Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway
The South Dakota Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway is a grow-your-own program that allows South Dakota high school students to gain paid, part-time experience as paraprofessional apprentices in their own school districts while earning college credit through Dakota State University.
Students receive on-the-job training and build foundational knowledge toward an education degree, creating a clear on-ramp into the teaching profession.
How it works
Paraprofessional apprentices complete asynchronous online coursework through Dakota State University while gaining hands-on experience in their school setting. Coursework is designed to support students who are exploring a future career in education and provides a pathway into teacher preparation.
Apprentices are encouraged to begin with DSU’s Gateway to Teacher Education Certificate, a 12-credit program that introduces students to PK–12 teacher education and the teaching profession. Tuition is $50.40 per credit.
To stay on track, apprentices are expected to enroll in a minimum of four credits per academic year. Credits may be completed across fall, spring, and/or summer semesters.
What credits can I earn through the program?
Students can earn multiple forms of credit while participating, including:
- Postsecondary (college) credit
- High school credit
- Apprenticeship credit
- Nationally recognized occupational credit
Do I have to attend Dakota State University after high school?
Students do not need to attend DSU after high school to participate. Credits earned through DSU are highly transferable to public and non-public colleges and universities. If you already know where you plan to attend college, it is recommended that you confirm course transferability with that institution.
Is financial support available for tuition?
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) may reimburse paraprofessional apprentices annually for tuition expenses for DSU’s Gateway to Teacher Education Certificate.
For more information, contact Jason Howell at Jason.Howell@state.sd.us
How many credits should I take each year?
To stay on track in the program, apprentices are expected to enroll in a minimum of four credits per academic year. Credits may be completed across fall, spring, and/or summer semesters.
How much time should I plan for coursework?
Students should plan for approximately 45 hours of work per credit hour (about 135 hours for a typical 3-credit course).
Who is eligible to be hired as a paraprofessional apprentice?
Participating school districts can hire one of their own high school students (16 years or older) as a paraprofessional apprentice.
Can districts receive wage reimbursement?
The South Dakota Department of Labor may reimburse participating school districts for apprentice wages for up to five hours per week for up to 30 weeks per year.
How does this benefit the district?
The program can help districts:
- Strengthen the educator pipeline through a grow-your-own model
- Keep students engaged through junior and senior year
- Use the program as a recruitment tool by offering paid work and structured training
- Support student access to tuition reimbursement opportunities
Is there a limit on how many students can participate?
The program is capped at 100 active participants.