On Sept. 12, 2025, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson swapped his typical day in Congress for the classrooms of LHS. Students in select government and economics classes were granted the opportunity to be taught by South Dakota’s lone representative. This rare occurrence provided students with a glimpse into the world of public service while they continued with their daily studies.
The chance to step into the classroom is not solely beneficial for students, but also opens opportunities for Johnson to represent the state of South Dakota best. By seeing what is really going on in the classroom, he can learn what decisions to make regarding the state’s education. A day at LHS teaching students and eating school lunch is no doubt eye-opening for Johnson.
“There’s a lot of misinformation about American education. And for me, just to come get a feel about what’s really going on with teachers, what’s really going on with students, it better positions me to make sure we’re making good decisions at the governmental level,” said Johnson.
Though this was not Johnson’s first experience substitute teaching, educating high schoolers was a change of pace. Johnson has previously substituted in both elementary and middle schools around the state, but by spending time in high school, he is actively influencing the future leaders of South Dakota.
“I’m just so impressed with these kids. I mean, it’s not like they are cherry-picking these classrooms for me. I mean, these are everyday classrooms, and students are engaged. They are asking intelligent questions. They give a damn about their country. And I just wish every single South Dakotan could be here at Lincoln with me today. I think they would have a newfound appreciation for how hard these educators and kids are working,” said Johnson.
As Johnson is running to be South Dakota’s next governor, education is an important part of his campaign. Johnson not only cares about what happens in schools, but also in the home lives of students.
“A lot of our kids are coming from ever more difficult family situations, and if you don’t come from a stable environment, it’s a lot harder to be learning ready when you hit the classroom,” said Johnson. “A lot of these kids have stories that would be a little hard for many of us to believe. And yet, they’re our kids. They deserve an opportunity. They deserve a great education.”
Johnson believes that listening to the students and parents of South Dakota is where real, impactful change can occur in the state’s education system, making learning most efficient.
“We don’t solve those [educational] problems at the national level. We solve them at the state and local level. That’s where the educational standards are set. That’s where the pedagogy is developed. That’s where the textbooks are set,” said Johnson. “You need to work with educators, administrators, parents and students to implement these best practices. If you try to tell educators and students how it’s going to go in the classroom, you’re going to fail.”
Visiting LHS gives Johnson direct access to students and educators, allowing him to make changes as he sees fit. This connection with kids is also impactful for those interested in public service, inspiring not only students but Johnson himself.
“I’m just so impressed with these kids,” said Johnson.
