A Langford native is being recognized at the state level for her work in education, highlighting both her roots and her impact on students across the region.
Nicole (Hewitt) Olson, a 1995 graduate of Langford High School, was recently named South Dakota Special Education Director of the Year at the annual South Dakota Special Education Conference in Sioux Falls. Olson now serves as the special education director for the Aberdeen School District, where she oversees programs serving students across multiple schools.
Although her career has taken her to Aberdeen, Olson said her small-town upbringing played a key role in shaping her path.
“Being at a small school was great. You got to try a little bit of everything, from yearbook to sports. I always loved school and felt at home in that setting,” noted Olson
After high school, Olson attended Northern State University, initially considering psychology with plans to go into child psychology. That direction eventually shifted to education as she considered career opportunities.
She earned her degree in elementary education and began her teaching career in Highmore, where she taught for five years. Her path into special education came later, following a return to Aberdeen.
While pursuing her master’s degree, Olson worked at the local mental health center and later operated a daycare. She eventually took a position with Behavior Care Specialists, working with individuals with autism and cognitive disabilities.
“That’s where my interest in special education really grew,” she said. “Working with kids who have disabilities, you have to love it. They can be tough, but seeing them make progress is so rewarding.”
Encouraged to pursue certification in special education, Olson completed the necessary coursework through Northern State University and transitioned into the field full time. She joined the Aberdeen School District as a life skills teacher at Central High School, working with students facing a variety of challenges.
“I worked with students on IEPs and helped them build skills for life after school,” she said.
Olson spent nine years at Central High School before deciding to pursue a leadership role. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she completed her leadership endorsement, initially with the goal of becoming a principal. When the district’s special education director position opened, she applied and was selected for the role.
She is now in her fourth year as director, overseeing special education programming across several elementary schools, two middle schools, the high school and two private schools.
“Every day is different,” Olson said. “I’m in meetings, observing teachers, talking to parents. A big part of my job is making sure we’re following special education laws and processes, but also making sure we’re meeting students’ needs and helping them achieve their goals.”
Olson has spent 26 years in education, including 22 years in special education, and said the work continues to be both challenging and rewarding.
One of the biggest challenges, she noted, is staffing. “There never seems to be enough special education teachers,” she said. “Every year, you hope you can fill those positions.”
She also pointed to changing student needs, particularly in the area of behavior, as an ongoing challenge requiring new strategies and programming.
Despite those obstacles, Olson said the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. “Seeing kids achieve things that some people thought they couldn’t, that’s the best part,” she said. “These kids have obstacles to overcome, and getting to see their progress over time is really special.”
Olson’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. In her nomination for the state award, Aberdeen Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Becky Guffin praised Olson’s approach.
“Nicole leads with compassion and integrity, consistently demonstrating deep care for students with disabilities, the professionals who serve them, and the systems that support high-quality programming,” Guffin wrote. “She is tireless in seeking alternative plans and creative solutions to ensure that individual student needs are met.”
Elementary Special Education Coordinator Brandi Eisenbeisz echoed those sentiments, highlighting Olson’s dedication to students.
“She has the biggest heart for children, teenagers, and young adults who have academic, behavioral, and social challenges,” Eisenbeisz wrote. “Nicole will always go the extra mile to make sure that our students have the greatest opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.”
For Olson, the recognition is meaningful but also reflective of the team she works with.
“It’s very humbling,” she said. “It’s a special honor, but it’s really a testament to the great staff I get to work with every day. They’re the ones helping bring ideas to life and making sure our students are successful.”
She said the award came during a busy time in her personal life, as she had just welcomed a new grandchild, but she was grateful to be present at the conference when the announcement was made.
Looking ahead, Olson hopes to encourage others to consider careers in education and special education.
“There’s a big need in special education,” she said. “The kids are amazing, and they’re the best part of the job. It can be a very rewarding career”
