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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota's teacher of the year for 2015 is a Brandon Valley High School math teacher.
But Allen Hogie almost pursued a different career, the Argus Leader (http://argusne.ws/1CBZHfp ) Saturday. Hogie, who received the honor this week at a ceremony in Pierre, began college as an agribusiness major,
After graduating high school, Hogie told his parents he wanted to be a math teacher — like them. The Onida native did get praised as he expected.
"Well, I really don't know if you have what it takes, Allen," his father told him. Hogie's father died in the weeks between high school and college.
Looking back now, Hogie says his father used a bit of reverse psychology in the conversation they had about his career choice, knowing he wouldn't be present to encourage his son. At the end of his first semester at South Dakota State University, he reconsidered his career path and switched his major to mathematics education.
"And, well, here I am," he said shortly before he was honored at halftime of the Brandon Valley Lynx football game Friday. Hogie was selected for the award from six regional finalists. He will compete for the title of national teacher of the year.
He has his National Board Certification and is a mentor to other teachers seeking certification. He received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in 2007, and he's on the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics as a liaison to the national council.
Hogie's students say their teacher stops anything he's doing to answer their questions.
"If you need help with a problem, you can email him, and he'll take time out of his night," Erickson said.
Hogie also teaches college Calculus I as a dual-credit course through Northern State University.
He'll receive $8,000, a $6,700 technology package and the use of a vehicle for a year..
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Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com
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