Become a Teacher
in South Dakota
Certification Roadmap
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South Dakota Prerequisite Coursework
South Dakota Teacher Preparation
South Dakota Certification Reciprocity
South Dakota Teacher Salary
South Dakota Required Tests
Teacher Certification Information & Links
South Dakota Highlights
$39350
Avg. Elementary Teacher Salary
$39310
Avg. Secondary Teacher Salary
106%
Teacher Salary vs. State Average
15
Vacation Weeks Per Year:
To become a certified teacher in South Dakota, you will need to fulfill all prerequisite coursework, teacher preparation, and testing requirements.
Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible, and we are dedicated to updating the site with new information on a regular basis. To stay up-to-date with the latest in teacher certification, please complete the form in the right sidebar.
South Dakota Prerequisite Coursework
All states require that certified teachers at a minimum have a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some states have undergraduate credit hour requirements for certification in specialty areas. South Dakota, however, does not have any undergraduate credit hour requirements.
Certification Map has partnered with MAT@USC, a Master of Arts in Teaching program delivered online at the USC Rossier School of Education. Learn more about how the program’s unique blend of online learning and field-based teaching will prepare you for a career working in South Dakota classrooms.
South Dakota Teacher Preparation
Teacher preparation includes the completion of an accredited teacher education program.
Typically teacher education programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. The curricula often includes instruction on foundational knowledge and skills, pedagogy (or the art and science of teaching), and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. The fieldwork component can include field observations, student teaching, and an internship.
Alternative Certification
Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose bachelor’s degree was not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching certificate, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. Information about alternative certification in South Dakota is coming soon!
South Dakota Certification Reciprocity
South Dakota will accept some teaching credentials from the following states. Contact the South Dakota Department of Education to inquire about your specific situation. Please see our interstate reciprocity disclaimer for more information.
| Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | California |
| Colorado | Delaware | Florida | Georgia |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas |
| Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Michigan |
| Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada |
| New Hampshire | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina |
| North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas |
| Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington |
| West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |
South Dakota Teacher Salary
- Incentives to teach in high-needs schools or shortage subject areas: South Dakota provides scholarships and signing bonuses
- Policies in place that articulate elements of effective induction: South Dakota has limited to weak induction policies in place
- Average Elementary Teacher Salary: The average elementary school teacher in South Dakota makes $39,350
- Average Secondary Teacher Salary: The average secondary teacher in South Dakota makes $39,310
- Teacher Salary vs. State Average Salary: The average teacher in South Dakota makes 106% of the salary of the average worker in South Dakota
- Number of Vacation Weeks Per Year: The average teacher in South Dakota receives 15 weeks of vacation per year
South Dakota Required Tests
In order to become a certified teacher, you must satisfactorily complete the Basic Skill Test requirement and any Subject Area Competence assessments needed for your desired area of instruction.
Basic Skills Test
- South Dakota does not require a basic skills test for student teaching or for certification
Subject Area Competence
South Dakota Teacher Certification Information & Links
Certification Map has partnered with MAT@USC, a Master of Arts in Teaching program delivered online at the USC Rossier School of Education. Learn more about how the program’s unique blend of online learning and field-based teaching will prepare you for a career working in South Dakota classrooms.
