Beverly Peterson has dedicated her life to music education for all.  Her expert teaching in the Rapid City Area Schools inspired and guided countless students.  In her retirement, she continues to influence area youth by teaching/coordinating four weekend workshops for teachers each year through the Black Hills American Orff Schulwerk Association, a professional organization for music educators.  She was instrumental in the organization's formation over 20 years ago and continues her involvement by serving as instructor for this yearly course.  Half the money she earns for the course she returns to the organization to provide scholarships for teachers involved in fundraising activities for the chapter.  We are grateful for her leadership and commitment to best practice in music. 

The 2009 – 2010 Teacher of the Year for Rapid City Schools is Nancy Ward.  She received this honor and recognition from the Rapid City Public School Foundation.  Nancy is a graduate of Black Hills State University.  In addition she has 80 hours of graduate credit.  She is currently a Special Education teacher at General Beadle Elementary.    In addition she has also taught math and pre-school.  
Nancy’s passion for teaching and working with students is ever present.   She is known for her exceptional rapport with students.  Nancy’s special ability is to inspire all of her students to learn at the top of their ability regardless of their background.
Nancy believes the keys to strengthening and improving teaching are staff development and collaboration.  She models this philosophy by taking advantage of opportunities such as college classes, workshops, study groups, conferences, professional partnerships and reading.  Collaborating with other teachers, reflecting on her own practice, and increasing her own learning better prepares her to better meet the need of her own students.  She has contributed to improving and strengthing the teaching profession in Rapid City area schools by teaching classes and workshops.  She has also collaborated with teachers to examine and improve professional practices.  
Ms. Ward firmly believes her mission as a teacher is to work collaboratively with parents, colleagues, students and others in the community to develop competent self directed life long learners.    She strives to develop learners with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge so they will have the ability to work persistently and confidently to develop solutions they will face in the future. 
Nancy Ward is honored to be recognized by colleagues and others in representing Rapid City Teachers during the 2009-2010 school year.