoming events and initiatives.
Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing computer science education!
Upcoming Events & Professional Development
- October 14: Science at the Pub – “Quantum Football”
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- Location: Severance Brewing Co. 701 N Phillips Ave Suite 110, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- Description: Join us for an engaging evening exploring fascinating scientific concepts in a relaxed setting.
- November 12: Virtual Session with Ben Sayler, CAMSE
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- Description: Dive into new insights and resources from the Center for the Advancement of Mathematics and Science Education.
- RSVP/Registration: Keep an eye out for reminders closer to the date!
- November 15: Mountain Plains Virtual Conference
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- Description: Speakers are being finalized for this regional virtual conference. We're also seeking sponsors and raffle prizes to enhance the experience.
- January 14, 2026: Virtual Session with Amy Miller, CTE Interim Director
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- Description: Gain valuable updates and perspectives from the CTE Interim Director.
- Registration
- February 5–7, 2026: STEM Ed Conference
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- Location: Held at the Crossroads Event Center, in Huron, South Dakota
- Description: CSTA-SD has secured a booth! We're exploring new swag options to make our presence exciting.
- February 11, 2026: Virtual Session with Georgette Price, Cyber.org
- April 20–21, 2026: TIE Conference
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- Description: We are exploring sponsorship for the Teacher of the Year award at this key education technology conference.
- Professional Development Focus Group: AI in Biology
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- We're exploring a new PD focus group in partnership with Sanford Research, DSU, and CT educators. Topics may include bioinformatics, healthcare applications, and cybersecurity. Stay tuned for more details on how to participate!
- New Partnerships and Advertising: We're enhancing our outreach through Discord, DOE networks, and social media to bring you more valuable content and connections.
Member Spotlight
- Check out this blog post about the CSTA-SD Teacher of the Month for September Brad Nupen
- Want to be featured in our Member Spotlight or become Teacher of the Month?
Share a bit about yourself and your classroom by filling out this form.
CSTA-SD News & Updates
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- This fall, we're launching a $10 membership drive! New members will be eligible for Amazon gift card incentives. Join us and help grow our community!
- Teacher of the Month/Year Recognition
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- Plans are in motion to recognize outstanding CS teachers in our state with a media package and features in our newsletter.
- Conferences: We are considering participation in CSTA National (July 13–15, 2026, New Orleans) and ACTE (July 27–28, 2026, SDSU).
Connect with CSTA-SD
Website: Link
Email: Southdakota@CSTA-HQ.org
Social Media:
CSTA-SD Mission
To serve as a professional education association for K–16 educators and stakeholders in South Dakota, working to promote, expand, and enhance computer science education across the state by providing professional development, advocacy, resources, and community support.