USD School of Education Celebrates First Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program Graduates
The program is designed to create accessible pathways for educators to earn credentials while working in schools. Presley completed the M.A. in secondary education plus certification program and now serves as an English language teacher at Washington High School. Tuttle also completed the M.A. in secondary education plus certification program and is a career and technical education teacher at Ben Reifel Middle School.
“Rickie Presley and Rebecca Tuttle represent exactly what this partnership was designed to do—support talented educators as they grow their expertise while making an immediate impact in South Dakota schools,” said Amy Schweinle, Ph.D., dean of the USD School of Education. “We are proud to celebrate this milestone with the Sioux Falls School District and grateful for our continued partnership in preparing and supporting outstanding teachers.”
Their accomplishments mark a significant milestone for the program and highlight its success in supporting classroom teachers as they complete advanced preparation while continuing to serve students.
“We are proud of our collaboration with the University of South Dakota on the Registered Apprenticeship Program,” said Jamie Nold, Ed.D.’18, superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District. “By removing barriers and providing advanced preparation pathways, this partnership is essential to equipping our talented staff to grow professionally while making an immediate impact on our school staffing outcomes.”
Tuttle emphasized the impact of the program on her professional growth and continued commitment to teaching.
“The Registered Apprenticeship Program was a great opportunity that I am—and continue to be—incredibly grateful for,” said Tuttle. “I especially appreciate my advisors and instructors for their guidance, the Sioux Falls School District for providing practical experience and mentoring and the Department of Labor for making it possible to complete my master’s degree without the financial burden.”
She added that the program created an accessible pathway into the profession while allowing her to remain in the classroom.
“As someone whose bachelor’s degree was not in education, this program allowed me to continue working full-time while completing my coursework online, receiving mentoring through both USD and the Sioux Falls School District,” she said. “I grew tremendously as an educator, and I am confident that what I learned will have lasting positive effects on my teaching and my ability to serve students.”
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