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Home ― Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway Program

Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway Program

Paraprofessional to Teacher

Are you a paraprofessional interested in advancing your career while continuing your classroom work in your community? The Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (TAP) Program will help you transfer your work experience and earned credits to finish your education as a teacher. The TAP program through Dakota State University offers a minimal out-of-pocket cost.

Apply your current classroom experience toward a bachelor's degree and complete your teaching courses for certification. Enjoy flexibility with accelerated courses in eight-week, 100% online formats that provide the opportunity to finish the degree in a shorter time frame.

Take your passion for education to the next level by earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and/or Special Education.

College of Education and Human Performance

“There is no better place to recruit our future teachers than our current classrooms in South Dakota.” – College of Education & Human Performance Dean David De Jong.

About TAP

TAP launched in the fall of 2023 and aims to assist paraprofessionals, or teacher’s aides, in South Dakota schools to become licensed teachers. With the high-demand for teachers in South Dakota, TAP equips working adults and aspring educators to help the teacher shortage.

The goal of TAP is to provide significant funding for students accepted into the program. Each year, participants will be responsible for up to only $1,000 in tuition plus books and state assessments.

Beyond financial support, participants will have two mentors including a primary mentor in their own school district and a DSU mentor. Our DSU mentor will walk alongside teacher apprentices, maintaining regular communication and providing advice, encouragement, and resources. 

The statewide initiative is a collaboration between the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation, the South Dakota Department of Education, the South Dakota Board of Regents, the Regional Educational Library, Gov. Kristi Noem, Dakota State University, Northern State University, and local school districts.

Resources

For more information about the program and the application timeline, visit the Department of Education’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway.

For more information about DSU's top education programs, contact us.

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