Welcome New Teachers
SDMEA has a mentorship program to provide support to new music teachers (and teachers transferring into South Dakota) as they enter the profession by pairing novice teachers with experienced music teachers with similar job placements. Through our mentor program you can get assistance with getting your students ready for contests and auditions, getting practical tips for a smooth running classroom and much more. Found below are the forms for music educators to volunteer to become a mentor and for South Dakota novice teachers to request a mentor.

Mentor Application Forms - We encourage you to fill out the Google Doc -

if that doesn't work please fill out the Word or PDF.

New Teachers - Mentee Application
Mentee Application - WORD and PDF
 
Experienced Teachers - Mentor Application
Mentor Application - WORD and PDF
Importance of Arts Education in Times of Budget Cuts - Keeping the Creativity in Every Child

Mike Huckabee and Arts Education
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpnoYOQ55I8
Join MENC/SDMEA

You can join online by clicking the link below

Join Online

Or you can print and mail in an application -

Click to download application

Mentorship Coordinator

Mrs. Mindee Birnstiehl, a native of Battle Creek, Iowa is now working as the Booking and Education Coordinator for Dallas Brass.  After high school, Mrs. Birnstiehl obtained a Business Administration Degree with an emphasis in Marketing at the University of South Dakota.  In the Fall of 2004 she decided to pursue her true passion:  music education.  She became a student again, this time at Augustana College in Sioux Falls.  In August of 2007, Mrs. Birnstiehl became the Director of Bands at the Tripp-Delmont High School.  During the four years that she taught in Tripp, she enjoyed bringing her love of music to the students through a comprehensive band program.  While teaching at Tripp, she started a drumline and provided field marching entertainment for the community there.  One of the highlights while teaching at Tripp was winning the Mayor’s Award at the Parade of Lights in Sioux Falls in 2008.  Another accomplishment was bringing the Dallas Brass to Tripp in 2010 to work with her students and perform a concert.  Mrs. Birnstiehl, and her husband Ken, have eight children altogether and one grandson that lives in Colorado Springs, CO.  Several members of their family enjoy being part of a worship team at their church.  In her spare time she loves to play the piano, spend time with her family, read, and take long walks!