Hi, my name is Katie Juhnke and I teach 5^th & 6^th grade Science in Parker, SD. I have an associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Mitchell Technical Institute and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Dakota Wesleyan University. I have been teaching 5^th & 6^th grade for the past 8 years. I am currently attending the University of South Dakota for my Masters in principal administration.

My family includes my husband Jayme who is a power lineman for Southeastern Electric, our 10-year-old daughter Katalyn, who will be a 4^th grader in Parker this year, our 5 year old son Kanyon, who will start Kindergarten & our 3 year old daughter Kimry, who will continue to go to Lonna’s daycare in Marion, SD. The last member of our family is River, our Pudlepointer, who lives to hunt.

As a teacher I strive to ensure that my classroom is structured and I try my best to be consistent and fair. My goal is to create a positive and successful learning environment for all students at all times. Science has always been my favorite subject and I love when students take on a greater appreciation and love for science as well.

Developing professionally is very important to me. I am currently a Sanford Promise Ambassador and was fortunate enough to complete a Sanford Research Educational Fellowship in 2016 with Dr. Paola Vermeer. Recently I became a state finalist for the 2018 Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) as part of the 2018 South Dakota cohort. I have served on the Sanford Promise Advisory Board and am a member of the South Dakota Science Teachers Association (SDSTA). I feel fortunate to have been selected as part of the SD EPSCoR cohort of teachers to continue supporting science educators and students across the state.