South Dakota Initial Teacher Certification
Gain the credentials you need

South Dakota Initial Teacher Certification:

• South Dakota Initial Certification:


Through the traditional route to certification, the certificate applicant must have completed a South Dakota Teacher Education Program.

The following are the requirements and steps needed to be taken in order to be qualified to apply for a South Dakota Educator License.


• Step 1:
  
  
  Request information from accredited institutions regarding Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs. Teacher Preparation Programs.


• University of Phoenix
• Capella University
• Ashford University
• Walden University


• Step 2:
  
  
  You will either need to complete an application online or download an application packet to print out.


• Step 3:
  
  
  You will need to provide a fee of $30 if you are applying for a 5-year certification or a $50 fee if you have an advanced degree such as a Master's degree or Doctorate degree and are applying for a 10-year certification.
  • Pay by cashier's check, personal check or money order.
  • Make payable to the "South Dakota Department of Education"


• Step 4:
  
  
  You will need to provide the South Dakota Department of Education with scores of the appropriate Praxis examinations.
  
  Find out what tests are required for you, when they are given and where on the South Dakota Department of Education.


• Step 5:
  Provide Official Transcripts within your returned application packet. Copies or transcripts printed by yourself off the internet will not be accepted.


• Step 6:
  Your teacher education institution must complete the "Institutional Statement" and provide Official Transcripts and send all materials to the South Dakota Department of Education.


• Step 7:
  Complete the Conduct Review Statement.


• Step 8:
  Complete, sign and notarize the Citizenship Statement.


• Step 9:
  Complete a Human Relations and South Dakota Indian Studies Course.
  
  Find more info on the SD Department of Education.


Send materials to this address:
South Dakota Department of Education
Office of Accreditation and Teacher Quality
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, South Dakota 57501

Or contact the South Dakota Department of Education by calling (605) 773-3134


• Step 10:
  
  
  Sit Back and Relax!
• Alternative Route to Teacher Certification:
The option for alternative certification in South Dakota allows the candidate to enter the classroom as a licensed educator prior to the completion of a teacher education program.

The Alternative Certification received through this avenue is valid for 2 years.

The following are the steps needed to be taken in order to successfully apply for an alternative teaching certification in South Dakota.


• Step 1:
  You must hold at least a Bachelors degree and have at least 2 years of work experience after graduation.


• Step 2:
  You must have at least a 2.5 GPA or higher from your previous coursework.


• Step 3:
  You must have had a degree major in the subject field you wish to teach or have taught for at least 5 years in the field you wish to teach.


• Step 4:
  You must gain an employment offer from a South Dakota School District that has a mentoring program.


• Step 5:
  You will need to submit to a Criminal Investigation before you will be allowed to enter the classroom as a teacher. Your employing school district will provide information on the subject.


• Step 6:
  You will need to complete a screening interview with your employing school personnel and the Department's Coordinator.


• Step 7:
  You will need to Complete all required examinations.


• Step 8:
  You will need to receive a written recommendation from your mentoring team.


• Step 9:
  On completion of your alternative program you will be qualified for an Initial 5-year certification.


• Step 10:
  Download the alternative certification application.

Learn about the requirements of another state by clicking on one of the state certification links to your left.

Request information from schools by clicking on the links or school logos below.