July 16, 2026: This week (July 15, 2026), the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) formally congratulated and welcomed 71 paraprofessionals to the 4th Cohort of the South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (SD TAP) program. Incoming cohort partic ipants heard from former ‘tappers’, met with their mentors, and listened to a panel consisting of University Deans, University Academic Advisors, and DOE leadership to prepare for their new and exciting journey. “SD TAP has made a significant impact on our schools, students, and our paraprofessionals and their families,” said Director of Accreditation and Certification Dr. Kathryn Blaha. “Throughout the year, our office is frequently asked if another cohort will take place and when they can apply. Hearing from our paraprofessionals that they want to stay in their schools and become certified teachers is promising.” This program was created in 2023 under the Noem-Rhoden Administration to help address teacher shortages across the state and has since flourished into a sought-after opportunity for many paraprofessionals who dreamt of becoming a teacher but were unable due to life circumstances. “Keeping passionate educators in our schools provides our students a strong and meaningful education,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “This program is strengthening our communities, schools, and the future of education for our state.” Following orientation, participants will complete their desired program for elementary education or special education through Dakota State University (DSU) and secondary education through Northern State University (NSU) through virtual coursework. “The partnership between state agencies, public universities, and local school districts has been an incredible experience,” said Secretary of Labor and Regulation Marcia Hultman. “There is nothing more rewarding than welcoming the incoming participants as they embark on this exciting journey in their professional careers.” This cohort features candidates from 50 school districts across South Dakota. As of now, 118 participants have graduated from SD TAP,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves. “This program has made tremendous strides in combatting our state’s teacher shortage.” For more information on SD TAP, visit doe.sd.gov/oatq/TAP.aspx. Courtesy photo. May 11, 2026: There are 31 additional apprenticeship spots available for the 4th Cohort of the South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (SD TAP) program. Fall 2026 enrollment was scheduled to accept up to 40 participants, but Governor Larry Rhoden has allocated $500,000 from the state’s Future Fund to allow for 31 extra spots. SD TAP was created in 2023 with the goal of addressing teacher shortages. Over a two-year period, participants are enabled to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary, secondary or special education while continuing their work as paraprofessionals State Department of Education Secretary Joe Graves says SD TAP has been “delivering strong results in combating the teacher shortage and equipping educators with the skills they need to lead a classroom well.” This past weekend (May 9, 2026), 50 SD TAP teachers earned their diplomas from Dakota State University (DSU) and Northern State University (NSU), bringing the total number of teachers created through this program to 118. Department of Labor (DLR) Secretary Marcia Hultman says teacher apprenticeships don’t just prepare educators for the classroom– “they create lifelong leaders and learners who will inspire generations to come.” Rhoden says South Dakota’s teacher apprenticeship program is “a proven model that supports our teachers and our communities by developing more certified teachers and keeping educators in our schools.” SD TAP is made possible thanks to the partnership between the DOE, the DLR, DSU, NSU, the South Dakota Board of Regents, and local school districts. Timeline for the 4th cohort: April 15, 2026 – Applications closed June 15-19, 2026 – Selection notification occurs July 15, 2026 – Orientation Kickoff in Pierre for selected apprentices and their local primary mentor-teachers Fall 2026 – Classes to begin May 2028- Grant funding associated with Cohort 4 ends You can learn more about SD TAP on the DOE website, https://doe.sd.gov/oatq/TAP.aspx. ...read more read less