How does South Dakota's teacher apprenticeship program work?

The program allows full-time paraprofessionals to earn online teaching degrees at a discounted rate while continuing their work, aiming to fill teacher vacancies.

What is the current teacher shortage in South Dakota?

As of July, 144 teaching positions were unfilled across South Dakota, though this is the lowest number in recent years.

Who sponsors paraprofessionals in the South Dakota TAP program?

School districts across South Dakota, ranging from rural Bison to the Sioux Falls metro area, sponsor participants in the TAP program.

Home / Education / South Dakota Teachers Get Degrees Via Apprenticeship

South Dakota Teachers Get Degrees Via Apprenticeship

16 Dec

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Summary

Fifteen educators completed South Dakota's teacher apprenticeship program.
Program offers discounted degrees for paraprofessionals to address shortages.
144 teaching positions remained unfilled statewide in July.

South Dakota Teachers Get Degrees Via Apprenticeship

South Dakota has seen 15 more educators graduate from its innovative teacher apprenticeship program, marking a significant step in addressing the state's educational needs. Launched in 2023, this program offers paraprofessionals a pathway to obtain teaching degrees from Dakota State University or Northern State University at a substantially reduced tuition rate.

The initiative has already graduated over 70 participants, with 240 actively involved. This recent cohort's success is crucial in filling critical teaching vacancies, with 144 positions remaining unfilled statewide just weeks before the school year began. The program's reach extends from rural Bison to the Sioux Falls metro area.

Supported by state and federal grants, the program costs school districts $1,000 per apprentice annually, with apprentices also contributing a similar amount. This collaborative funding model ensures new teachers can enter classrooms, providing students with consistent, well-trained educators and alleviating the persistent teacher shortage.