Rickie McCaulsky, an automotive and diesel mechanics instructor at the Career and Technical Education Academy, has been named the 2026 Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year by the Sioux Falls School District.
The award was announced Monday night during a ceremony at the Sanford Barn. The honor is co-sponsored by the school district and Vern Eide Motorcars, which presented McCaulsky with a $4,000 check. The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation also awarded $1,000 to each of the four other finalists.
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McCaulsky is in his 14th year with the district, teaching students in grades nine through 12 and preparing them for careers in the automotive and diesel industries. His nomination highlighted a classroom focused not only on technical skills, but on problem-solving and critical thinking.
Contributed / Sioux Falls School District
Through hands-on projects such as rebuilding engines and diagnosing performance issues, students learn to evaluate their work and tackle real-world challenges. McCaulsky keeps his program aligned with industry standards and works closely with local businesses so students train on modern equipment and graduate with clear pathways to employment or further education.
Before joining the district, McCaulsky served 24 years in the U.S. Army, including time as an instructor coordinator of maintenance training. In that role, he prepared service members to diagnose and repair complex equipment. He brings what colleagues describe as the same discipline and sense of service into his classroom.
Former students now work in car dealerships, repair shops, trucking companies and agricultural equipment businesses across the region, according to the district.
The other finalists for the 2026 award were Mary Alexander, a special education teacher at Lincoln High School; Megan Erickson, an art teacher at Eugene Field A+ Elementary; Shayla Kruse, a seventh-grade science teacher at George McGovern Middle School; and Adrian Ledesma, a first-grade teacher at Sonia Sotomayor Elementary.
There were 105 nominees this year, marking the 38th year of the Teacher of the Year program.
Patrick Lalley is the editor of Sioux Falls Live. Reach him at plalley@siouxfallslive.com.
