Pierre, S.D. – The South Dakota Departments of Education (DOE) and Labor and Regulation (DLR) congratulated the newest South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (SD TAP) graduates on Dec. 13. These newest graduates bring the total of SD TAP graduates above 70. The vast majority of SD TAP graduates have signed contracts to teach in South Dakota with their sponsoring accredited school or district.

“The TAP program has opened doors and new possibilities for paraprofessionals to fulfill their dreams, for school districts to fill positions, and for kids to have that constant, well-trained professional leading their classrooms,” said Dakota State University Professional Academic Advisor Addie Borah. “If teaching is your dream, but you’ve put it on the back burner because of finances, time, etc., this is your chance. There will never be an opportunity that is more affordable and offers the levels of support that this program provides.” 

The purpose of SD TAP is to provide paraprofessionals employed in an accredited school system the opportunity to earn a teaching certificate while continuing to work and receive a paycheck. Through their attendance at Dakota State University (DSU) and Northern State University (NSU), participants completed the required coursework over a specific time period and received an immersive student-teaching experience in their own school district, which allowed them to stay in their hometown without relocation. Upon their completion, participants earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, special education, or secondary education.

“SD TAP has demonstrated its value in providing a life-changing opportunity for dedicated paraprofessionals to earn their education degree. It is exciting to see these new teachers who have demonstrated their commitment to our communities and schools entering their own classrooms to continue their service to our students as certified educators. The support of the partners in this program and continued interest in the program is astounding,” said Dr. Kathryn Blaha, Director of Accreditation and Certification at DOE.

This fall, 15 paraprofessional apprentices from the following school districts graduated from DSU:

• Andes Central;
• Bison;
• Chamberlain;
• Dell Rapids;
• Lennox;
• Rapid City;
• Sioux Valley;
• Smee/Wakpala;
• Spearfish;
• Tea;
• Warner;
• Wolsey-Wessington; and
• Yankton.

SD TAP is a collaborative program between DOE, DLR, the South Dakota Board of Regents, DSU, and NSU.

To learn more about the SD TAP program, visit https://doe.sd.gov/oatq/TAP.aspx.

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