South Dakota Teaching Salaries

South Dakota Teaching Salaries are low on the scale compared to other states across the nation. However, if you are considering a teaching career in South Dakota and a healthy salary is one of your concerns, you should look beyond simple and incomplete comparison statistics.

The cost of living in South Dakota is much less compared to most other states who are boasting higher salaries. In addition, South Dakota teaching salaries are supplemented with quality healthcare and dental plans.

South Dakota teaching salaries can also be increased through addtional education or a National Board Certification. Compensation increments are likely to increase as well as South Dakota citizens are becoming more concerned for the welfare of South Dakota's future.

The South Dakota Department of Education posted a news release on January 18^th, 2007 regarding the isuance of 7 National Board Certifications for South Dakota teachers. The following are the current incentives for South Dakota teachers to earn this certification:

"South Dakota public school teachers who earn National Board Certification receive a $1,000 stipend per year for five years from their local school district. The South Dakota Department of Education also provides a $1,000 stipend per year for five years. The money is provided as an incentive for teachers to pursue this advanced degree."

As you can see below, you can greatly increase your earning potential as a South Dakota Teacher if you acquire an advanced degree such as a Master's degree or a Doctorate degree.

** Salaries are from the 2006-2007 Watertown School District

When viewing these numbers, keep in consideration such benefits as full dental, long-term disability and quality health insurance. Secondly, these are salaries based on a 182-day or 10-month work year. We encourage you to explore what each school district has to offer you, take into consideration the area in which you wish to live and do the math to see if you will be satisfied. Good luck!

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