Teacher Certification
The teacher education program at South Dakota State University prepares teacher candidates to meet the South Dakota Department of Education's certification requirements. Candidates who complete this nationally accredited teacher certification program are eligible for certification in other states on a provisional basis. Most states will offer a temporary certificate to ensure employability while the candidate completes any additional requirements for that state.
Assistance will be provided to candidates in contacting the licensing authority in the student’s state and understanding the requirements for licensure prior to enrollment in the South Dakota State University program. Please contact Lynda Venhuizen, university certifying officer, at 605-688-4449.
How to Qualify for Teacher Certification
The South Dakota Department of Education has differing requirements for initial certification of each “endorsement” (or certification field).
In addition to completion of an educator preparation program, all applicants must:
- Complete a course in South Dakota Indian Studies with a grade of C or better.
- Pass required national exams from the Educational Testing Service.
Application Process
To apply for an initial South Dakota teaching certificate, candidates must:
- Complete the South Dakota Department of Education Educator Certification Online Application.
- Provide the state Department of Education with an official transcript from South Dakota State University, with the degree conferred on the transcript and the South Dakota Indian studies course.
- Make all payments as required by the application process.
- Assure that the SDSU certifying officer has copies of all Praxis exam scores.
- Special notes
- School counseling: Do not need Praxis Exam scores.
- Educational leadership: A South Dakota endorsement for school principal requires a minimum of three years of teaching experience.
December graduates: Don't expect your transcripts until February.
May graduates: Don't expect your transcripts until June.
