Alternative Certification for General Education Teachers Certificate (Graduate)

Admission Requirements:

1. Completed Graduate Certificate Seeking Application
2. $36.00 (non-refundable) application fee
3. Official undergraduate transcript showing your degree awarded

Certificate Overview:

The Alternative Certification for General Education Teachers Graduate Certificate is designed for individuals who hold a Preliminary Alternative Teacher Certificate from the South Dakota Department of Education. This stand-alone, stackable credential fulfills the coursework required to progress toward a permanent alternative teaching certificate issued by the South Dakota Department of Education. All credits earned can be applied toward the M.S.Ed. in Educational Studies: Secondary Education.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate an understanding of South Dakota Native American history, culture, and education systems, and apply culturally responsive teaching strategies to create an inclusive classroom environment.
• Develop and implement classroom management strategies that foster a positive learning environment, support student engagement, and handle diverse classroom behaviors effectively.
• Articulate and apply educational philosophies and pedagogical methods that support effective teaching and learning practices in secondary education, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of diverse learners.
• Use a variety of educational assessment tools and techniques to evaluate student learning, guide instruction, and support student growth and achievement, ensuring alignment with state and national standards.
• Apply principles of differentiated instruction and knowledge of child and adolescent psychology to create developmentally appropriate, equitable, and engaging learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of students.