Teacher Pathway
Providing high school students with a path to a college education and the teaching profession.
Enrolling in USD Courses in High School
SFSD students in the program have the option to take two USD education courses – Foundation of American Education (2 credits) and Field Experience (1 credit)– at just $40 per credit during their high school education. These courses are similar to dual credit in that students earn both high school and college credit; however, for this program, students do not have to meet any registration requirements or complete an application process. The credits transfer directly into the USD teacher education program, giving students an early start on their educational journey in the USD School of Education. The courses offer a concurrent experience in which students learn from their teachers in a high school classroom, and the curriculum is designed collaboratively by USD faculty and the classroom teacher.
View this elementary education curriculum to see an example of how Teacher Pathway credits fit into a student's college education.
Learning About Teaching and Higher Education
Topics covered in the Teacher Pathway courses range from teaching practices to the history of K-12 education. Students also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a classroom – an experience that helps many students identify if teaching is the right path for them.
Additionally, Teacher Pathway students benefit from a close connection to USD; the SFSD and USD facilitate an annual campus visit so that every high school student participating in the program has a chance to see a college campus, learn about the admissions process, hear from current education students, sit in on a class and experience life as a Coyote.
Pursuing a Teaching Degree at USD
Following their high school graduation, students have two options:
- The Throughway. Students experience life on USD’s campus in Vermillion starting on Day One as they pursue their Bachelor of Science in Education. They will return to Sioux Falls for the fourth year of the program to student teach in the SFSD.
- The Beltway. Students start their journey by living and working in Sioux Falls while earning their Associate of Arts at the USD Community College for Sioux Falls. After two years, students transition to USD’s main campus in Vermillion to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Education. During their fourth year, they will student teach in the SFSD.
Contact TRE@usd.edu with any questions about the program or potential partnerships.
Departments & Facilities
Teacher Residency & Education
The Division of Teacher Residency & Education is focused on preparing effective, responsive teachers who can meet the needs of all students in today's schools. Through unique features such as a robust yearlong residency, an emphasis on technology and curriculum that recognizes a variety of learners, our division offers an enriching education for educators and leaders.
