PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – On December 13, the South Dakota Departments of Education and Labor and Regulation celebrated the graduation of the latest cohort of South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway graduates.
Most of these graduates have committed to teaching in South Dakota by signing contracts with their sponsoring accredited schools or districts.
“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.”
SD TAP allows paraprofessionals in accredited schools to earn a teaching certificate while working and earning pay.
Through classes at DSU or NSU, they completed coursework and gained student-teaching experience in their own district, staying in their hometown.
After completing the program, they earned their bachelor’s degree in elementary, special, 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.
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
Yankton
This latest group brings the total of SD TAP graduates to more than 70.
