Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in South Dakota
South Dakota ranks among the top for states where parents who have children under six are active in the workforce. This means that parents are stressed trying to care for their children while meeting their employer's demands. This creates a real need in the state for Early Childhood Education. Kids need a safe, stable place where they can learn and grow while their parents are not available.
South Dakota ranks among the top for states where parents who have children under six are active in the workforce. This means that parents are stressed trying to care for their children while meeting their employer's demands. This creates a real need in the state for Early Childhood Education. Kids need a safe, stable place where they can learn and grow while their parents are not available.
If you love working with children and have a passion for education and childhood development, now is a great time to get involved with South Dakota's youngsters. The state is home to many colleges and universities that will help you get certified to work in public schools. With a little work, you can take over your own classroom in under five years.
South Dakota Steps to Follow for Teachers
The very first step to becoming a Preschool Teacher in South Dakota is having a passion for teaching children. You must love kids and be ready to dedicate your life to helping them learn and grow. Once you have made this very important decision, you can get started.
Like most states, South Dakota has three basic steps to becoming a teacher. First you need to complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited, state-approved teacher preparation program, then pass a qualifying examination, and lastly you need to submit a background check. Here are the specifics:
Step 1. Earn Your Degree
This is the biggest step along your way to your own classroom. Seek out the best program you can that is regionally accredited. You'll need to complete a student teaching experience as part of your degree, and the state requires that you also take and pass a course in South Dakota Indian Studies to become familiar with the native peoples indigenous to the region. Note that you must have your program send official transcripts to the state board.
Now, as to what degree you need, that is not as cut and dry with South Dakota as it is with most states. You should definitely consider earning a bachelor’s degree, as that will give you the most options when it comes to employment, and will make you a preferred candidate, even for positions where a bachelor’s is not necessary. However, there are positions in South Dakota that do not require a bachelor’s degree, such as certain preschools, private and public, and some Head Start positions. No matter which option you choose, you will need to complete a teacher preparation program that culminates in your degree.
Upon graduation, and as part of your application, you should have a prominent person from your program send the state a letter of recommendation. In some programs, this person is the dean of the College of Education. Other, smaller programs bestow this duty on the department chairperson or some other prominent faculty member.
Step 2. Pass Your Exams
Like many states, South Dakota requires that you take a Praxis subject content test in order to qualify for your specific license. All beginning teachers have to take one of the following: PPAT Assessment, Principles of Learning and Teaching: (Early childhood OR Grades K-6). To be certified in Early Childhood Education, you should take the ‘Education of Young Children’ exam. The test is comprised of six parts:
Childhood Development and Learning – 17%
Observation, Documentation, and Assessment – 13%
Developmentally Appropriate Practices – 13%
Professionalism, Family, and Community – 13%
Content Pedagogy and Knowledge – 24%
Knowledge of Teaching – 20%
If you wish to expand your scope, you can take the PRAXIS, ‘Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects’ exam. This will qualify you to teach in a self-contained classroom for ages K-4th Grade. The test is comprised of four sub-tests and you must pass all four to qualify for your South Dakota credential:
Reading and Language Arts
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Step 3. Standards and Qualifications
The final piece of your application is the background check and fingerprinting documentation you need to supply to the Board. Depending on where you work, you could have a variety of requirements to maintain your teaching license, however, keeping the Early Childhood Education License active will require you to complete6 credits of professional education every 5 years. These will likely need to be taken from a college or university and you can use these credits to work toward the completion of a master’s degree program. Other employment requirements may include a number of hours in the Division of Child Care Services training.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Why Teach?
Teaching, and education in general, is one of the oldest and most noble professions. In fact, teaching is a fundamental part of being human. After all, humans need to pass along knowledge to ensure that their offspring succeed, no matter what the environment contains. Nowadays, we need to learn many skills and still navigate our psychosocial development. For that reason, special people are called to the teaching profession, where they devote their lives to ensuring that skills and knowledge are passed along. They also strive to impart cultural knowledge that helps maintain a unified populace.
You'll know if the profession is for you. When you receive that message, seek out the best South Dakota education department for you, apply, and enroll. The future begins today!
Accredited South Dakota Programs
Professional Teaching Certificate:
This will be your first full certificate and it will cover your work in the classroom.
Advanced Teaching Certificate:
After five total years in the classroom, including time spent with an alternative certificate, and an advanced degree, you can attain this higher-level certificate.
Provisional Certificate:
You may receive a provisional certificate if you have completed all of the requirements for becoming fully-certified except for passing the South Dakota Indian Studies course. You’ll need to take the course before you are granted full certification.
Accredited Early Childhood Educator Teacher Preparation Programs
While your coursework will certainly be important, it must be accredited to actually count. That is, if the South Dakota Board hasn't approved of your program, you will need to repeat courses, if not your entire degree. If you choose to attend an out-of-state university for your teacher-preparation program, ensure that their state school board approves the program. South Dakota will accept degrees from out-of-state, provided all other requirements are met.
Augustana University
Degrees Offered:
Education/Teaching of Individuals with Hearing Impairments Including Deafness; Bachelor’s
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Accreditation By:
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council on Education of the Deaf
The Higher Learning Commission
Dakota State University
Degrees Offered:
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
South Dakota Department of Education
University of South Dakota
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’s, Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Curriculum and Instruction; Master’s, Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’s
Reading Teacher Education; Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’s
Accreditation By:
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Higher Learning Commission
University of Sioux Falls
Degrees Offered:
Educational Leadership and Administration; Master’s
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Reading Teacher Education; Master’s
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Superintendency and Educational Administration; Master’s
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
South Dakota Department of Education
Specialization Additional Certifications
Special Education: With this certificate, you can teach students who have any sort of learning difficulty. Whether they be profoundly disabled or are exceptionally bright but have dyslexia, you can help them thrive and succeed.
Reading: You can qualify as a Reading Specialist or to teach reading by taking the appropriate Praxis subject test. The state may require additional college credits for this specialty area.
English as a Second Language: The corresponding Praxis test for this specialty is called Elementary English as a New Language.
As in the majority of states, those wanting to work as instructors in South Dakota's public education and learning system need to make South Dakota teacher accreditation. The South Dakota Department of Education As well as Learning manages the trainer accreditation procedure, which is outlined below to aid you learn more regarding just how to find to be a teacher in South Dakota.
Leads need to likewise pass the Technique Ideas of Training as well as Understanding (PLT) test appropriate to the quality degree to be educated, in addition to the Technique Topic Evaluations for the suggestion( s) sought. Candidates that have actually gained a bachelor's level nevertheless did not complete instructor preparation could be eligible for different instructor accreditation in South Dakota. Those that please the basic guidelines for South Dakota teachers will definitely be qualified for an initial Professional mentor accreditation.
6% One of the most important activities to South Dakota instructor certification is finishing a state-approved educator prep work program at a qualified institution. You can see a listing of approved programs with the South Dakota Department of Education And Learning And Discovering. Note that colleges that are not accredited by the Department of Education to utilize teacher prep work programs might not license graduates for licensure in South Dakota.
Prospects should likewise complete a bachelor's degree program at an institution authorized by one of the 6 neighborhood certification firms which are overseen by the USA Division of Education As Well As Understanding. Candidates completing a bachelor's level program out-of-state or online should certainly validate that the college is authorized by the matching local certification company.
CAEP accreditation is a pen of high quality as well as strenuous criteria in regards to curriculum as well as also procedure in the instructor preparation job market. Under the typical course to teacher licensure in South Dakota, prospects must finish a bachelor's level in addition to an approved teacher education program from a recognized university.
To see certified programs for these demands, define the South Dakota Department of Education. Keep In Mind that South Dakota has a recency requirement that defines leads must have finished 6 financial debts of teacher prep operate in the last 5 years prior to getting a certification. Potential customers that have actually completed education and learning requirements yet not within the past 5 years might obtain authorized for a 1 year certification while they remedy the lack.
Bear in mind that South Dakota establishes minimal certifying scores for every and every evaluation that potential customers require to meet in order to receive a credential. While any kind of criminal convictions ought to be disclosed on the application for a training certification, a background check is not normally needed to get a mentor certification in South Dakota.
When each of the activities in the direction of South Dakota instructor accreditation have actually been finished, leads have to submit an application with the calls for files, consisting of: Authorities records disclosing honor of a bachelor's degree. University suggestion for a training certification, validating conclusion of an accredited teacher education program. Official Practice evaluation ratings. Completed application for South Dakota instructor certification.
Are you looking for qualifications to be a preschool teacher in South Dakota? This is an excellent opportunity to teach small children. This is not a career choice that will last forever.
In order to qualify as a public elementary school teacher, a teacher must be at least one year of relevant experience. In order to become a school psychologist, a teacher must be at least eighteen years of age with at least one year of relevant experience. These requirements can be completed by taking special training or enrolling in continuing education. This is required for those who want to teach psychology in schools. The requirements are different for psychologists and they must complete a special training course and have at least two years of related experience before they can take the state certification test.
All teachers should have a high school education, although some states do not require any diploma for teaching in the public schools. Some states do require a minimum score on the test given by the National Council Licensure Examination Board (NCLEX-PN) in order to become licensed to teach in public schools. Once you have passed the test, you must apply for teacher certification and wait for three years before being approved. You must renew your certification every three years, and you must also pass the NCLEX test in order to keep your teaching license active.
As a preschool teacher, you will be in charge of the education of children up to age seven. Your job will involve teaching basic concepts of math, reading, and science to children. If you have special needs children, you will have the responsibility to work with children who are struggling academically. At the beginning, it will be difficult for you to handle this large group of children, but as you go on, your experience will improve.
You will need to know how to discipline your child, how to encourage your child's development, and how to give your child the time and attention to do his own learning. It is also important for you to know about your child's social and emotional needs. You may be asked to teach your child the art of drawing, playing music, singing, or dancing. Your child will also need support from you and your colleagues if he or she has a behavioral problem.
A quality education is one of the most important qualities to have, because good communication skills are necessary when you interact with children who are younger than six years old. You will communicate with your child throughout the day and you will need to be present in the classroom for your child's progress and success. You will need to be very alert when you are teaching mathematics, and science because your child will need constant feedback from you. It will be hard work teaching your child, but the rewards are great when he or she begins to grasp the basic concepts.
Most preschool and special education teachers do not make enough money to afford the types of facilities that are provided for teachers in private schools. This is why many private schools are starting to have their own preschool programs. When you become a teacher, your students often need additional help in the classroom, because they usually will be under pressure to learn and are more active during the day.
There are many good career opportunities available to you if you are willing to give it your all. If you love children, there are many good jobs waiting for you. There is a high demand for people who are committed to helping children succeed. In fact, many people do not even realize that they qualify for such jobs because they feel that they do not possess the qualifications. to be a Preschool Teacher in South Carolina is the first step in the right direction.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
Public Schools:
This is perhaps the most popular option for teachers in South Dakota. Public Schools generally offer good salaries, benefits, and resources. There are also opportunities for Early Childhood Educators in every town. In fact, there are often multiple public elementary and preschools available. Naturally, you will need a state credential to work in public schools, but once you have that you can enjoy a long career.
Private Childcare:
This is a great option for those who would rather have a more flexible schedule or find more variety in their working life. Some families will want a childcare professional who can give their kids a cognitive jump start with reading lessons, exposure to foreign languages, or arts education. You may also have to drive the kids to activities and take more of a caregiver role, but the holistic nature of the position could be gratifying and effective for everyone.
Private Schools:
While private schools don't often pay as well as public schools, they do offer many advantages. You will likely have smaller classes, more freedom with your curriculum, and your administration will be more streamlined and accessible. That is, you won't ever need to worry with problems in the state system when you can walk across the hall to discuss an issue with your headmaster. Oftentimes, private schools have more of a family atmosphere than an institutional feeling.
Head Start Programs:
This federal program has been successful since its inception in 1965. This program runs preschools under the auspices of the Department of Health and Human Services and provides much needed support to low-income families whose children need an educational and emotional boost. Head Start doesn't always insist that you have a state teaching credential, but you will surely find more success if you have a state-approved teacher-prep degree.
Community-based Programs:
These programs are perhaps the most informal route you can take as an Early Childhood Educator. They don't require state licensure and they often are often concerned with specific activities such as pee-wee soccer, arts, or even theater. If you are in college working towards a teaching certificate, you might pursue a part-time job in a community-based program to help you gain experience in the field or with a particular age group.
Faith-based Programs:
If you wish to integrate your religious faith into your working life, you should seek out a faith-based program. These programs are most often found as part of larger churches that manage preschools but are also found as stand-alone institutions. Investigate the faith-based programs in your area to ensure that you teach in one that aligns with your specific belief system.
Military Programs:
U.S. military bases worldwide are in need of teachers to educate the sons and daughters of our uniformed soldiers. If you attain a South Dakota teacher's license you qualify to teach on any military base on the globe. While you might not be able to pick your first-choice base, you can also be transferred to your optimal location later in your career, whether that be in Japan, Germany, or Hawaii.
Early Childhood Education Teaching Salaries in South Dakota
Preschool Teacher:
Teaching toddlers can be one of the most touching, hilarious, and rewarding jobs you'll ever do. Some turn preschool teaching into their life's work. If you wish to launch a career in Early Childhood Education, this is the occupation for you.
Elementary School Teacher:
Once you have a full teaching credential, you can take charge of a classroom in one of South Dakota's public elementary schools. Whether you're teaching little ones in K-3 or older kids, your days will be infinitely rewarding.
Professor of Education:
If you would rather dedicate your time to teaching budding educators or conducting educational research, consider a master's degree or higher. In fact, to attain a full-time tenure-track position you will certainly need a doctoral degree.
School Principal:
After significant tenure in the classroom, a master's degree (or greater), and passing scores on the requisite PRAXIS test you can move up into school administration. This is a great position for leaders who wish to mentor teachers, guide curriculum, and steer education from a higher vantage point.
Special Education Teacher:
This educational specialty is often alluring because it tends to pay better than regular teaching. However, this is very difficult work. Consider that for every student you must create a detailed Individual Education Plan (IEP) and then codify that plan with the students’ parents and another professional.
ESL Teacher:
Students from all nations come to the United States to learn and become contributing members of our society. You can help them assimilate to our English-dominated society by helping them master the language.
School Psychologist:
To become a School Psychologist, you will need at least a master's degree. Once you are employed in a school, you will find that students rely on you to help them overcome the various struggles associated with growing up. Some may even be facing profound difficulties at home or from their peers.