NEWELL, SD – The last day of school is always a meaningful day for educators and students. The last day of school after 50 years, well, that’s a milestone.
For the past half century, Delores Johnston has been teaching kids general science and algebra in the Newell School District. To mark her retirement, the school board and Governor Kristi Noem have proclaimed May 19th as Delores Johnston Day in South Dakota. Robin Dutt is the Superintendent of the Newell School District.
“We are proud to have Mrs. Johnston to have been here for 50 years and teaching in the Newell School District. The kids have definitely benefited from her teaching. We’re sorry to see her go,” says Dutt.
Delores grew up around the Union Center, SD area. Following graduation from South Dakota State University, she returned to the area where she and her husband, Bob who is from Illinois originally, both wanted to settle – in a rural area.
“Bob had moved out here because he wanted to enjoy the western lifestyle. We were looking for some place that was rural to settle,” she explains.
During her years in the Newell School District, she has taught generations of families.
“I have taught quite a few people over the years,” she says. “There are seniors this year whose grandparents were in my class.
It’s not uncommon to compare education as it was 50 years ago to what it is today. And not always favorably. But for Delores, progress has been made.
“I think it’s a lot more fun now. When I started, the traditional classroom offered lectures and then students went home with homework,” shares Johnston. “Now, with the teacher as the facilitator, they are actually learning while you’re supervising what they are doing. They become much more independent learners. And it’s a lot more fun teaching that way.”
She leaves behind a legacy of students who have continued on with productive lives.
“I have had awesome students,” she says. “There are quite a few accomplished in trade and business and others in engineering and health professions. It’s always ncie to have a student come back and say ‘thank you’.”
