RAPID CITY, SD – A Rapid City educator who recently stepped into a leadership role says the foundation of learning starts with something simple but powerful: relationships.

Kallie Gebhard, the new assistant principal at Grandview Elementary and last year’s Teacher of the Year at Horace Mann Elementary, recently shared her journey in education and what continues to motivate her to support students and staff in Rapid City Area Schools.

Gebhard began her career teaching fifth grade at Horace Mann Elementary, where she spent nine years in the classroom before moving into intervention work for four years. Intervention specialists work with students who need extra help in reading, math, or behavior before they may require special education services.

Throughout her career, Gebhard says the most important part of teaching has always been building trust with students.

“Kids need their basic needs met. They need to feel safe and they need to feel loved,” she said. “If those things are not met, they cannot learn.”

One of the programs that had the biggest impact on the culture at Horace Mann Elementary was “Leader in Me,” which teaches students leadership and life skills based on the principles of Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The program encourages students to take ownership of their learning and become leaders within their school community.

Gebhard said the transformation was powerful to watch as students began leading school tours, organizing events, and confidently sharing their ideas.

“It changed the way the kids saw themselves,” she said, noting that giving students leadership opportunities helped build confidence and responsibility.

Now as an administrator, Gebhard hopes to continue supporting both teachers and students by working alongside them.

“I just want to be someone who is willing to come alongside them,” she said. “I do not want to be someone who comes in and says do this or do that. I want to be a partner.”

For Gebhard, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing former students return to say hello, share accomplishments, or invite her to their graduation.

Moments like that remind educators why the work matters.

Public schools are more than classrooms. They are places where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. The teachers, staff, and leaders who walk those halls every day pour their hearts into helping children succeed.

When a community supports its schools, it supports its future.