New program gives high school students a jump-start toward a teaching degree

A Sioux Falls School District educator works with students. (Courtesy of Sioux Falls School District)

The South Dakota Board of Regents launched the Gateway to Teacher Education undergraduate certificate program at its Thursday meeting in Madison. The initiative allows South Dakota high school students interested in teaching to jump-start their college career before graduating from high school.

As of July, South Dakota school districts reported 353 vacant educator positions, including teachers, paraprofessionals and support staff. By 2030, the need for teachers in South Dakota is expected to increase by 7%, according to the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.

The focus on solutions in the state has led to “grow your own” efforts, including the Department of Education’s teacher apprenticeship program , a statewide high school child care certificate course , and the board’s new certificate program.

“The Gateway to Teacher Education certificate not only provides students with an introduction to the teaching profession but also serves as a solid stepping stone towards their academic and career goals in education,” said Board of Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes in a news release Thursday.

South Dakota high school juniors and seniors can earn the four-class certificate to use toward elementary, secondary and special education degrees at South Dakota’s public universities.

Students can take the certificate classes on campus, online or through South Dakota’s High School Dual Credit program. High school students enrolled in dual credit courses, including the new gateway courses, pay one-third of the cost of a reduced credit-hour rate. The difference is covered by the state Department of Education with funding approved by the Legislature.

Travis Lape, director of teaching and learning at the Harrisburg School District, serves as the state director of Educators Rising SD. Lape told the board that the certificate is a way to “invest” in the state’s future educators.

“It’ll help identify students serious about teaching and encourage them to take these courses as juniors and seniors,” Lape said.

Board of Regents President Tim Rave said the “innovative” thinking is what the state needs to “address its workforce needs and challenges well into the future.”

Certificate class enrollment launches this fall.

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