The Story of Dr. John Harris

Dr. John Harris served as superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District from 1968-1992. Dr. Harris led the school system with compassion and integrity, touching the lives of thousands of students, teachers, and employees, and guiding the system to be one of the finest in the country. He is remembered for his gentleness, humility, graciousness, professionalism, intelligence, and sincere interest in people. He lived his philosophy that human contacts are the key element to education.

At a ceremony on August 30, 2007, a memorial plaque, purchased by the John Harris P.T.A., was dedicated. The plaque is mounted in the front hallway of the school to remind us all of the special men for whom the school is named. The plaque reads:

“Human contacts are the key element to education.
What we are really trying to do is open doors and expand horizons.
The horizons are different and the doors lead to different opportunities,
but what we are about has not changed.”
-Dr. John Harris

Nominations are now open for the 33rd Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year Award!

The Sioux Falls School District is proud of our staff and teachers for your commitment to our children and encompassing the same values and passions as Dr. Harris! Each year the Sioux Falls Public Schools and Vern Eide Motorcars jointly sponsor this prestigious award, so please lift up and nominate a deserving teacher!

Nominations are due by 5:00 pm Monday, January 25th, 2021. A judging panel will choose the finalists and all nominees will be celebrated along with the announcement of the Teacher of the Year on Monday, March 8th, 2021!
More details to come.

Outstanding, full-time teachers in ANY accredited Sioux Falls school are eligible for the award and $4,000 in prize money donated by Vern Eide Motorcars! Classroom teachers that have at least three (3) full years of teaching experience, a class of his/her own and teaches students at least three (3) or more hours per day, five (5) days a week, for six (6) or more calendar months during a school year are eligible.

Only three (3) letters of support will be attached to any one (1) nomination for an individual. Questions please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Classroom teachers may be nominated by a colleague, parent, administrator, student, or community member by filling out the nomination form.

Submit a Nomination Here

If a nominator asks you to help support their nomination for an individual, please submit a Letter of Support

Letter of Support Form

Past Winners

To be considered for Regional and State Teacher of the Year, the District Candidate should:

• Have a superior ability to inspire students of ALL backgrounds and abilities to learn;
• Be an exceptionally skilled and dedicated classroom teacher;
• Have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues;
• Play an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school; and
• Be poised, articulate, and have the energy to withstand the demanding schedule that would accompany selection as the South Dakota Teacher of the Year.

District Teacher of the Year becomes a nominee for his or her district’s Regional Teacher of the Year Award. If the District TOY is selected as the Regional TOY, he or she becomes a nominee for the South Dakota TOY. If chosen as the South Dakota TOY, he/she then becomes a candidate for the National TOY.

South Dakota Teacher of the Year program