Over the weekend (Dec. 13, 2025), the South Dakota’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway– or TAP– program added 15 more graduates.
TAP is a joint program between the state Departments of Education and Labor and Regulation, the South Dakota Board of Regents, Dakota State University and Northern State University.
The purpose of TAP is to provide paraprofessionals employed in an accredited school system the opportunity to earn a teaching certificate while continuing to work and earn a paycheck. Through their attendance at Dakota State or Northern State, participants completed the required coursework over a specific time period and received an immersive student-teaching experience in their own school district, which allowed them to stay in their hometown without relocation. Upon completion, participants earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, special education or secondary education.
Paraprofessional apprentices from the following school districts graduated from Dakota State University:
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Andes Central;
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Bison;
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Chamberlain;
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Dell Rapids;
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Lennox;
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Rapid City;
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Sioux Valley;
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Smee/Wakpala;
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Spearfish;
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Tea;
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Warner;
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Wolsey-Wessington; and
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Yankton.
This brings the total of TAP graduates in South Dakota to more than 70. The vast majority have signed contracts to teach in South Dakota with their sponsoring accredited school or district.
Dr. Kathryn Blaha, Director of Accreditation and Certification at the state Education Department, said TAP has demonstrated its value in providing a life-changing opportunity for dedicated paraprofessionals to earn their education degree. She said the support of the partners in this program and continued interest in the program is astounding.
Dakota State University Professional Academic Advisor Addie Borah said if teaching is your dream, but you’ve put it on the back burner because of finances, time, etc., this is your chance. She said there will never be an opportunity that is more affordable and offers the levels of support that this program provides.
To learn more about South Dakota’s TAP program, visit https://doe.sd.gov/oatq/TAP.aspx.
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