South Dakota
How to Apply

How to Apply to Be a Substitute Teacher in South Dakota

South Dakota substitute teacher how to apply. Apply Through: SD DOE and individual school districts. Credential Required: Substitute Teaching Certificate.

SD DOE and individual school districts

Apply Through

Substitute Teaching Certificate

Credential Required

$43

Background Check Cost

1-3 weeks

Processing Time

Sioux Falls School District

Largest District

South Dakota: How to Apply

South Dakota how to apply: SD DOE and individual school districts (Apply Through); Substitute Teaching Certificate (Credential Required); $43 (Background Check Cost); 1-3 weeks (Processing Time); Sioux Falls School District (Largest District). Larger cities in this guide: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown. Sioux Falls is the largest listed city, population 192,517, out of 12 cities on file. Example districts: Sioux Falls School District, Rapid City Area Schools, Watertown School District, Aberdeen School District. Notes specific to this South Dakota page: bachelor's degree or substitute teaching permit; driver's license or passport; if required by your target district; transcripts, background check results; processing times vary; many districts in South Dakota use Frontline/AESOP, SmartFind Express, or similar platforms. South Dakota state record: a separate substitute license is not required in this record; a background check is required. Cost-of-living index 92. Region: midwest.

South Dakota Requirements Snapshot

Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.

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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.

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.

Practical skills training only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by South Dakota state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.

Succeed as a Substitute in South Dakota

Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.

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 does not issue substitute teaching authorization, credentials, or employment. All decisions rest solely with state education authorities, provincial ministries, and local school districts.