Outdoor family picture with mom, dad, and two young sons

ABERDEEN, S.D. Kari Papke’s path to a successful career in education started at Northern State University.

“It was at NSU that I discovered I wanted to be a teacher,” said Papke, a 2005 NSU graduate. “Northern helped lay the foundation for my success in my career.”

Now, she serves as Head Principal of Sioux Falls Washington High School.

“It is a great honor and I am humbled to lead the Warriors,” Papke said. “I spent 14 years of my teaching career at WHS and could not be happier to be back. I hope to continue to build upon the strong Warrior tradition and culture.”

To Papke, the best part of being an educator is working with students.

“I love working with the youth and getting to be part of their journeys,” Papke said. “Knowing you are part of making a difference in their lives is one of the greatest rewards.”

Originally from Spearfish, Papke now lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, Chris (also an NSU alum), and their two boys: Coy, 9, and Will, 6.

At Northern, Papke double majored in mathematics education and social science education.

“I had a lot of great professors who inspired me, taught me the importance of good pedagogy, and modeled what it was to be a highly effective teacher,” she said. “When I left NSU, I was able to build on that foundation. The best advice I ever got from one of my professors was to never stop learning, reflecting, and evolving. Every year you teach should look at little differently if you’re doing it right.”

Now, Papke offers her own advice for students planning to become educators: Know and remember your ‘why.’

“It is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs, but it can also be tough and exhausting at times,” Papke said. “Remembering your ‘why’ is the fuel that allows you to keep loving what you do. The best teachers have good pedagogy, so pay attention in your education classes because you’re going to need that information!”

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and, soon, an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $120 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions

Pictured: Kari Papke with her husband, Chris, and their sons Will, 6, and Coy, 9.