doe.sd.gov Teacher Certificate Initial & Renewal Application : South Dakota Department of Education

Organization : South Dakota Department of Education
Service Name : Teacher Certificate Initial & Renewal Application
Country: United States of America

Website : https://doe.sd.gov/

DOE Teacher Certificate Initial & Renewal Application

Educators who have never held a South Dakota teaching certificate must complete the online initial application. (Paper application also available.)

Related : Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board Teacher Certification Renewal : www.statusin.org/11066.html

Initial certification requires verification from an accredited university that the candidate has completed an approved education program.

To receive a five-year certificate candidates must:
** Have completed a teacher preparation program
** Have completed six credits within the past five years
** Have completed the required Praxis II tests

One-Year Certificate:
Individuals may receive a one-year certificate if they have completed a teacher education program, but do not have the required six transcripted credits obtained in the past five years or required Praxis II tests.

Additional Paper Documents May Be Required:
** Official transcripts showing the education degree and recent credits completed
** University sign-off verifying completion of the teacher education program
** Copy of Praxis II test scores
** Copy of teaching certificates from other states
** Verification of teaching experience in another state
** Documents supporting legal alien status for non-citizenship
** Copy of legal documents required for any criminal offense declared through the online initial application
** International academic credentials must be evaluated to ensure they are recognized in the United States

Additional Coursework Requirements:
Once South Dakota certification is obtained, educators must complete:
** Human relations course
** South Dakota Indian studies course

Renewal Certification:
Educators who have a South Dakota teaching certificate (valid or lapsed) need to renew by completing the online renewal application. (Paper application also available.)
** All certificates expire July 1
** Renewal application may be submitted after Jan. 1 of the year the certificate expires
** Once renewal application is submitted, credits may be earned for the next renewal

Renewal Requirements:
All educators are required to earn six credits for renewal purposes. The type of credit varies based on the educator’s highest degree:
Bachelor’s degree – At least three credits must be transcripted; the remaining credits may be continuing education contact hours.

Advanced degree or National Board Certification – These credits can be any combination of transcripted credits or continuing education contact hours.

One-Year Option:
Educators that have not met renewal requirements may be eligible for a one-year extension to keep the certificate valid for one additional year.

Five-Year Option:
Educators who have met all certification requirements.

Ten-Year Option:
** Educators who have completed an advanced degree (master’s, specialist, doctorate) or National Board Certification may be eligible for a one-time 10-year certificate
** Ten years are based on the year the degree was completed

Additional Paper Documents May Be Required:
** Official transcripts showing transcripted credits and/or new degree earned
** Copy of documents confirming continuing education contact hours
** Copy of newly obtained Praxis II test scores