Former B-H Teacher Has Certificate Revoked

    Per a decision by the South Dakota Secretary of Education, former Britton-Hecla band teacher Larry Telkamp, has had his teaching certificate permanently revoked. The order comes following the receipt of a complaint seeking revocation of Telkamp’s certificate from the South Dakota Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission, the advisory group to the Sec. of Education. 
    The decision was made April 26 upon review of the case by Dr. Joseph Graves, South Dakota’s Secretary of Education. Documents about the case were publicly released earlier this month. 
    The Commission made their recommendation to Graves based on  “clear and convincing evidence” Telkamp violated three provisions of the South Dakota Code of Professional Ethics for Teachers—ARSD 24:08:03:01 (9) and (10), and ARSD 24:08:03:02 (8).  These violations include “maintain[ing] professional relationships with students” and “exemplify[ing] high moral standards” among other violations. 
    The findings go on to detail separate incidents dating from May of 2023 through September of 2023 involving four female students and their parents’ subsequent complaints filed with the school and then state. Following a parent complaint made to the school on Oct. 1, 2023, Telkamp resigned from his position at the school. 
    A hearing on the matter was held in January. Telkamp had waived his right to appear at the hearing. Following the hearing and the consideration of the evidence, the order to revoke his license was signed on March 12, 2024, by Joy Robbins, the chair of the Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission.
    The order for the permanent revocation of an educator’s license is provided for in South Dakota Codified Law 13-43-28.1.
    The findings of the case will be maintained as a public state record and placed in the National Association of the State of Directors of Teacher Education and Certificate clearinghouse. The full decision and findings of the case can be viewed on the Department of Education’s website: https://doe.sd.gov/professionalpractices/EDA.aspx.