The South Dakota Department of Education and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation have  announced the 4th Cohort of the South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway program. Applications are officially open for paraprofessionals and teacher aides to participate in this opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in education that can lead to teacher certification.

This Cohort will allow up to 40 apprentices, and applications will be accepted until April 15. The program will kick off with orientation in July, where new apprentices will hear from key representatives of each partner organization, as well as recent program graduates.

Program participants will work towards earning their bachelor’s degree over two years. Elementary and special education coursework is offered through Dakota State University (DSU), while secondary education coursework is offered through Northern State University (NSU), culminating in a student-teaching experience in the paraprofessional’s home district.

Since the program first launched in 2023, more than 70 participants have graduated from the SD TAP program. In collaboration with the Board of Regents, DOE, DLR, DSU, NSU, and local school districts, SD TAP supports and uplifts school paraprofessionals to take the leap and continue making an impact in the K-12 education system.