Florence Elementary Preschool Named 'Exemplary' by School Administrators of South Dakota

Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Kendra Mastel, a dedicated Pre-K educator and former gymnast turned coach.

Northeast Radio SD News - Florence, SD - Florence Elementary Preschool teacher Mrs. Kendra Mastel was recently awarded an Exemplary Level certificate for her work in designing a creative and engaging preschool program, as recognized by the School Administrators of South Dakota (SASD).

The certification is granted following an observation where a member of the SASD assesses the program on criteria including: parent-child relationships, curriculum, teaching methods, child progress, health, teachers, families, community relations, physical environment, leadership, and management.

Mrs. Mastel has been teaching at Florence Elementary for 12 years and has been in education for 19 years. She described the rewarding experience of teaching students who are first starting school, noting, "It is so rewarding to see each student’s growth. They come into my class smiling and eager to learn."

Florence Superintendent and Elementary Principal Mitchell Reed commended Mrs. Mastel for her dedication, stating that her commitment to the program "starts and ends with our staff." Reed also praised Mastel’s work with parents, saying, "Her dedication, care for students, and partnership with parents truly set the tone for success."

The Exemplary Level certification through the SASD is valid for five years, and teachers are eligible to reapply for the award once the period concludes.