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For South Dakota Teacher of the Year, Amanda Haenfler, the journey into education didn’t begin in a college classroom or a teacher workshop. It started much earlier, right inside the very same room she now calls her own at Avon School. “I was probably first inspired to teach reading in the exact room that I am currently teaching in,” she shared. “When I got hired at Avon and walked into my classroom for the first time, I just sat down and looked around. It was a full-circle moment.” That moment of reflection was rooted in memories of a fifth-grade reading experience that would shape the rest of her life. “We read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer with my teacher, Mrs. Sternhagen,” Haenfler recalls. “I remember loving class, getting lost in a book without even realizing I was learning.” A proud Avon alumna, Haenfler’s return to her hometown wasn’t just a career move, it was a calling. “Teaching in my hometown has so many benefits,” she said. “The building feels like home, and the people are like family.” Despite the many changes in education: curriculum, technology, and teaching strategies, Haenfler says one thing has remained constant: Avon’s unwavering commitment to relationships. “The connection between our school and our community is still strong and important. That’s what made it special when I was a student, and it still holds true today.” Before returning to Avon, Haenfler taught in Gayville-Volin and Wagner, gaining valuable experiences in both small and larger school environments. “Those years gave me the opportunity to build my own teaching style and understand how younger readers develop,” she said. “By the time I came back to Avon, I felt confident in my approach.” One of her most important mentors was close to home, her sister, Tina, a fellow Avon teacher who helped guide her through college and into the classroom. “Getting to teach alongside her before she retired was incredibly special,” Haenfler said. Now teaching English Language Arts to grades 5–7, Haenfler has created a classroom environment where literature comes alive. Whether it’s listening to era-specific music, tasting food mentioned in a novel, or connecting themes to current events, she ensures that every story becomes an experience. “The best learning happens when students enjoy what they’re doing,” she explained. “When they beg to read another chapter, that’s when I know something magical is happening.” Not every student arrives in her classroom with a love for books, but Haenfler sees that as a challenge, not a setback. Through interactive notebooks, smallgroup work, and highly relatable assignments, she makes reading approachable and meaningful. “I love when my reluctant readers sneak to the back of the room so they can keep reading. That’s when I know I’ve reached them,” she said. Her classroom blends structure with creativity, routines are key, but she encourages students to build year-long projects that reflect their growth. “Because I teach them for multiple years, we can really build on what we’ve learned.” At the heart of Haenfler’s classroom is a culture of mutual respect, enthusiasm, and responsibility. “Strong relationships are the foundation,” she emphasized. “I want students to be engaged, not just with the content, but with each other, and with their own learning journey.” Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of her approach, and she makes it a point to connect classroom lessons to life beyond the school walls. One standout tradition is her Summer Reading Challenge, a voluntary program where students who read over the summer earn a special fall trip to Barnes & Noble in Sioux Falls—complete with a book and Starbucks treat. “It started as a way to prevent summer reading loss, but now it’s so much more. They’re becoming lifelong readers.” Haenfler’s dedication to her students extends into her personal life as well. She and her husband Jeff, also an Avon graduate, are raising their daughters, Emersyn (12) and Haven (9), in the same small town that shaped their childhoods. “I’ve even had the opportunity to teach my daughters in class,” she said. “They might not think it’s great now, but I think they’ll appreciate it someday.” The Haenflers are actively involved in the community, whether cheering at local events, traveling as a family, or simply supporting their daughters’ many activities. Being named South Dakota’s 2025 Teacher of the Year was both a personal and professional milestone for Haenfler. “Honored and humbled are the best words I can use,” she said. “I was most excited for our school. Avon has such amazing staff and students. This award reflects them, too.” As part of her new role, Haenfler will represent South Dakota in the National Teacher of the Year competition. She plans to use the opportunity to share her passion for education with aspiring teachers across the state. “In 2026, I’ll be speaking to university students and meeting other Teachers of the Year from around the country,” she said. “It’s a chance to learn, grow, and give back.” While she’s still considering how to use the $5,000 grant and $2,000 honorarium that came with her award, she’s confident it will go toward something that inspires and supports her students. Haenfler is realistic about the challenges facing today’s educators—especially in rural communities. She notes the difficulty of filling specialized teaching positions and emphasizes the need to promote education as a fulfilling career path. “To new teachers, especially in small schools: lean on your colleagues, find the joy in every day, and remember that what you do matters,” she advised. Her own goals for the future remain simple but powerful: keep growing, keep inspiring, and continue helping students discover their full potential. “Every year, I just want to help my students be great in whatever they dream of doing. Hopefully, they’ll give back to their community the same way it gave to them.”