2026 How to Become a History Teacher in South Dakota: Requirements & Certification

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Becoming a history teacher in South Dakota is not just a matter of earning a degree and applying for classroom jobs. The state currently has about 10,039 teachers, and 4.3% of them are teaching outside their certified fields. For future social studies and history educators, that gap points to a real need for teachers who are properly prepared, endorsed, and ready to teach accurate, engaging history.

This guide explains how to become a history teacher in South Dakota, from degree requirements and student teaching to endorsements, exams, salary expectations, professional development, and career options. It is designed for high school students planning an education major, college graduates considering teacher preparation, out-of-state teachers evaluating South Dakota certification, and current educators who want to expand their credentials.

Quick answer: How do you become a history teacher in South Dakota?

To become a history teacher in South Dakota, you typically need a bachelor’s degree connected to education, history, or social studies; completion of an approved teacher preparation program; student teaching experience; a South Dakota Indian Studies course with at least a C; required Praxis assessments; approved suicide awareness and prevention training; background clearance; and the appropriate history or social studies endorsement.

Step	What it means for aspiring history teachers
Earn the right degree	Complete a bachelor’s degree in education with a history or social studies focus, or complete a history/social studies degree plus an approved teacher preparation program.
Meet South Dakota-specific coursework rules	Take a South Dakota Indian Studies course and earn at least a C.
Complete supervised classroom training	Finish student teaching through an approved program and school placement.
Pass required exams	Complete the Praxis Principle of Learning and Teaching and the relevant Praxis Content Assessment.
Apply for certification and endorsement	Submit documentation, complete training requirements, clear a background check, and obtain the endorsement needed to teach history or social studies.

Key things to know before choosing this career path

South Dakota needs qualified teachers in certified subject areas, including history and social studies.
History education in the state carries added responsibility because strong instruction should include local, national, world, and Indigenous histories.
Teacher employment is projected to grow by 6% through 2030, with retirements and enrollment patterns influencing openings.
The average annual salary for history teachers in South Dakota is approximately $50,000, although pay varies by district, grade level, education, and experience.
The standard path is a bachelor’s degree, an approved educator preparation program, student teaching, required exams, and a history or social studies endorsement.

Table of Contents

South Dakota history teacher requirements
Grants and scholarships for future history teachers
Required endorsements and certification exams
Certification rules for out-of-state teachers
History teacher salary in South Dakota
Career paths for history educators
Using South Dakota local history in the classroom Related teaching career options
Career advancement steps for aspiring history teachers
Interdisciplinary certifications for broader impact
Advanced academic qualifications for career growth
Job outlook for history teachers
Professional development opportunities
Digital tools and library partnerships
Teaching across multiple grade levels
Private school teaching as an alternative path
Best resources for South Dakota history teachers
Certification policy changes and career planning
Using creative arts in history instruction
Dual certification and inclusive history teaching
Is South Dakota a good state for teachers?
Challenges of teaching history in South Dakota
How interdisciplinary training can expand your teaching impact Common challenges to prepare for

What are the requirements to become a history teacher in South Dakota?

The main requirement is to qualify for teacher certification with the appropriate history or social studies endorsement. In practical terms, that means completing both academic preparation and classroom-based training before applying for licensure.

Earn a relevant bachelor’s degree: Most candidates complete a bachelor’s degree in education with a history or social studies concentration. Another option is to major in history or social studies and complete an approved teacher preparation program.
Complete required state coursework: South Dakota requires a South Dakota Indian Studies course, and candidates must earn at least a C. This requirement matters because teachers in the state need a strong foundation in the histories, cultures, and civic contexts that shape South Dakota classrooms.
Finish student teaching: Teacher preparation programs place candidates in supervised classroom settings, where they practice lesson planning, instruction, assessment, and classroom management under the guidance of experienced educators.
Pass required assessments: Candidates must pass national exams that measure teaching readiness and subject-area knowledge.
Complete additional training and screening: Candidates should be prepared to document required training, including approved suicide awareness and prevention training, and complete background clearance.

Requirement	Why it matters	Decision tip
Bachelor’s degree	Provides the academic foundation for teaching history or social studies.	Choose a program that clearly leads to teacher certification, not only a history major.
Approved teacher preparation	Connects coursework with methods, assessment, classroom management, and student teaching.	Ask whether the program is approved for South Dakota certification before enrolling.
South Dakota Indian Studies course	Helps future teachers address the state’s cultural and historical context.	Confirm the course meets state requirements and plan for the minimum C grade requirement.
Student teaching	Gives candidates supervised classroom experience before taking full responsibility for students.	Ask where placements usually occur and whether rural, urban, or high school settings are available.
Praxis exams and training	Demonstrates readiness to teach and meet state certification expectations.	Build exam preparation into your final year instead of waiting until after graduation.

A South Dakota teacher who completed preparation through the University of South Dakota described student teaching in Sioux Falls as both exciting and demanding. The most difficult adjustment was balancing lesson design with classroom management, while the most useful support came from a mentor teacher who modeled how to make history discussions active and relevant. Her experience also showed why required safety training can feel serious but important: teachers are responsible not only for instruction but also for creating a safe learning environment.

The chart below shows the educational attainment of history educators nationwide. In comparison, 63% of South Dakota teachers hold a bachelor's degree as their highest educational attainment, while 35% possess a master's degree, according to the state's 2022-2023 Report Card.

Are there grants or scholarships available for aspiring history teachers in South Dakota?

Yes. Future history teachers should look for state scholarships, education association awards, institutional aid, and program-specific scholarships before taking on unnecessary debt. Financial aid is especially important because teacher salaries may not rise quickly enough to offset high borrowing.

Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship: This scholarship supports high school graduates who commit to working in a critical teaching need occupation for five years.
SD Opportunity Scholarship: This program offers up to $7,500 over four years for eligible students pursuing higher education in South Dakota.
SD Education Association: The state’s teacher organization offers three grant and scholarship programs for students preparing to become teachers.
University scholarships: Colleges and universities may offer merit-based, need-based, talent-based, affiliation-based, or department-specific scholarships.

Funding source	Best for	Question to ask before applying
Critical Teaching Needs Scholarship	Students willing to commit to teaching in a critical need area for five years.	What service obligation applies, and what happens if my career plans change?
SD Opportunity Scholarship	Students who plan to complete higher education in South Dakota.	Do I meet renewal rules for each year of funding?
SD Education Association awards	Teacher candidates looking for education-focused scholarship opportunities.	Are there deadlines, membership expectations, or essay requirements?
University scholarships	Students comparing teacher preparation programs by net cost.	Is the award renewable, and does it apply during student teaching?

Students who are comparing state pathways can also review the Montana teacher licensure process to understand how aid, certification, and preparation expectations can differ by location. The main takeaway is to compare total cost after grants and scholarships, not just advertised tuition.

Do history teachers need special certifications in South Dakota?

History teachers need the appropriate endorsement to teach in K-12 settings. The endorsement verifies that the teacher has both professional teaching preparation and subject-area knowledge in history or social studies.

Praxis Principle of Learning and Teaching (PLT): This exam assesses teaching practice, learning theory, classroom management, and professional knowledge.
Praxis Content Assessment: The World & U.S. History and Social Studies assessments measure knowledge of major events, themes, concepts, and related social studies areas such as geography, economics, and civics.

Candidates must also complete approved suicide awareness and prevention training. After certification, teachers should track renewal requirements and professional development obligations so their license remains current.

Certification component	What it checks	How to prepare
PLT exam	General teaching knowledge and classroom readiness.	Review learning theory, assessment, classroom management, and professional responsibilities.
History or social studies content exam	Subject knowledge across U.S. history, world history, and social studies concepts.	Study both historical content and the broader social studies framework.
Suicide awareness and prevention training	Awareness of student safety and prevention responsibilities.	Complete the approved training early so it does not delay certification.
Endorsement application	Eligibility to teach the assigned subject area.	Keep transcripts, exam results, preparation program records, and training documents organized.

One South Dakota teacher described the Praxis process as challenging but necessary. Her advice for candidates was straightforward: treat the endorsement as part of professional preparation, not just a paperwork step. Strong content knowledge matters when students ask difficult questions, compare historical interpretations, or connect past events to current civic issues.

Is there certification reciprocity for history teachers in South Dakota?

South Dakota does not offer a reciprocity agreement for teacher certification with other states. Out-of-state teachers who want to teach history in South Dakota should expect a credential evaluation process to determine whether their existing preparation and certification align with state standards.

Teachers coming from another state are generally expected to provide evidence of the following:

A bachelor’s degree
Completion of an approved educator preparation program
A valid out-of-state teaching certificate
Student teaching experience
South Dakota required assessments and additional training
Any out-of-state endorsements already held
Background clearance

The most important practical step is to avoid assuming that an active teaching license from another state will automatically transfer. Before relocating or accepting an offer, out-of-state teachers should verify what additional exams, training, endorsements, or documents South Dakota will require.

How much do history teachers make in South Dakota?

According to the state's Department of Education, certified middle school teachers earn $49,794 yearly, while high school teachers earn $50,094. History teacher salaries in South Dakota vary by school district, grade level, credentials, experience, and whether the position is in a rural or urban area.

Teachers with master's and doctoral degrees earn around $55,000 to $60,000. Teachers with more experience typically earn around $58,000 to $65,000. History professors in higher education earn an average income of $69,260.

Role or factor	Salary information stated	What it means for planning
Certified middle school teacher	$49,794 yearly	Middle school social studies may be a practical entry route for certified teachers.
Certified high school teacher	$50,094 yearly	High school history roles often require stronger subject specialization.
Advanced degree holders	Around $55,000 to $60,000	A graduate degree may improve earning potential, but candidates should compare cost against salary gains.
Experienced teachers	Around $58,000 to $65,000	Pay can improve over time, especially with experience and added responsibilities.
History professors	Average income of $69,260	Postsecondary teaching usually requires graduate study and may involve fewer openings.

Salary should be evaluated alongside local cost of living, benefits, commuting distance, graduate tuition, and loan repayment plans. Teachers considering broader geographic mobility can compare certification policies such as West Virginia teaching license reciprocity while deciding whether to stay in South Dakota long term.

What career paths are available for history teachers in South Dakota?

A history teaching credential can lead to more than one classroom role. Some educators remain in middle or high school teaching for their full careers, while others move into curriculum, higher education, consulting, or leadership after earning more experience and credentials.

Career path	Typical setting	When this path makes sense
High school history teacher	Public or private high schools, including districts such as Sioux Falls School District or Rapid City Area Schools.	Best for educators who want to teach U.S. history, world history, government, civics, or related social studies courses to adolescents.
Community college instructor	Institutions such as South Dakota State University or Western Dakota Technical College.	Best for educators with graduate preparation who want to teach introductory history courses and support students transitioning to four-year programs.
University professor	Universities such as the University of South Dakota.	Best for candidates with a doctorate who want to combine teaching, research, publication, and student mentoring.
Curriculum coordinator	School districts and education organizations.	Best for experienced teachers who want to design, evaluate, and improve curriculum across multiple classrooms or schools.
Educational consultant	Schools, districts, nonprofits, museums, or education service providers.	Best for teachers who want to help improve history instruction, lesson design, assessment, or curriculum alignment.

If you are still comparing teaching careers, it can be useful to review other state pathways such as how to become a teacher in Florida. Different states may vary in certification exams, endorsements, reciprocity, and employment conditions.

How can history teachers in South Dakota engage students through local history?

Local history can make history instruction more concrete. Students often connect more deeply when they can link national events, migration, Indigenous histories, agriculture, war, labor, and civic life to places and communities they know.

Work with museums, memorials, and historical sites

Teachers can build lessons around institutions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the South Dakota State Historical Society, or Crazy Horse Memorial. Field trips, virtual visits, guest speakers, and object-based learning can help students see history as evidence-based inquiry rather than memorization.

Use primary sources from state and local archives

Letters, maps, photographs, newspapers, oral histories, and government records can teach students how historians evaluate evidence. The South Dakota State Library and related archives can support document analysis, research assignments, and local-history projects.

Teach Native American history with care and depth

South Dakota is home to tribal nations, and history teachers should treat Indigenous histories as central to the state’s past and present. Inviting tribal historians, using appropriate sources, and connecting lessons to the South Dakota Indian Studies requirement can make instruction more accurate and respectful.

Build oral history projects

Students can interview family members, veterans, community elders, farmers, business owners, or local officials. Oral history projects work especially well when students learn how to ask ethical questions, verify accounts, and connect individual memories to wider historical events.

Connect agriculture and economic change to national history

South Dakota’s agricultural history offers practical entry points into lessons on technology, the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, land use, labor, and economic change. These topics help students understand how local conditions reflect broader national and global patterns.

Teachers looking for an affordable route into the profession can also review the cheapest way to get teaching credential in South Dakota while planning a pathway that fits both certification requirements and classroom goals.

What additional steps can aspiring history teachers in South Dakota take to advance their careers?

New and aspiring history teachers can strengthen their careers by planning beyond initial licensure. The best next steps depend on whether your goal is to become a stronger classroom teacher, qualify for more jobs, move into leadership, or eventually teach at the college level.

Build a portfolio before graduation: Save lesson plans, assessment examples, primary-source activities, classroom management reflections, and student teaching evaluations.
Seek a mentor teacher: A strong mentor can help with pacing, standards alignment, family communication, and difficult classroom situations.
Learn local standards early: Understanding South Dakota expectations before student teaching can reduce stress during certification and job applications.
Prepare for high school specialization: Students focused on older learners should review how to become a high school history teacher in South Dakota to understand grade-level expectations.
Join professional communities: Professional networks can lead to workshops, shared lesson materials, job leads, and curriculum support.

Can history teachers expand their impact through interdisciplinary certifications?

Yes, but teachers should be strategic. Additional credentials can expand job flexibility and help teachers serve students more effectively, but every credential takes time, money, and administrative work. The best add-on is one that supports a clear career goal.

Interdisciplinary option	How it can support history teaching	Best fit
Special education	Helps teachers adapt primary sources, writing assignments, and discussions for students with diverse learning needs.	Teachers who want stronger inclusive teaching skills or broader hiring options.
English or literacy	Supports document analysis, argumentative writing, historical interpretation, and discussion-based instruction.	Teachers who want to strengthen reading and writing outcomes in history classes.
Library or media studies	Improves research instruction, source evaluation, digital archives use, and information literacy.	Teachers who use inquiry projects, research assignments, and digital resources.
Communication-related support fields	Builds awareness of language development and communication barriers that can affect classroom participation.	Educators considering related student-support careers, including those researching how to become a speech pathologist in South Dakota.

What advanced academic qualifications can drive career growth for history teachers in South Dakota?

Graduate study can help history teachers deepen content knowledge, move into leadership roles, qualify for some postsecondary opportunities, and improve instructional design. However, it should be evaluated by cost, flexibility, accreditation, employer recognition, and career payoff.

Teachers who want to remain in secondary classrooms may consider graduate study focused on curriculum, instruction, educational leadership, or history. Those who need flexible scheduling can compare options such as a secondary education degree online. Before enrolling, ask whether the program supports licensure advancement, salary schedule movement, or the specific endorsement goals you have.

What is the job outlook for history teachers in South Dakota?

The job outlook for teachers is positive, with a projected growth of 6% through 2030. For history teachers specifically, openings may depend on retirements, enrollment trends, district budgets, grade level, and whether schools need broader social studies coverage rather than a history-only assignment.

Urban districts may have more frequent openings because of larger student populations, while rural districts may offer stronger community relationships and different staffing needs. Teachers who can teach more than one course area, support diverse learners, or take on extracurricular duties may have more flexibility in the job market.

Some candidates broaden their employment options by adding another endorsement. For example, a teacher comparing demand across subjects may research how to become a middle school math teacher in South Dakota to understand how cross-subject certification can affect hiring prospects.

What professional development opportunities are available for history teachers in South Dakota?

Professional development is essential for history teachers because standards, source materials, classroom technologies, and student needs change over time. Strong professional learning helps teachers move beyond textbook coverage and design evidence-rich, discussion-centered lessons.

Online educator courses: Platforms such as ed2go offer courses for educators, including topics like grant writing and teaching strategies.
Library of Congress modules: The Library of Congress provides free, self-paced modules on using primary sources in instruction. Each module typically takes about an hour and ends with a certificate.
National Endowment for the Humanities workshops: NEH workshops last from one to four weeks and help educators deepen knowledge of American history while working with scholars and peers.
NEH summer seminars and institutes: These grant-supported programs emphasize inquiry-based learning, humanities research, and classroom application.

Professional development option	What teachers gain	Best use
Online short courses	Flexible skill-building in teaching methods, grant writing, or classroom practice.	Good for teachers balancing work, family, and certification renewal needs.
Library of Congress modules	Primary-source teaching strategies and certificates of completion.	Useful for improving document-based lessons.
NEH workshops	Deeper historical content knowledge and collaboration with scholars.	Best for teachers seeking intensive academic enrichment.
NEH summer seminars	Research-based humanities learning and inquiry-focused curriculum ideas.	Strong choice for teachers redesigning units or advanced electives.

A South Dakota history teacher who participated in NEH workshops said the biggest benefit was not only learning new historical content, but also seeing how other educators structure inquiry, discussion, and primary-source analysis. For many teachers, professional development renews motivation while improving day-to-day instruction.

How can digital tools and library collaborations enhance history teaching in South Dakota?

Digital tools can improve history instruction when they help students investigate evidence, not when they simply replace paper worksheets with screens. Online archives, digitized newspapers, mapping tools, collaborative documents, and multimedia exhibits can make historical research more interactive and accessible.

Library partnerships are especially useful. School and public librarians can help teachers locate age-appropriate sources, teach citation and source evaluation, and design research projects. Educators who want to understand this partnership more deeply can review how to become a school librarian in South Dakota.

Can history teachers expand their career opportunities by teaching across multiple grade levels?

Teaching across grade levels can improve job flexibility, but it also requires different instructional skills. A high school teacher may focus on debate, document analysis, and writing, while elementary teaching requires age-appropriate storytelling, foundational civics, and integrated social studies activities.

Candidates interested in younger learners can compare requirements through how to become an elementary school teacher in South Dakota. This path may be a good fit for educators who enjoy building early curiosity about communities, maps, holidays, biographies, and civic participation.

Could private school teaching be a viable alternative career path for history educators in South Dakota?

Private schools may offer smaller communities, different curricular models, religious or mission-based education, and more flexibility in instructional design. They may also have different pay structures, benefits, and certification expectations than public schools.

Before accepting a private school role, teachers should compare salary, benefits, class size, curriculum expectations, academic freedom, workload, and long-term career mobility. Educators considering this route should review private school teacher requirements in South Dakota before making a decision.

What are the best resources for history teachers in South Dakota?

The most useful resources for history teachers are those that help with three tasks: meeting state expectations, locating credible historical materials, and improving instruction. Teachers should build a resource toolkit before their first full-time teaching job.

South Dakota Department of Education: The state agency provides standards, certification guidance, educator information, and professional development resources.
Digital archives and databases: Online collections can provide newspapers, photographs, government records, maps, and other primary sources for student research.
Local libraries and cultural institutions: Public libraries, museums, archives, and historical societies can support lessons on local and regional history.
Teacher blogs and social media groups: Online educator communities can be useful for lesson ideas, classroom activities, and practical advice, but teachers should verify accuracy before using shared materials.

Teachers comparing preparation resources across states may also find it useful to review Oklahoma teacher training programs. Cross-state comparisons can help candidates understand how teacher preparation, professional development, and certification expectations differ.

This chart shows the top sources of information used by history teachers nationwide.

How do evolving certification policies impact history teaching careers in South Dakota?

Certification policies can affect what teachers must study, which exams they must pass, how endorsements are added, and what professional development is needed for renewal. History teachers should check official guidance regularly instead of relying on outdated program brochures or advice from another state.

Teachers can use South Dakota teacher certification types and requirements to review current certification categories, endorsement expectations, and planning considerations. This is especially important for out-of-state teachers, career changers, and educators adding a second endorsement.

How can incorporating creative arts elevate history instruction in South Dakota?

Creative arts can help students interpret history through images, performance, music, design, and storytelling. These methods are not a replacement for evidence-based instruction, but they can deepen engagement when students must connect creative work to credible sources.

Examples include political cartoon analysis, historical monologues based on primary sources, museum-style exhibits, visual timelines, and map-based storytelling. Teachers interested in arts-based instruction can review the requirements to be an art teacher in South Dakota for ideas on how art education methods can support historical thinking.

Can dual certification enhance history teaching effectiveness in South Dakota?

Dual certification can make a history teacher more versatile and better prepared to support varied learners. It may also improve employability in districts that need teachers to cover multiple needs. However, additional certification should be chosen carefully because it can require more coursework, exams, and fees.

One practical option is to study special education teaching certification and requirements. Special education training can help history teachers adapt readings, scaffold writing, support discussion participation, and design more accessible assessments.

Is South Dakota a good state to teach in?

South Dakota can be a good state for teachers who value community connection, local history, and meaningful classroom relationships. It can also be challenging for candidates concerned about compensation, rural staffing conditions, or resource constraints.

Factor	Potential advantage	Potential concern
Job market	Demand exists for qualified educators, including teachers in certified subject fields.	Openings vary by district, grade level, and endorsement area.
Professional support	The South Dakota Department of Education provides resources, workshops, and certification guidance.	Teachers still need to proactively track renewal, policy changes, and professional development.
Community relationships	Smaller communities can create strong connections among teachers, students, and families.	Teachers in small districts may have broader responsibilities and fewer nearby colleagues in the same subject.
Compensation	Some teachers may improve earnings over time with experience, advanced degrees, or added responsibilities.	The average teacher salary in South Dakota is $53,153, which is below the state's minimum living wage of $62,314.

A South Dakota teacher described the state’s teaching environment as highly community-oriented. Parents, local historians, and community volunteers can become important classroom partners, especially when resources are limited. For history teachers, that community connection can turn local expertise into meaningful lessons.

What are the challenges of teaching history to students in South Dakota?

Teaching history in South Dakota can be rewarding, but candidates should understand the professional and instructional challenges before entering the field. The strongest teachers prepare not only for content delivery, but also for curriculum debates, student diversity, limited resources, and the responsibility of representing complex histories accurately.

Limited higher education openings: According to the SD Department of Labor & Regulation, there will only be three annual openings for history teachers at the postsecondary level from 2022 to 2032. Candidates interested in college teaching should plan for competition and consider alternative roles.
Curriculum controversy: Recent revisions to social studies standards have raised concerns among educators. The American Historical Association criticized the process as rushed and politically influenced in 2023.
High turnover: Social sciences teachers in the state have a turnover rate of 61.32. Turnover can disrupt student learning, increase workloads for remaining teachers, and make mentoring more difficult for new educators.
Indigenous history implementation: South Dakota is home to tribal nations, and reporting has raised concerns that Indigenous histories may be overlooked or that standards may not be consistently met across schools.

Common mistake	Why it can hurt your career	Better approach
Choosing a program without checking certification alignment	You may earn credits that do not lead efficiently to South Dakota licensure.	Confirm the program is approved for teacher preparation and supports the needed endorsement.
Focusing only on tuition	Fees, exam costs, transportation, student teaching expenses, and lost work hours can change the true cost.	Compare total cost after scholarships, grants, and required certification expenses.
Assuming an out-of-state license transfers automatically	South Dakota does not offer a reciprocity agreement, so extra evaluation may be required.	Verify credential evaluation, training, exam, and endorsement requirements before relocating.
Teaching local history without diverse sources	Lessons may miss important Indigenous, rural, immigrant, labor, or community perspectives.	Use primary sources, local experts, tribal resources, museums, and multiple historical interpretations.
Relying only on salary averages	Average salary does not show district differences, cost of living, benefits, or advancement rules.	Review district salary schedules, benefits, graduate pay lanes, and local living costs.

Teachers considering other certification environments can compare requirements such as Louisiana education certification while evaluating whether South Dakota is the right fit.

How can interdisciplinary training expand a history teacher’s impact in South Dakota?

Interdisciplinary training helps history teachers connect historical content to reading, writing, art, media literacy, geography, economics, civics, and public speaking. This matters because students rarely learn history well through memorization alone; they need to interpret evidence, evaluate claims, and communicate arguments.

For example, English-focused training can strengthen historical writing assignments, Socratic discussions, and source interpretation. Teachers interested in this connection can review how to become an English teacher in South Dakota. The goal is not to collect credentials randomly, but to build a teaching profile that improves student learning and creates more employment flexibility.

What do history teachers in South Dakota often value about the career?

History teachers in South Dakota often point to three sources of fulfillment: helping students understand where they come from, connecting state and local history to national events, and working in communities where teachers can build close relationships with families and colleagues.

One teacher described the role as a chance to help students connect their heritage to the wider world, especially in classrooms where discussion can be personal and meaningful.
Another emphasized the value of teaching South Dakota’s cultural narratives and collaborating with other educators who care about civic learning.
A third highlighted local history, including Native American heritage and pioneer stories, as a powerful way to help students see how the past shapes their lives.

References:

American Historical Association. (2023, April 14). AHA Letter Opposing Proposed South Dakota Social Studies Standards. https://www.historians.org/news/aha-letter-opposing-proposed-south-dakota-social-studies-standards
Huber, M. (2024, May 19). Survey says nearly two-thirds of SD educators use Indigenous standards. South Dakota Searchlight. https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/05/19/native-american-oceti-sakowin-essential-understandings-standards-sd-taught-schools
National Education Association. (2024). Educator Pay Data 2024. Retrieved September 2024, from https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank
South Dakota Department of Education. (n.d.). 2022-2023 Instructional Staff Turnover and Vacancy (State Total). Retrieved October 2024, from https://doe.sd.gov/data/turnover.aspx
South Dakota Department of Education. (2021). 2020-2021 Staff Information - Instructional Position. https://doe.sd.gov/data/staffing/Teaching-20-21.aspx

Key Insights

South Dakota history teachers need more than history knowledge; they need approved teacher preparation, student teaching, required exams, suicide awareness and prevention training, and the correct endorsement.
The fastest safe path is to choose an approved program from the start and confirm that it leads to South Dakota certification in history or social studies.
Salary planning matters. Certified middle school teachers earn $49,794 yearly, certified high school teachers earn $50,094, and the average teacher salary in South Dakota is $53,153, below the state's minimum living wage of $62,314.
Out-of-state teachers should not assume automatic transfer. South Dakota does not offer a reciprocity agreement, so credential evaluation and additional requirements may apply.
Local history is one of the strongest advantages of teaching in South Dakota, especially when lessons include primary sources, community voices, and Indigenous histories.
Advanced degrees and dual certifications can improve flexibility, but they should be chosen based on clear goals such as salary movement, leadership, special education support, literacy instruction, or postsecondary teaching.
The career can be meaningful, but candidates should prepare for curriculum debates, turnover, resource limitations, and competition for higher education roles.

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a History Teacher in South Dakota

Do South Dakota teaching credentials expire?

Yes, South Dakota teaching credentials expire. They are typically valid for five years. To maintain certification, educators need to complete six credits related to education or their area of certification during each renewal cycle before applying for renewal with the South Dakota Department of Education.

What are the steps to obtain a teaching credential for history in South Dakota in 2026?

In 2026, to become a history teacher in South Dakota, you need to complete a bachelor's degree in education with a focus on history, pass the Praxis exams, and apply through the South Dakota Department of Education to receive your teaching credential. Continuing education might be required to maintain certification.

Can I get my South Dakota teaching credential online?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a teaching credential online in South Dakota. Many universities offer online programs that cater to aspiring educators, including those interested in teaching history. Consider programs from the Black Hills State University, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota. These programs typically include coursework in educational theory, history content, and practical teaching experiences. However, be sure the institutions and programs are approved by regional or state accrediting agencies.