Established in 2017 with the Sioux Falls School District (SFSD), Teacher Pathway is a unique partnership between South Dakota school districts and the University of South Dakota School of Education. This program facilitates opportunities for high school students who are interested in becoming teachers.
Enrolling in USD Courses in High School
Students in the program have the opportunity to take USD education courses during their high school education and at a reduced tuition rate. 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.
Learning About Teaching and Higher Education
Topics covered in the Teacher Pathway courses range from best teaching practices to the history of K-12 education. Students also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a classroom, working with elementary or middle school students. This field experience helps many students identify if teaching is the right path for them.
Additionally, Teacher Pathway students benefit from a close connection to USD. The School of Education facilitates an annual campus visit to both Vermillion and USD-Sioux Falls, so that every high school student participating in the program has a chance to see a college campus. During the campus visit, students 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
Teacher Pathway students have a head start in completing their teaching degree at USD in any of our education bachelors programs:
Interested in starting a Teacher Pathway program in your school district? Contact SOEStudentServices@usd.edu with any questions about the program or potential partnerships.
