CSC grad honored as top Special Educator in South Dakota

Hughson, a graduate of Mitchell High School in Nebraska, received the award at the South Dakota State Special Education (SPED) Conference March 10 in Sioux Falls from Linda Turner, state director of special education.

“I feel very humbled to receive this award, having only been teaching for two years, and having heard the other nominations read at the ceremony. I realize that there are many teachers every day who do what I do and care like I do, and I am glad that I can represent those colleagues who give so much of themselves to their students,” Hughson said.

In her nomination letter, Jennifer Her Many Horses, whose son is in Hughson’s class, said her son has made huge educational and social gains under Hughson’s guidance.

“Tami’s consistency, stability, patience, out-of-the-box thinking, and willingness to support her son’s needs inside and outside of the classroom have given my son a place to belong,” Her Many Horses said.

Hughson, who plans to begin graduate studies in education administration this summer at Chadron State, started her career at Oelrichs teaching summer school in 2013. She was then hired as the K-12 SPED teacher in 2013-14 and became a dual SPED and general education teacher for fifth and sixth grades in 2014-15.

 “I look forward to being an important part of supporting students and their educational success,” she said.

—Tena Cook, Marketing Coordinator