How to Become a Teacher in South Dakota

While icy winters and a blustery landscape may come to mind when thinking of South Dakota, this is actually a beautiful state with a rich, strong cultural heritage. Teachers working in South Carolina can expect excellent benefits, teacher support, and innovative certification opportunities. All prospective teachers must complete a teaching program in South Carolina, and excellent, advanced education opportunities exist for aspiring educators.

How to become a teacher in South Dakota - traditional route for residents

Teachers pursuing a credential in South Dakota may earn a standard education certificate, which requires that the candidate:

• Earn a bachelor's degree or higher from an approved college or university
• Pass a teacher preparation course of study
• Earn a passing score on the Praxis I and II exams

How to become a teacher in SD - alternative route for residents

South Dakota offers alternative routes for residents for secondary and/or high need areas of education. Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor's degree
• Have an offer of employment
• Pass the Praxis I and II tests
• Be willing to complete all other certification requirements within 1 year

How to become a teacher in SD - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Out of state applicants must:

• Hold a current, valid teaching license and a bachelor's degree in a related field
• Be willing to obtain a South Dakota teaching license within three years
• Have positive recommendations from previous employers

How do I become a teacher in South Dakota - necessary exams for residents

Prospective teachers in South Dakota must pass both the Praxis I and the Praxis II. All teachers must pass the Praxis I, which tests reading, writing, and math. The Praxis II tests individual subjects, such as history and foreign languages. Elementary school teachers must pass the elementary education Praxis II test.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in South Dakota?

For aspiring elementary school teachers, South Dakota does not specify subject areas for bachelor's degrees. Education coursework, however, is preferable, and many universities offer both bachelor and certification courses simultaneously.

Potential secondary teachers must major in the subject they wish to teach. This designates them as highly qualified according to federal law.

What is a teacher preparation program in South Dakota?

Teacher preparation courses in South Dakota focus on teaching to each student's needs, assessment-driven planning, high standards for each child, and honoring cultural heritage. Typical traditional teacher preparation courses involve:

• Student teaching
• Academic coursework
• Classroom observations
• Mentoring

How do I renew my teacher certification in South Dakota?

To receive a five-year certificate renewal, candidates must:

• Have completed a teacher preparation program
• Have completed six credits obtained in the past five years
• Passed all required Praxis II tests

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in SD?

The following websites have additional information about how to become a teacher in South Dakota:

• South Dakota Teacher Department of Education, Certification

  This site outlines methods of becoming certified in South Dakota and renewal options.

• South Dakota Documents

  A site containing updated documents related to teaching and education in South Dakota.