Two former teachers lose South Dakota licenses

PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) -- The South Dakota teaching certificates for a former teacher in the Britton-Hecla school district and a former teacher in the Newell school district have been permanently revoked.

Larry Telkamp was a music teacher for the Britton-Hecla school district. He was accused of various suggestive sexual behaviors toward four students. He resigned on October, 2, 2023, one day after the mother of three of the students filed a formal complaint.

State Education Secretary Joseph Graves ordered the permanent revocation of Telkamp's teaching certificate in April, after receiving a recommendation to do so from the state Professional Teachers Commission.

Joanie Schiffner was a special education teacher for the Newell school district. She was indicted in 2022 for class 4 grand theft and identity theft. She pleaded guilty to identity theft on July 17, 2023, and was terminated by the Newell district in August 2023.

State rules require that a teacher receive no criminal conviction.

Secretary Graves ordered the permanent revocation of Schiffner's teacher certificate in Ja...