Teacher Education

Millicent Atkins School of Education

Gerber, Room 112
(605) 626-2415

A major focus for Northern State University is the preparation of professional educators. Over one-third of the state’s teachers are graduates of one of our teacher education programs. The Millicent Atkins School of Education provides the professional education coursework required for certification in the state of South Dakota as an elementary, secondary or K-12 teachers. Certification requirements can be met through a program culminating in the Bachelor of Science in Education degree or as post-baccalaureate preparation.

Any student who plans to major in elementary, secondary, or K-12 education at Northern State University must complete the system-wide core, institutional graduation and degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Education, professional education courses, and major and minor requirements as established for the appropriate discipline. Students who successfully complete a teacher education program will be recommended for a teaching certificate.

Programs

K-8 Certification

Elementary Education

K-12 Certification

Art Education
Music (Vocal and Instrumental) Education
Physical Education
Spanish Education
Special Education

Grades 7-12 Certification

Biology Education
Chemistry Education
History Education
English Education
Mathematics Education

Every candidate for a degree in education should study and follow the requirements and procedures in the university catalog and the Teacher Education Policy Handbook.

Certification Testing

All teacher education programs must comply with certification requirements of the South Dakota Department of Education (SDDOE). Students will be expected to complete certification examinations in their content area(s) and in pedagogy at the achievement level set by the State. Content examinations must be completed prior to Student Teaching and pedagogy examinations will be completed during the professional semester.

Admission to Teacher Education

In addition to application to Northern State University, students in elementary education, K-12 education, and secondary education programs must apply for admission to teacher education. Transfer students and students who change to an education curriculum must apply for and be accepted into the teacher education program before they may register for professional courses in teacher education.

Admission to teacher education requires:

1. Cumulative GPA 2.7 and Content GPA 2.7;
2. Passing scores on Praxis I CORE tests in reading, writing and math OR ACT composite score of 19 or higher;
3. Completion of the following courses with a grade of “C” or better:
   1. EPSY 302  
   2. ENGL 101  
   3. SPCM 101 , 215 , OR 222  
   4. MATH 103  or higher level MATH or MATH ACT of 22 or higher
4. Advisor approval and dean’s signature on application for admission to teacher education.

Students who have been admitted to teacher education will be allowed to register for professional education courses. For a complete list of courses that require admission, consult the Teacher Education Policy Handbook.

Once accepted into teacher education, teacher education candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70 and a 2.70 GPA within their major. Prospective teachers must, also, continue an accepted level of scholarship and must also agree that their actions and general appearance will conform to appropriate standards for professional educators.

Students seeking certification in the K-12 programs of art, music, physical education, special education or world languages must complete methods courses and student teaching at two of the three levels (elementary, middle, or secondary).

Students with baccalaureate degrees in teaching majors may seek teacher certification through the certification only program.

Graduate Studies

Graduate programs leading to certification in K-12 principalship and school counseling are available. See Graduate Studies  for master’s degrees.

Accreditation

Northern State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the School of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The music programs are also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. All of the university’s teacher preparation programs are  approved by the South Dakota Department of Education.

Additional Information

In addition to certification and graduate programs, the Northern State University School of Education provides a wide array of professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers through the Office of Extended Studies. As a part of the activities in the Center for Statewide E-learning at Northern State University, candidates in teacher  education programs are trained in the development of distance curriculum and the use of distance delivery classrooms. All teacher education candidates complete a literacy practicum tutoring a K-12 student in the NSU Reading Clinic.

Title II Reported Program Information

Teacher Certification Endorsements

Graduates may seek additional certification to their primary teaching certificates authorizing them to teach in other age/grade spans and/or content areas. Graduates who complete minor/endorsement programs which have content specific tests must pass the content or area specific state certification test. The Administrative Rules of South Dakota require all coursework leading to education endorsement programs must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. The endorsement definitions are a minimal suggestion and will not ensure endorsements by themselves except in the cases of the K-12 Braille Education, Blind/Visually Impaired, Gifted, Kindergarten, Adapted Physical Education, Mass Communications, Speech/Debate, Educational Technology, Drivers Education, Lakota Studies, and Coaching Endorsements. Education minors/endorsement programs listed below have been approved for the applicable certification in South Dakota. More specific information on requirements for endorsements can be found on the SD Department of Education website.

K-12 Endorsements

These endorsements may be issued on a K-8 elementary education certificate, on a K-12 certificate, or on a 7-12 certificate.

7-12 Endorsements

These endorsements may be issued on a K-8 elementary education certificate, a K-12 certificate, or a 7-12 certificate.

Middle-Level Endorsement

Middle level preparation is integrated into all certification programs, K-8, K-12, and 7-12, for students admitted after September 1, 2000. Graduates beginning their professional courses prior to that date may add a middle level endorsement with the following course work. The middle level endorsement may be added to a K-8, K-12, or 7-12 certificate.