FROM TEEN TEACHER TO LA EDUCATOR

    Langford Area alum Bryce Peterson credits his realization that teaching is his true calling to his experience with the Teens As Teachers program of the South Dakota Youth Foundation. Today, Peterson is living his calling by teaching for Langford Area School District. He currently teaches all Elementary PE (K-5), 6th grade Math and Science, and 7th grade Math. Next year, he will also be teaching freshman Health and serving as an Assistant Basketball and Track and Field coach.
    As a participant in Teens As Teachers, Peterson was a trained mentor and teacher. Using the CHARACTER COUNTS! curriculum, he helped prepare lesson plans and taught them to Langford Area elementary students.
    Since Langford Area piloted the program, 49 Teens have served as Teen Teachers, earning approximately $12,000 in scholarships.
    As a Teen Teacher, Langford Area students attend training and teach local elementary students positive character traits through the CHARACTER COUNTS! curriculum. Teen Teachers earn a scholarship after completing the teaching experience and a digital portfolio. Training and scholarships are funded by donations to South Dakota Youth Foundation, Inc.
    Research shows that older youth can effectively teach elementary students. Young learners are more attentive and likely to adopt behaviors when taught by a teen. Administrators, teachers, and the Teen Teachers themselves report changes in student behavior and school climate. Teen Teachers also identify improvement in personal skills and a greater awareness of their actions.
    For more information or questions about Teens As Teachers and the South Dakota Youth Foundation, email: [email protected] or call 605.830.5831.