South Dakota Teacher Certification

Teaching Programs in South Dakota

So you want to earn your South Dakota Teacher Certification? Let's take a look at the step by step instructions:

South Dakota Initial Educator Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to earn your Master’s Degree right away
2. Teacher preparations. This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive an South Dakota Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid
3. You will need to pass the Praxis examination given by the South Dakota County Offices of Education.
4. Pass the Human Relations & South Dakota Indian Studies Course
5. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • Fill out the Conduct Review Statement and Citizen Statement
   • Copies of all your test scores
   • $30 fee for 5 year certification payable to South Dakota Dept. of Education
   • Official Transcripts, degrees, credits, and Institutional Statement
   • Mail to:
     South Dakota Department of Education
     Office of Accreditation and Teacher Quality
     700 Governors Drive
     Pierre, South Dakota 57501
     For more information, call (605) 773-3134
6. Do you want to renew your teaching credentials in South Dakota?
   • Apply for your renewal

South Dakota Alternative Teacher Certification

Alternatively, there is another way you can take to get your South Dakota Teacher Certification that will allow you to teach without completing the teacher education program.

1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s Degree.
2. Minimum 2.5 GPA
3. Major in the degree you plan on teaching in
4. Employment from South Dakota School District
5. Pass the Background check
6. Pass the screening process with Department Coordinator
7. You will need to pass the Praxis examination given by the South Dakota County Offices of Education.
8. Written Recommendation from mentor
9. Apply Online and call (605) 773-3134

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