Teacher Education-Certification Only

Admission to the program requires a 2.5 CGPA; a 2.6 GPA in the major; and completion of English Composition, Speech, and College Algebra with no grade less than “C.”

A certification only program meets the needs of individuals who have completed baccalaureate degrees and want to pursue academic course work in pedagogy rather than complete an alternative certification process.

The following guidelines are applicable at all South Dakota Regental institutions:

1. The teacher candidate must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
2. In order to be admitted to the certification only program, the candidate must meet teacher education program admission requirements. In addition, the candidate must complete the PRAXIS II content exam in his/her major as specified by the South Dakota Department of Education (SDDOE). The candidate must meet or exceed the minimum score required for certification in South Dakota.
3. The candidate will complete all teacher certification courses as identified by the institution, including the appropriate special methods course but not to include other content major courses,and sit for the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.
4. When the candidate meets the minimum required score on the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching exam for certification in South Dakota and all other program completion requirements set forth by the institution, the institution will recommend the candidate for teacher certification.
5. The SDDOE will maintain accountability for the candidate scores on the PRAXIS II content exam. The universities will maintain accountability for the candidate scores on the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.
6. The certification only program is limited to K-12 specific content areas and 7-12 specific content areas.