Fort Pierre Teacher is South Dakota 2016 Teacher of the Year

FORT PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Fort Pierre elementary school teacher Sarah Lutz has been named South Dakota's 2016 Teacher of the Year.

Lutz is a third-grade teacher at Stanley County Elementary and a member of the school's leadership team. She also serves as a volunteer coach for the Girls on the Run program, and is credited with developing family nights to promote parent involvement.

A statewide panel of educators selected Lutz from among five regional finalists. The award was announced Thursday night.

Lutz receives a $5,000 cash award, a $6,300 technology package and a $1,000 honorarium from the South Dakota Board of Regents to present a series of professional development seminars for aspiring teachers. She also is now a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award.

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