South Dakota Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official South Dakota minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
5
Required Items
2
Optional/Recommended
$82
Daily Rate (avg)
South Dakota Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
Education Requirements
South Dakota requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or to be currently enrolled in a state-approved teacher preparation program. Candidates enrolled in a teacher prep program must have completed a minimum number of credit hours as determined by the state. Official transcripts or proof of enrollment must be submitted with the application.
Background Check
All substitute teacher applicants in South Dakota must pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting submitted to the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the FBI. Background check results are reviewed as part of the application process. Applicants with disqualifying criminal history will be denied a substitute teaching authorization.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in South Dakota must be at least 18 years of age. This requirement applies to all substitute teaching categories, including those for candidates currently enrolled in teacher preparation programs.
Application Process
Substitute teacher applications in South Dakota are typically processed at the district level. Candidates apply directly to the school district where they wish to substitute, submitting official transcripts or proof of enrollment, background check results, and any required forms. Some districts use online application systems, while others require paper applications.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
South Dakota issues substitute teaching authorizations that allow individuals to serve as substitute teachers in public school districts. The authorization process may be managed at the district level with oversight from the South Dakota Department of Education. Holders of a valid South Dakota teaching certificate do not need a separate substitute authorization.
Recommended / Optional
Training/Orientation
District-level training or orientation is commonly required for substitute teachers in South Dakota. Sessions typically cover school safety, classroom management, district policies, and expectations for substitute teachers. Training formats vary by district and may be offered in person or online.
References
School districts in South Dakota frequently require professional references as part of the substitute teacher application process. Typically two to three references are requested from individuals who can attest to the applicant's qualifications and suitability for working with students.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the South Dakota Department of Education - Certification.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in South Dakota
Complete the official government process
Satisfy South Dakota's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In South Dakota, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in South Dakota
$82
Avg Daily Rate
$27,000
Annual (regular subs)
High school diploma
Education Floor
Often No
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in South Dakota are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the South Dakota Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.