Want to become a teacher in the great state of South Dakota? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in South Dakota.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

To teach in the U.S., educators must hold at least an undergraduate degree. The state of South Dakota also requires students to complete a state-approved teacher education program to receive certification. South Dakota does not provide specific courses or semester-hour requirements, but every college or university teacher education program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher education program or the South Dakota Department of Education for more information. A listing of approved teacher education programs in South Dakota can be found here. 

Teacher education programs typically consist of two distinct parts: curriculum and field experiences. The curriculum includes pedagogy (the science of teaching), instruction on foundational skills and knowledge, and preparation in creating, researching, and implementing learning experiences fields of study. Field experiences typically include student teaching, internships, and field observations.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

In many U.S. states, to become a certified teacher, you must successfully complete a basic skills test, in addition to subject area competency assessments particular to your teaching. Educators in South Dakota do not have to take a basic skills test, but they must complete the appropriate Praxis test as part of their subject area competency exam. The South Dakota Department of Education maintains a list of the appropriate Praxis examinations for each subject area on its website.

South Dakota teaching certificates usually are renewable every five years. An educator who has completed an advanced degree is eligible for a one-time 10-year license. If you already possess a teaching credential from another state, you may be eligible to earn your South Dakota credential through interstate reciprocity. Find out more about obtaining your South Dakota teaching credential on the state Department of Education’s website. 

Step 3: Submit a South Dakota Teaching Credential Application

After you have completed the educational, experience, and examination requirements, you can apply online for teacher certification in the state of South Dakota. You can pay application fees online as well. Send all of the required documents to the SDDE, Certification, 800 Governors Dr., Pierre, SD 57501. After your application has been accepted, a teaching certificate will be emailed to you, but you have to print it yourself.