24-03-2025
Meet the 2025 Special Education Staff of the Year
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Aberdeen Central High School special education teacher Eric Pedersen is the state Department of Education's 2025 Special Education Staff of the Year.
'I was shocked to even be nominated, let alone win,' Pedersen said.
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Pedersen, who's in his fourth year with the Aberdeen Public School District, was nominated by the grandparent of a student.
'This is a student who I have a really good relationship with. We go mini-golfing in the summer when school's about to start,' Pedersen said.
Nicole Olson is the Director of Special Education in the Aberdeen Public School District.
'I actually wasn't surprised that he received the honor. Eric has been a fantastic year since we've gotten him here in Aberdeen, and it's nice to see him recognized for it,' Olson said.
Pedersen hopes by winning the award, he can shed some light on special education teachers and students.
'These are absolutely wonderful students. There's no such thing as a bad student. There's no such thing as a bad kid. I leave my job every day thinking I learned something about humanity and how certain people look at things and gravitate toward certain things, and I'm very grateful for that,' Pedersen said.
Pedersen was one of 70 special education staff in the state nominated or the award.
The honor was announced last week at a conference in Rapid City.
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