Preparing teachers for over a century

The Millicent Atkins School of Education builds on Northern's rich history as a teaching college to develop the next generation of caring, innovative teachers.

Knowledge is key to turning students into teachers. So is experience. Partnering with our energetic faculty, you will engage in field experiences, immersive classrooms and learning communities that will prepare you to be a world-class teacher.


​The School of Education also partners with the nearby South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SDSBVI ) for numerous educational opportunities. This unique partnership will expand even further thanks to the Educational Impact Campaign, resulting in projects including a brand-new SDSBVI facility. You can read more about the expansion of NSU-SDSBVI's partnership and the impact it can have on education!
 

The School of Education - along with the School of Business - is part of Northern's College of Professional Studies, the mission of which is to prepare students for professional careers.

Community Engagement

The Millicent Atkins School of Education is proud of its rich heritage of community engagement and involvement.

Virtual Tour

EDUCATION IN THE NEWS

ABERDEEN, S.D. – In 2023, Northern State University launched the state’s only 2-year degree in early childhood education.

Caption: Students enjoy the comforts of home and social spaces in Northern’s residence halls. 

Caption: Previous Huron Community Campus cohort on a gallery walk.

Reports and Documents

Documents

Teacher Education Handbook

 

Reports

 

 

The Teacher Education Program does not require certification as part of program completion, but we help candidates through the application process if they wish to be certified.

 

Certification and program completion require that all coursework and testing requirements be met (varies by program) as defined in the Teacher Education Handbook; this includes taking and passing the Praxis II content exam for the applicable content area, as well as the Principles of Teaching and Learning for the applicable grade level group.

 

 

CAEP 8 Annual Reporting Measures 

 

​​​​​​The Millicent Atkins School of Education, Teacher Education Program at Northern State University is granted accreditation with stipulations at the initial-licensure level as described in the Accreditation Action Report. 

The Millicent Atkins School of Education, Teacher Education Program at Northern State University is granted Accreditation at the advanced level as described in the Accreditation Action Report.

 

Accreditation Action Report

 
1. Impact on P-12 learning and development (Component 4.1)
2. Indicators of teaching effectiveness (Component 4.2)
3. Satisfaction of employers and employment milestones (Component 4.3 | A.4.1)
4. Satisfaction of completers (Component 4.4 | A.4.2)
5. Graduation Rates (initial and advanced levels)
6. Ability of completers to meet licensing (certification) and any additional state requirements; Title II (initial and advanced levels)
7. Ability of completers to be hired in education positions for which they have prepared (initial and advanced levels)
8. Student loan default rates and other consumer information (initial and advanced levels)

 

South Dakota Department of Education

Certification Rules and Requirements

Educator Overview

Endorsement Requirements

South Dakota State-Designated Tests 

South Dakota Educator Certification Rules 

 

Certification questions may be directed to the Registrar’s Office. Program requirement questions may be directed to the School of Education Assessment Coordinator’s Office.  

High School Programs


Get a head start on your college degree at Northern!

  • High School Dual Credit
  • E-learning Center
  • Rising Scholars

See all high School Programs