Kaleen Healey

Leaders from South Dakota gathered in the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre on May 21 to celebrate Kandy Flowers, the first graduate of the South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (SD TAP). Launched as a pilot in summer 2023, SD TAP is tackling South Dakota's growing teacher shortage by offering paraprofessionals a chance to earn their bachelor's degree online, with most costs covered, all while continuing to work in South Dakota schools.

As part of the Partnership for Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline in South Dakota to Alleviate Teacher Shortages, REL Central is collaborating with the South Dakota Department of Education and other organizations in the state to support their use of research evidence and data as they design, implement, and refine a new teacher apprenticeship program over time.