Law School Alumnus Named Sioux Falls School District Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year
To be selected for the Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year award, teachers must meet certain criteria, including differentiating instruction based on meeting student needs, designing engaging lessons to improve classroom and school culture, and inspiring students to recognize their potential impact and role in the larger community. This was the 35th year of the award, and Hawkins was selected from a pool of 68 nominees.
Hailing from Watertown, South Dakota, Hawkins has been teaching in the Sioux Falls School District for 11 years. Currently, he teaches United States history and Advanced Placement government in the Project Based Learning Academy at Jefferson High School. He earned his undergraduate degree in government and international affairs from Augustana University in 2004 and his J.D. from the USD Knudson School of Law in 2008.
We asked the Teacher of the Year about his time at South Dakota’s premier law school and how it shaped him into the educator he is today, and this is what he had to say.
Do you find yourself using any of the knowledge you gained in law school while teaching government classes?
Absolutely. Most days I tap into some aspect of my law school training. When providing insight into the legal system, background information on court cases, or having students create case briefs over important cases, my law school training is particularly helpful. Without my law school background, I would not be as thorough with my students.
Are there any lessons you remember from your time in law school that you apply in your classroom?
In my legal research/writing class my first year, the professor implored us to remember who we were and what our passions were. Over the next three years, the law school was going to mold us into lawyers, but we needed to ensure that we held on to our joys and interests.
I know this isn’t directly related to legal training or some sort of legal insight, but it stuck with me and is a great life lesson no matter what you do. It took some time for the lesson to sink in and take root, but it stayed with me.
Is there a professor who was particularly influential during your time at USD?
Professor Pommersheim was always a person I felt like I could go to with questions, and I always looked forward to attending his classes. He was always engaging and supportive of his students. When I began teaching, I invited Professor Pommersheim to come speak with my students about relations between the United States and regional Indigenous peoples, especially when considering treaties and the U.S. v. Sioux Nation of Indians case and how these impact South Dakota. Pommersheim's influence even shows up in my government class when we discuss civil liberties and dive into issues involving the Fourth Amendment.
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