SURF salutes 2026 outstanding South Dakota STEM Educators
The South Dakota Science Teaching Association recognized four teachers for their outstanding efforts to provide extraordinary opportunities and support for students to succeed in science.
The South Dakota Science Teaching Association recognized four teachers for their outstanding efforts to provide extraordinary opportunities and support for students to succeed in science.
Two of the educators have participated in Sanford Underground Research Facility’s (SURF) professional development workshops and utilized classroom materials and resources that engage students in hands-on STEM learning.
Ronald Brillantes of Pahin Sinte Owayawa School in the Porcupine School District was named the 2026 Outstanding Physical Science Teacher. The award is sponsored by Neiman Enterprises in Spearfish.
Ronald Brillantes of Pahin Sinte Owayawa School in the Porcupine School District holds his award while standing next to SURF science education specialist Chad Ronish.
“What Ronald does in this classroom is just amazing. He's been to our professional development training, and he was in the STEM Leadership Program this year. His classroom is focused on hands-on, project-based learning that gets kids engaged,” said Nicol Reiner, director of education and outreach at SURF.
Brenda Mizenko of St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School in Rapid City was named the 2026 Outstanding Elementary STEM Teacher. The award is sponsored by Midwest Dairy, a checkoff organization representing more than 3,600 dairy farms and 41.8 million consumers across the region. Mizenko has also been involved in SURF’s professional development training.
“We were truly moved to have these outstanding educators stop by our exhibit booth to have their pictures taken, and we are proud to support such incredible dedication to education,” said Julie Dahl, a science education specialist at SURF.
Additional 2026 Outstanding STEM Teacher award recipients include:
- Carla Santos of Sisseton Middle School was named the 2026 Outstanding Earth and Space Science Teacher.
- Karlene Stabe of Elk Point-Jefferson High School was named the 2026 Outstanding Biology Teacher. This award is sponsored by Sanford Promise, the outreach arm of Sanford Research, a division of Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.
The Outstanding Science Teacher awards highlight some of the state’s top teachers and programs. This year’s recipients were selected from more than 30 nominated candidates. Each award includes a $1,000 prize.
Winners were recognized at the 2026 SD STEM Ed Conference in Huron in early February. The conference is held annually and is jointly hosted by the association and the South Dakota Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
The South Dakota Science Teaching Association is an organization created by teachers for teachers. Its purpose is the advancement, stimulation, extension, improvement and coordination of science education across all fields and educational levels. Organizers encourage educators to apply during the 2027 awards cycle.
Brenda Mizenko of St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School in Rapid City.
The association’s mission aligns with SURF’s commitment to advancing world-class science and inspiring learning across generations.
Students inspired by these award-winning teachers may become the scientists, engineers, technicians, or administrators working to solve problems and advance innovation at SURF in the decades to come.