If you would like to become a teacher in South Dakota, then the first thing you should do is graduate from an accredited college or university with an approved teacher preparation program. Your teacher prep school will be able to recommend you to the South Dakota Department of Education for certification.

Once you have been recommended for certification, you will need to submit a notorized citizenship statement and a verification that they have not been "convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude." You must also have taken human relations and South Dakota Indian studies courses and passed the appropriate Praxis assessments. When you are approved, you will receive an initial certificate to teach.

After you are certified, you will want to find a teaching position in South Dakota. Sioux Falls School District strives to" ignite the hearts and minds of our students, staff, families, the business community and citizens" in this area rich in educational opportunities to do just that with several institutes of higher learning, libraries, and research centers nearby. Rapid City Area Schools is home to the Rapid City Public School Foundation. This coalition of parents, business people, and educators operates independently of the district as a grant program for innovative and creative programs to enhance the student experience. Aberdeen and Watertown both offer strong academic success in districts that feel passionately that community involvement and quality programs make the difference in their students.

Once you have been teaching with your initial certificate, you will need to upgrade to a teaching certificate. This certificate will be renewable every five years with six credits. Three credits must be college credit hours and the other three can be college credits, Continuing Education Units, or approved renewal credits. Additionally, you will need to submit a conduct review and any applicable fees.