ABERDEEN, S.D. – Three graduates of the Millicent Atkins School of Education at Northern State University recently received national recognition for their outstanding contributions to education and their ability to make a difference in students’ lives.
This recognition reflects Northern’s legacy of preparing exceptional educators, a tradition that has led to the university being named the #1 education program in South Dakota for the past two years.
Allison Schmitz and Kristen Gonsoir were honored with the 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This prestigious award highlights their dedication to advancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education in their classrooms.
Schmitz, a math teacher in the Northwestern Area School District, has spent the past nine years teaching middle and high school students. Her courses range from sixth-grade math to Algebra II.
“Being nominated for the award was a great honor,” Schmitz said. “The application process was rigorous and taught me a lot about myself and my teaching. Being selected as a state finalist and finally a national awardee has shown me that my hard work is noticed and appreciated.”
She plans to continue her work as a mathematics educator, advocating for the field and inspiring students. “Right now, I plan on continuing what I have been doing,” Schmitz said. “I will teach, I will learn, and I will advocate for mathematics educators and mathematics education.”
Gonsoir, who has taught at Groton Area High School for 33 years, specializes in anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, general chemistry, and physics. She is also passionate about incorporating global learning into her classroom, stemming from her participation in the 2022 Global Learning Fellowship program.
“I am honored to be recognized,” Gonsoir said. “Knowing all the amazing things fellow state finalists are doing in their classrooms, I am very surprised to receive this award.”
Gonsoir credits her master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Northern State University for helping her reflect on and refine her teaching practices. “Many of the pedagogies I was using in my classroom were soundly supported in research,” she said. “The students in my classroom are constantly changing, and what they bring to the classroom changes, therefore how I teach must change.”
The Presidential Award recognizes teachers for exemplary mentoring sustained over a minimum of five years. Schmitz and Gonsoir are among thousands of educators nationwide who have received this recognition. Each honoree is awarded $10,000 from the National Science Foundation, along with a certificate signed by the president and an invitation to a celebration in Washington, D.C.
In addition, Kristyanna Brandriet, principal of James Knoll Elementary School in the Ortonville School District, received the 2024 Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership. She was one of only nine principals in the country to earn this recognition. Brandriet’s school was also awarded the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award from the U.S. Department of Education in September 2024, solidifying its reputation for educational excellence.
Northern State University is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these alumni, whose dedication and leadership exemplify the university’s commitment to fostering outstanding educators who make a lasting impact in their communities.