Applications open for South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway’s 4th Cohort

With funding available through the Department of Labor and Revenue, South Dakota is offering a 4th cohort for the South Dakota Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (SD TAP) to provide paraprofessionals employed in an accredited school system in South Dakota the opportunity to earn a teaching certificate, assuming a full course load each term, within two years. Through completion of this program, participants will earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education, special education, or secondary education while continuing to work as a paraprofessional in their school and receiving support from experienced mentors.

The South Dakota Department of Education is in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, Dakota State University (elementary and special education), Northern State University (secondary education), the South Dakota Board of Regents, and local school districts. This effort is aimed at addressing teacher shortage challenges across the state.