1. We believe in a system that values every student as a unique individual.
Strong Public Schools are an integral component of student support and development; a fully developed individual requires a focus on mental, social, nutritional, medical, and academic needs. It is imperative that everyone be recognized for their unique stories and experiences. Such an imperative requires restorative practices to ensure a disciplinary approach that is equitable to the person and the behavior, a culturally responsive environment to respect all identities equally, and a commitment to providing resources that meet every person’s unique needs allowing for equitable access.
2. We believe student success requires partnerships between the school and the community.
Education must be a top priority of our community because our students represent its future. Effective and empowered schools support community development through student development. Strong public education is sustained with consistent and cohesive support beyond the classroom. A student’s ability to thrive is only possible when a student feels safe in all settings they experience.
We realize that trauma is a detriment to student success in the school and the community. Collaborative efforts between the school and community partnerships should work to minimize traumatic effects and disruptions in the students’ lives. Community members should have involvement in the public education process of their community. A school’s vitality is drawn from the community’s support. Students are best served when the school district and the home community work collaboratively to fulfill students’ needs. In return, they will engage in their community as an adult.
3. We are committed to educators continuously developing and utilizing their professional knowledge for the success of students.
Educators are the most significant influence on a student’s success because of the realistic and real-time knowledge educators have about the experience of their students. Educators achieve the most success with student growth when the educator works in an environment that treats the educator as a professional. To meet the needs of all students, educators must make in-the-moment decisions and view education through the lens of social justice and equality. A successful educator seeks new knowledge and ideas to refine their craft to effectively meet the needs of their students. Innovation exists in the classroom where an educator is striving to meet the needs of their students. The association and district have an obligation to equip educators with time, resources, and information necessary to adapt to students’ needs.
4. We are committed to using the power of our collective voice as an agent for change. The Sioux Falls Education Association provides a collective voice to help our individual members advocate for a strong public education system that supports all students. Every member of the association has a role to play in the success of the association’s mission of protecting and promoting the profession. Every educator provides a specific perspective to reveal the larger whole of the educational experience. We accept that no one person holds answers to every problem. We develop effective strategies by considering varying viewpoints. Through the collective process of the association, we empower our members and amplify their voices to ensure they are heard.
Strong Public Schools are an integral component of student support and development; a fully developed individual requires a focus on mental, social, nutritional, medical, and academic needs. It is imperative that everyone be recognized for their unique stories and experiences. Such an imperative requires restorative practices to ensure a disciplinary approach that is equitable to the person and the behavior, a culturally responsive environment to respect all identities equally, and a commitment to providing resources that meet every person’s unique needs allowing for equitable access.
2. We believe student success requires partnerships between the school and the community.
Education must be a top priority of our community because our students represent its future. Effective and empowered schools support community development through student development. Strong public education is sustained with consistent and cohesive support beyond the classroom. A student’s ability to thrive is only possible when a student feels safe in all settings they experience.
We realize that trauma is a detriment to student success in the school and the community. Collaborative efforts between the school and community partnerships should work to minimize traumatic effects and disruptions in the students’ lives. Community members should have involvement in the public education process of their community. A school’s vitality is drawn from the community’s support. Students are best served when the school district and the home community work collaboratively to fulfill students’ needs. In return, they will engage in their community as an adult.
3. We are committed to educators continuously developing and utilizing their professional knowledge for the success of students.
Educators are the most significant influence on a student’s success because of the realistic and real-time knowledge educators have about the experience of their students. Educators achieve the most success with student growth when the educator works in an environment that treats the educator as a professional. To meet the needs of all students, educators must make in-the-moment decisions and view education through the lens of social justice and equality. A successful educator seeks new knowledge and ideas to refine their craft to effectively meet the needs of their students. Innovation exists in the classroom where an educator is striving to meet the needs of their students. The association and district have an obligation to equip educators with time, resources, and information necessary to adapt to students’ needs.
4. We are committed to using the power of our collective voice as an agent for change. The Sioux Falls Education Association provides a collective voice to help our individual members advocate for a strong public education system that supports all students. Every member of the association has a role to play in the success of the association’s mission of protecting and promoting the profession. Every educator provides a specific perspective to reveal the larger whole of the educational experience. We accept that no one person holds answers to every problem. We develop effective strategies by considering varying viewpoints. Through the collective process of the association, we empower our members and amplify their voices to ensure they are heard.
Do you believe the same?
If you found something in this narrative that you want to ensure happens for the students of Sioux Falls - you should join SFEA. We are here to support our members as they advocate for and work to build a strong public education system in Sioux Falls. Our members work to identify and develop resources that support the whole child in their classrooms, to develop community partnerships supporting our students in and out of school, to engage with relevant and meaning professional development, and to create a supportive working climate for teachers.
If you found something in this narrative that you want to ensure happens for the students of Sioux Falls - you should join SFEA. We are here to support our members as they advocate for and work to build a strong public education system in Sioux Falls. Our members work to identify and develop resources that support the whole child in their classrooms, to develop community partnerships supporting our students in and out of school, to engage with relevant and meaning professional development, and to create a supportive working climate for teachers.
Sioux Falls Education Association
102 N Krohn Place Suite 204
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
SFEA President's Phone: (605) 370-3069
Email: [email protected]