USD School of Education and Partners Launch Registered Apprenticeship for K-12 Principals
The new pathway establishes a paid, work-based model for preparing future school leaders while addressing administrator workforce needs across the state.
Combining structured on-the-job leadership development with graduate coursework in educational administration, the apprenticeship allows aspiring principals to receive compensation while progressing toward an M.A., Ed.S. or Ed.D. in educational leadership with principal certification. The program follows nationally recognized standards registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and is sponsored by the USD School of Education.
"This apprenticeship represents a transformative approach to preparing school leaders," said Amy Schweinle, Ph.D., dean of the USD School of Education. "Registered Apprenticeships add another powerful pathway by connecting our graduate degrees directly to employment, mentorship and real-world leadership experience. By partnering with school districts, we can develop educational leaders within their own communities while reducing barriers to earning a graduate degree."
The principal apprenticeship builds on USD's growing success with Registered Apprenticeships in educator preparation. In partnership with the Sioux Falls School District, the university launched one of the nation's first registered apprenticeships for K-12 teachers and recently celebrated the graduation of its first teacher apprentices. The program has demonstrated how paid, competency-based training can strengthen educator recruitment and retention while helping school districts cultivate talent from within their communities.
Through Start Today SD, employers partner with educational institutions to provide structured training, mentorship and related instruction that lead to industry-recognized credentials while apprentices remain employed and receive wages. USD's principal apprenticeship is competency-based and includes approximately 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning alongside graduate coursework in educational leadership. Apprentices will develop expertise in instructional leadership, school improvement, professional collaboration, family and community engagement, school operations and continuous improvement.
USD leaders believe the principal apprenticeship is the next step in solidifying comprehensive educator workforce pathways.
“As a university, we have a responsibility to meet workforce needs in new and creative ways," Schweinle said. "The USD School of Education teacher apprenticeship demonstrated that this model works. Expanding Registered Apprenticeships into principal preparation allows us to continue supporting school districts while creating accessible pathways for talented educators who aspire to lead."
Rapid City Area Schools is the first district partner in the state to adopt the apprenticeship model for principal preparation, providing aspiring leaders with opportunities to gain practical administrative experience while completing graduate studies.
"Rapid City Area Schools is excited to partner with the University of South Dakota and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation to support the development of future educational leaders," said Nicole Wojcik, director of Human Resources for Rapid City Area Schools. "This apprenticeship provides a unique opportunity for aspiring principals to gain meaningful, hands-on leadership experience while completing their educational preparation. We are proud to have Sean Binder serve as RCAS's first Principal Apprentice and look forward to the positive impact this program will have on leadership development within our district."
Binder, an educator in Rapid City Area Schools, said he is honored to serve as the inaugural participant and to help demonstrate the value of apprenticeships in educational leadership.
"For years, I encouraged students and employers to embrace apprenticeship opportunities," Binder said. "Now I have the opportunity to experience that model firsthand. I am grateful for the collaboration that made this possible and excited to contribute to a pathway that can benefit future school leaders across South Dakota."
The USD School of Education plans to continue expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities through partnerships with school districts across South Dakota, helping prepare the teachers and leaders needed to support student success for generations to come.
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