In a strikingly disheartening display, a group of South Dakota teachers gained unexpected fame when videos from a recent fundraiser went viral. During a hockey game event designed to raise funds for classroom supplies, teachers were filmed on their hands and knees collecting $1 bills. This bizarre scene unfolded at the Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey Club’s inaugural “Dash for Cash” event, where ten local educators rushed to collect as much money as possible during the intermission, drawing swift criticism from viewers online.
The event, intended to provide support for educators in need of resources, quickly transformed into a spectacle that many deemed dehumanizing. Fans cheered as teachers donned hockey helmets, scouring the ice for a portion of the $5,000 in cash that was spread out for them to gather. Videos shared by reporter Jamie Evans on social media garnered millions of views, igniting outrage over the state of teacher funding in America. Many commentators likened the scenario to the popular series Squid Game, where participants engage in life-threatening competitions for cash rewards.
Ryan Knudson, the Director of Business Development and Marketing for CU Mortgage Direct, which funded the event, defended the initiative, saying it was meant to support teachers after the challenges of the last few years. He acknowledged the hard work that educators do, stressing that they deserve whatever they can get. The teachers participating aimed to use the funds for essential classroom items like cameras, flexible seating options, and sports equipment. For example, Mia Thompson, a fifth-grade teacher at Pine Grove Elementary, expressed gratitude for community support, highlighting how often teachers pay out of pocket for supplies.
However, the grim reality of teacher salaries in South Dakota—an average of $48,984, ranking last in the nation—raises questions about the appropriateness of such a fundraising method. Critics suggested it might have been more respectful to distribute the funds evenly rather than having teachers scramble for them. Ultimately, the highest amount collected by a teacher was $616, while the lowest was $379.
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In summary, the viral videos of teachers competing for cash at a fundraising event have ignited a widespread conversation about the inadequate funding and support for educators in South Dakota. While the intention behind the event may have been positive, the execution raised serious ethical concerns about how we value and support our teachers.