ABERDEEN, S.D. – Aberdeen Public School District Teacher Eric Pedersen has been named the 2025 Special Education Staff of the Year by the South Dakota Department of Education.
Pedersen, Special Education Strives Teacher at Aberdeen Central High School, was chosen because of his “unwavering commitment to his students,” according to a Department Of Education news release.
Pedersen was selected out of the 70 educators throughout the state of South Dakota nominated for this year’s award. The announcement was made on March 19 at the 2025 South Dakota Special Education Conference in Rapid City.
“Eric Pedersen exemplifies the heart of special education,” said Linda Turner, Director of the DOE’s Division of Special Education and Early Learning, in the news release. “He supports and encourages his students to be responsible and to engage in their learning in the classroom and community to achieve their goals.”
Pedersen is in his fourth year with the Aberdeen Public School District. He was nominated by the grandparent of a CHS special education student, who praised Pedersen as an educator who goes above and beyond for his students.
“If you want your child with behavioral/emotional/mental health issues to be successful in the high school setting, the Strives Classroom at Aberdeen Central with Mr. Pedersen is the place to be,” the grandparent wrote in a nomination letter. “He advocates for his students and helps them to advocate for themselves. He is student-centered. He does not see the behaviors, he sees the kid behind those behaviors and their potential. He has the heart and gifts to make a difference in the kids that he serves in this classroom, and he uses them to the fullest. This is not a job for him—it is a calling to make a difference in the lives of kids who are struggling.”
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.