K-12 Education

Gerber, Room 112
(605) 626-2415

Students seeking K-12 certification in the state of South Dakota must select a major area of study appropriate to teacher certification. The K-12 teaching majors offered at Northern State University include:

Art Education
Music Education, Instrumental
Music Education, Vocal
Music Education, Instrumental and Vocal
Physical Education
Spanish Education
Special Education

Attention to diversity in classrooms is emphasized, and candidates are provided the preparation necessary to create lessons that address state and national content standards and actively involve students in their learning environments. Extensive field experiences in K- 12 classrooms under the supervision of university faculty provide students with the practical experience and assistance necessary to apply the understandings gained in the university classrooms.

K-12 education candidates fulfill requirements in general education and take the PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) exam in their freshman year; they begin professional education coursework in their junior year. K-12 education candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.60 and a 2.60 GPA in the major. For more information regarding admission requirements and certification policies, see Teacher Education in this catalog.

K-12 education candidates are encouraged to complete additional coursework in areas that will enhance their employability. K-12 endorsements are offered in art education, Braille education, coaching, comprehensive school health, educational technology, library media education, vocal music education, physical education, adapted physical education, Indian studies education, French world language education, German world language education, Spanish world language education, English as a New Language education, and gifted education.

In addition, candidates may add any middle level (grades 5-8) or secondary (7-12) endorsements to their K-12 certification.

Students with completed baccalaureate degrees in any of the above teaching majors may seek K-12 certification through the post-baccalaureate certification program.

Career Directions

Professional education
Careers appropriate to the major field
Graduate study

K-12 education majors complete a broad program that includes system-wide core, institutional graduation and degree requirements, professional education courses and a major and minor or additional endorsement. Teacher certification requires completion of the following courses (listed in a suggested sequence).

Programs

K-12 Education Teacher Certification