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Home ― Admissions ― Undergraduate Admissions ― Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway

Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway

What is the South Dakota Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway?

DSU paraprofessional students in class

The South Dakota Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway is a dynamic program designed to help high school students in South Dakota earn college credits while gaining valuable experience as a paraprofessional in their own school districts. This “grow-your-own” model provides on-the-job training for future educators.

Students who enroll in the South Dakota Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway will work part-time as paraprofessional apprentices while completing coursework toward an education degree. Participants will gain hands-on experience while building their educational knowledge, and creating a smooth transition into the teaching profession.

The overall goals are to strengthen their capacity as paraprofessionals and to create another on-ramp into the educational profession.

The South Dakota Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway is ideal for students who are passionate about education. Those who complete the apprenticeship will earn a 12-credit Gateway to Teacher Education certification.

Highlights of the South Dakota Paraprofessional Apprenticeship Pathway

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  • The program launched in the fall of 2024.
  • Apprentices will complete online courses from Dakota State University asynchronously.
  • Participants are expected to enroll in a minimum of four credits per academic year, which can be spread out over fall, spring, and summer semesters.
  • The program is capped at 100 active participants.
  • Registered paraprofessional apprentices will earn a wage that is established by their school district. The districts will be reimbursed for up to five hours per week for up to 30 weeks per year.
  • Students who complete the courses will be reimbursed for tuition for up to 12 credits in DSU’s Gateway to Teacher Education Certificate.

Benefits

What are the Benefits of Becoming a Paraprofessional Apprentice?

  • The earn-while-you-learn model allows paraprofessional apprentices to gain valuable postsecondary credit, high school credit, apprenticeship credit, and nationally recognized occupational credit while starting the path for a career in education.
  • The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulations can reimburse paraprofessional apprentices for tuition expenses (on an annual basis) for DSU’s Gateway to Teacher Education Certificate. Please check with Jason at Jason.Howell@state.sd.us for more information.

*Note: No worries if you do not plan on attending DSU after high school as these credits are highly transferable to public and non-public colleges and universities.

If you already know where you are going to college, it may be wise to check whether a specific course is transferable.

What are the Benefits for the South Dakota School District?

  • Ability to hire one of your high school students (16 years or older) as a paraprofessional to fill a need within the school. The South Dakota Department of Labor can reimburse an hourly wage for up to five hours per week for 30 weeks per year.
  • Create an on-ramp for your high schoolers into the educational profession.
  • Begin a grow-your-own model for teachers you may hire in the future.
  • Open the door for your students to be reimbursed annually for tuition.
  • Keep high schoolers engaged through their junior and senior year of high school.
  • Use the apprenticeship program as a selling point when attracting qualified high schoolers to work as paraprofessionals. In addition to gainful employment, apprenticeship provides a structured learning experience to help new hires succeed.

What are the Benefits of Dakota State University?

  • Expose paraprofessional apprentices to some awesome educational courses
  • Create an on-ramp for more youngsters to pursue a career in education
  • Raise awareness of apprenticeships throughout South Dakota. DSU is a leader among apprenticeship providers in South Dakota.

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Coursework & More Information

Coursework Available at Dakota State University for Paraprofessional Apprentices

Paraprofessional Apprentices are encouraged to begin taking courses in the Gateway to Teacher Education Certificate program. This certificate provides a jump start for South Dakota high school students with a career interest in PK12 teacher education and provides knowledge about teacher education degree programs. Students will learn about teaching and the teaching profession while gaining hands-on experience.

Beginning in the Summer of 2024, this certificate was made available online and offered at the high school dual credit rate of $50.40 per credit. If a paraprofessional apprentice completes these 12 credits, they will be awarded a Gateway to Teacher Education Certificate that may be added to their resume.

In general, 45 hours of work by a typical student is required for each credit hour. Paraprofessional apprentices should anticipate approximately 135 hours of work to complete a 3-credit course.