How to become a substitute teacher in South Dakota.

Teachers work incredibly hard. When they take time off, schools need great substitute teachers to keep instruction moving and serve as role models for students. 

The South Dakota Department of Education (SDDOE)requires no substitute teacher certification or other forms of credentialing. Instead, individual school districts develop a substitute teacher job description based on their needs and preferred competencies.  

We’ve put together this brief to help you understand the qualifications and hiring process when applying to become a substitute teacher in South Dakota. 

Minimum South Dakota state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Certification: None 

• Age: 18 years old 

• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 

• Criminal background check 

• Fingerprinting 

• Training: None, though individual districts or agencies may facilitate mandatory training 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

To simplify the recruitment process in the face of ongoing teacher shortages, the SDDOE leaves the hiring qualifications for substitute teachers up to local school districts. There is no statewide substitute teacher license or education requirement. However, many schools prefer candidates with some college or classroom experience. 

If you’re interested in substitute teaching, your first step should be to contact your local school district. Their human resources department can outline the district’s unique qualifications to determine if you should apply. Generally, South Dakota schools need great substitute teachers, so the hiring timeline can move quickly. You are responsible for gathering your application materials and scheduling a fingerprinting appointment. 

Education verification.

The state does not mandate a minimum education requirement. Still, South Dakota schools prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma combined with either college coursework or relevant classroom/childcare experience. 

Request copies of your official academic transcripts from all relevant institutions (high school and undergraduate). This step can take up to a week, and most registrar’s offices assess a small processing fee (typically less than $20). Often, you can make the request and pay the fee online. It may take two to three days for your transcript request to process, but you can ask each institution to send your transcripts directly to the district. 

Employment verification.

South Dakota substitute teachers must be eligible to work in the United States. To complete this step, you’ll submit an I-9 form with valid identification credentials to the school district. This form can be completed in just a few minutes. 

Background check and fingerprinting.

To ensure the safety and well-being of South Dakota students, all school personnel must submit to a criminal background investigation. This screening entails both a fingerprint check by the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

Substitute teacher candidates submit a fingerprint card to their employing school district for review by the DCI.  The DCI forwards it to the FBI for a national criminal history record check. Your school district will provide specific instructions on how to complete your fingerprint card. In many cases, you must schedule an appointment at your local sheriff’s office (which often includes a $25 fee). 

Training.

The SDDOE does not require substitute teachers to complete a training course. Instead, local school districts can provide their own training or an orientation. At Kelly Education, we encourage applicants to take advantage of training opportunities, even if they aren’t state-mandated. These seminars help candidates understand their substitute teacher duties and learn classroom management best practices. 

Getting started as a substitute teacher.

Your first step in applying to be a substitute teacher in South Dakota schools is to check out your local school districts’ websites. They should provide a job description and details about how to apply. 

Want more information about the role of a substitute teacher? Visit our career advice webpage. From substitute teacher dress codes to what to bring on your first day, Kelly Education shares everything you need to know about substitute teaching. 

*Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have additional requirements in addition to state requirements.