General
What is certification?
State approval to teach.
Permits
What is the difference between certification and permits?
Certification is the official state credential to teach. Student teaching permits are temporary authorizations connected to student teaching or teacher-of-record situations and do not replace full certification.
What are student teaching permits?
The Student Teaching Permit may allow a district-issued stipend. The Advanced Student Teaching Permit may allow a candidate to serve as instructor of record and receive payment, but it has additional requirements. You may apply for permits through the certification portal on the SD DOE website.
Do permits guarantee a job or payment?
No. Permits do not guarantee employment, payment, stipend, or a contracted position. District decisions determine whether compensation or employment is offered.
Application Process & Deadlines
How do I apply for certification?
Certification is issued by the South Dakota Department of Education after program completion and required application materials are submitted via the certification portal on the SD DOE website.
When should I submit my application for certification with the SD DOE?
It is recommended that you submit your application for certificaiton after you have completed your student teaching experience and passed the PLT. It is NOT recommended that you submit your application more than month before the end of the term and doing so does not in any way expedite your application. Certification sign-off cannot occur until after the DOE has recevied and validated your final transcript from NSU with you completed degree. It can take up to a month after the end of the term for the registrar's office to complete degree conferrance.
Why haven’t I received my teaching certificate yet?
Your application may still be under review by the DOE. Transcript validation is often the slowest step. Delays are common, especially during peak periods such as the end of each academic term.
Did I do something wrong if my certification isn’t processed yet?
Usually no as delays are often due to DOE processing timelines. Please log into the certification portal to check for messaages from the DOE or certification officer in case of missing or incomplete information.
Transcripts
How do I request an official transcript for my application for a Student Tecahing Permit or Advanced Student Teaching Permit with the DOE?
Complete a transcript request, DO NOT mark "Hold for Degree", here:
ics/records-and-registration/transcripts-and-diplomas">https://northern.edu/academics/records-and-registration/transcripts-and-diplomas
How do I request an official transcript for my application for teacher certification with the DOE?
Complete a transcript request, making sure to mark "Hold for Degree", here:
https://northern.edu/academics/records-and-registration/transcripts-and-diplomas">https://northern.edu/academics/records-and-registration/transcripts-and-diplomas
Out-of-State Licensure
What if I want to teach in another state?
Out-of-state licensure requirements vary by state and certification area. Candidates should review the requirements of the state where they plan to teach and consult the appropriate state certification office to access application materials.
If I am applying for licensure in another state, who completes forms for verifying preparation and field experiences?
The Director of Professional Preparation is the Certification Officer for NSU. Email forms to TEProfPrep@northern.edu