PIERRE - A teacher leadership conference is scheduled for the week of Sept. 17 in Pierre, and about 400 teachers are expected to attend, the governor's office said Wednesday in a written release.

The conference, hosted by the state Education Department, features remarks from Gov. Mike Rounds and Andrea Peterson, the 2007 national teacher of the year.

The 2008 South Dakota teacher of the year will be announced at the conference on Sunday. The event ends Tuesday.

Sessions will include topics such as the impact of poverty on schools, technology in the classroom and healthy lifestyle choices for children.