Gov. Noem announced that more than 90 teachers’ aides have been selected to participate in South Dakota’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway

Rapid City, S.D. –  According to the state officials, this pilot program will launch with the 2023-2024 school year and result in these apprentices gaining teacher certifications.

State officials also said that the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway will take successful para-educators, employed by school districts, and help them become fully certified teachers. These para-educators represent more than 50 school districts or systems across the state.

Over a two-year period, teacher’s aides will complete their coursework, which is offered virtually in the evenings and at other convenient times.

This program will culminate with the para-educator serving as a student-teacher in their home district. Teachers’ aides will walk away with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Northern State University and Dakota State University have partnered through the support of the Board of Regents to offer the coursework for this program. The Department of Education is providing oversight and funding.

And the Department of Labor and Regulation is providing funding and guidance to the development of the Registered Apprenticeship program in compliance with the U.S. Department of Labor.