Teaching Education Degrees in South Dakota

The National Center for Education Statistics reports there are more than a dozen teaching schools in South Dakota.

You might consider an online teaching degree program (there are many specializations and availability at all degree levels).

Read on for more detail on a few of the colleges with campus locations in South Dakota and some of the teaching education majors they offer.

• 7 teaching programs in South Dakota accredited by CAEP
• 3 CAEP-accredited Bachelor's degrees
• 2 CAEP-accredited Master's degrees in South Dakota

Educators looking to work in the South Dakota public education system have to earn teacher certification from the states. Candidates must earn a Bachelor's degree and complete a teacher preparation program approved by South Dakota.

Requirements to Teach in South Dakota

The Praxis Principles of Teaching and Learning exam for the grade level desired to be taught and Praxis Subject Assessments for desired endorsements must be passed. Candidates are required to complete training in suicide awareness and prevention, a course on South Dakota Indian studies, and an acceptable course in human relations.

A regency requirement stipulates six teacher preparation credits must be completed within five years before applying for certification. There is an alternative certification for those who have a Bachelor's degree but have not completed a teacher preparation program.

Meeting basic guidelines makes candidates eligible for their initial Professional teaching certificate. Those with at least five years of teaching experience and earned National Board Certification or an advanced degree are eligible for the Advanced certificate.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

The scholarships below are some of the opportunities available to South Dakota college students.

• Augustana University Hatterscheidt Scholarship - Awarded to South Dakota resident high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who demonstrate financial need
• Upper Midwest Emmy Chapter/Foundation Scholarships - Offers student scholarship grants for tuition and books. High school and college students living in South Dakota are eligible. The application requires a DVD of the student's best work, the most recent transcript, letter or letters from relevant advisers or faculty that recommend the student, and a 450-word essay.
• NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarship - The foundation sponsors four women and men who display outstanding educational abilities. The awarded scholarships can be used at the student's choice of university or college.

Students must complete the FAFSA and meet institutional and federal eligibility to qualify for federal financial aid. Federal Financial Aid Programs include:

• Pell Grants
• Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
• TEACH Grants

The grants are not repaid. The TEACH Grants require signing an agreement to teach in a high-need field. Not completing the service obligation converts the grant to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that has to be repaid with interest.

Requirements to Qualify for In-State Tuition

There is not a lot of difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition in South Dakota. For most people, the difference is not worth the effort required. South Dakota's out-of-state tuition is super affordable. Those who move to South Dakota are paying tuition close to that of South Dakota natives instantly and automatically.

A student has to live in South Dakota for the 12 consecutive months that immediately precede the day of the first scheduled classes for the semester. It at least one parent is a South Dakota resident, providing proper documentation eliminates the 12-month resident requirement. Other provisions earn in-state status.

South Dakota has opted not to participate in the Midwest Exchange Program under the Midwestern Higher Education Commission that has a limited reciprocity agreement. There are only specific programs that qualify for reduced tuition.

List of the Best CAEP Accredited Teaching Degrees in South Dakota

Black Hills State University

Spearfish

CAEP

• Bachelors in Physical Education NASPE

South Dakota State University

Brookings

CAEP

• Bachelors in Physical Education NASPE

University of South Dakota

Vermillion

CAEP

• Bachelors in K-12 Special Education-Undergraduate CEC
• Masters in Masters Program in Reading ILA
• Specialist or C.A.S. in School Psychology Adv NASP
• Doctorate in School Psychology PhD NASP
• Masters in Special Education-Multicategorical K-12 Graduate CEC

Online Teaching Degrees in South Dakota

Black Hills State University offers an online master degree in curriculum & instruction. This 35-credit program offers concentrations in technology integrationist, math specialist and science specialist. Courses in this program include curriculum development and instruction; leadership in schools; educational assessment; and cultural diversity in schools. With the exception of the clinical portion, all courses can be completed online. A graduate degree in secondary education is also offered online.

Dakota State University offers online bachelor degree programs in elementary education/special education and general studies and an online educational technology master degree program. South Dakota State University offers an online M.Ed. in educational administration and also offers individual online courses.

South Dakota Teacher Specializations

Black Hills State University offers certification programs in math specialist, science specialist and technology integrationist. BHSU also offers certification in early childhood special education, English education, music education, science education and elementary education.

Dakota State University offers endorsements in middle school content, physics minor, mathematics, educational technology and history. South Dakota State University offers an English as a new language endorsement and certification programs in early education and early childhood education.

Bachelor’s in Education Degrees in South Dakota

Bachelor degree programs in elementary education, early childhood special education, mathematics education, physical education, and k-12 education are part of the offerings of Black Hills State University. BHSU’s undergraduate programs require students to complete core courses, pre-professional courses, professional courses and teaching internships. According to BHSU, graduates of their teaching programs have a 100% pass rate.

A large selection of bachelor degree programs are offered at Dakota State University. Possible majors include elementary education, English for new media, elementary education/special education, mathematics education and physical education. In addition to the minors, DSU’s teaching programs also offers students choices in minors in areas like art, biology, business education, coaching, educational technology, English, mathematics and physical education, among many others.

The early childhood education program at South Dakota State University offers specializations in birth to age 5; birth to age 8; and elementary education/early childhood education.

Master’s in Education Degrees in South Dakota

The secondary education master degree program at Black Hills State University prepares students for post baccalaureate certification. This 35-credit program is offered in both an on-campus and online version. The campus version can be completed in ten months while the online version usually takes about one year. Courses in this program include middle level methods of teaching; foundations of education and learning theory; curriculum and instruction; and new and emerging technologies for schools.

The educational technology master degree program at Dakota State University offers concentrations in distance education and technology systems. This program not only offers students the chance to earn a graduate degree but also helps them get the edge and keep up with the ever-changing technology in the classroom. Licensed teachers can obtain certification in k-12 educational technology upon completion of this program.

South Dakota State University offers a master degree in curriculum & instruction. This program offers concentrations in elementary curriculum & instruction; early childhood education; family and consumer science; secondary curriculum & instruction; adult and higher education curriculum & instruction; and English as a new language.