As an educator, it’s your duty to support our younger generations and their right to a quality education. Becoming a teacher takes dedication, hard work and patience, but your efforts are continually rewarded as you see your students grasping new concepts and succeeding academically. If you’re considering becoming a teacher in South Dakota, take a look at what you’ll need to do to obtain your certification.
South Dakota Teacher Certification Requirements
South Dakota Teacher Certification Types
South Dakota offers three types of teaching certificates based on your education and experience. A One-Year Certificate is issued to those lacking certain requirements and allows them time to fulfill these requirements. The Five-Year Certificate is issued to those who meet the qualifications, and the Ten-Year Certificate is issued to those with a graduate degree or a National Board Certification.
South Dakota Teacher Education
South Dakota requires its teachers to have at least a Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university that is either accredited by a regional agency or the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Teachers must also have completed an in-state teacher education program, a Human Relations Course, and a South Dakota Indian Studies Course.
Featured Schools
South Dakota Teacher Certification Exam
Depending on your particular teacher education program, you may need to take the Praxis I Basic Skills Exam. South Dakota does require that its teachers pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching exam and the relevant Praxis II content examination.
Teacher Experience
Your teacher education program requires that you participate in a practicum and a student teaching experience.
Background Check
When you begin your student teaching experience, you are required to submit to a criminal history background check.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- South Dakota Alternative Teacher Certification: Those who have a Bachelor’s Degree but lack educational training may become certified to teach in South Dakota via a variety of alternative routes such as Teach for America, Troops to Teachers, the State Alternative Route to Certification Program, the Certification Only and the Northern Plains Transition to Teaching.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: All certificates expire on July 1 of their expiration year, and you can renew your certificate beginning on January 1 of that year. All certificates require that you take at least six renewal credits.
- South Dakota Substitute Teaching: South Dakota does not issue permits or certifications to substitute teachers. The only statewide requirements are that you must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check. All other requirements are handled by each school district.
- Reciprocity: Out-of-state teachers may become certified to teach in South Dakota via reciprocity as long as they have fulfilled comparable education, experience, and examination requirements.
Discover teacher certification programs in South Dakota that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in South Dakota?
Teachers are responsible for promoting a safe and positive environment for their students and for providing them with the most current educational materials. Addressing bullying and other behavioral issues, communicating effectively with the students’ families, collaborating with fellow educators, and maintaining appropriate lesson plans are just a few of the many duties expected of a teacher in South Dakota.
South Dakota Teacher Salary
Salaries for South Dakota teachers vary based on the grade level that they teach and their credentials, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides average annual salaries for teachers across the state. Elementary teachers, according to the Bureau’s statistics, earn a yearly average of $43,180. South Dakota middle school teachers make an average yearly salary of $43,960. High school teachers in the state earn an annual average of $44,210.
South Dakota Teacher Certification Links
Teacher Certification Programs in South Dakota
Teacher Certification Programs in South Dakota
(It’s fast and free!)
Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!