Substitute Teaching License & Requirements in South Dakota for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Are you considering becoming a substitute teacher in South Dakota and wondering what it takes to get started? Serving as a substitute teacher in the state offers a flexible, fulfilling way to support student learning and gain practical classroom experience. With school districts across South Dakota increasingly in need of dependable substitutes, it’s an ideal time to explore this pathway.

In this article, I will explain everything you need to know, from licensing criteria and application steps to salary expectations and more. My team and I have researched this topic extensively to provide you with accurate, up-to-date information.

Key Points About Becoming a Substitute Teacher in South Dakota

Applicants must hold a valid South Dakota teaching certificate or have completed at least 48 semester hours of college coursework to qualify for a substitute teaching license.
The job outlook is positive, with consistent demand due to teacher absences and rural district needs, offering flexible work opportunities across the state.
Average salaries range from $42,244 annually, making South Dakota a practical choice for entry-level educators seeking experience and supplemental income.

What are the requirements to become a substitute teacher in South Dakota?
What are the different types of substitute teaching permits in South Dakota?
How do substitute teachers renew their teaching permit in South Dakota?
How do substitute teachers receive assignments in South Dakota districts?
Can substitute teaching lead to a full-time teaching job in South Dakota?
How much do substitute teachers make in South Dakota?
What is the job outlook for substitute teachers in South Dakota?
What ethical standards do substitute teachers adhere to in South Dakota?
How do substitute teachers navigate legal protections and liability concerns in South Dakota?
What are the benefits received by substitute teachers in South Dakota?
What are the common challenges for substitute teachers in South Dakota?
What additional professional development opportunities are available for substitute teachers in South Dakota?
Other Things to Know About Substitute Teaching License and Requirements in South Dakota

What are the requirements to become a substitute teacher in South Dakota?

South Dakota operates a decentralized system where local school districts determine specific hiring criteria, making it important to consult with the district of interest. Below are the key educational and licensing requirements to become a substitute teacher in the state:

Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, which is the only statewide age criterion for substitute teaching positions.
Criminal Background Check: A thorough background screening, including fingerprinting by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI, is mandatory to ensure student safety.
Educational Credentials: Although the state does not mandate a minimum education level, most districts require a high school diploma, with some preferring candidates who hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Employment Eligibility: Candidates must provide valid proof of their legal right to work in the United States, consistent with public school hiring standards.
District Application Process: Each district manages its own application and onboarding process, which may include submitting references, paperwork, and interviews; acting promptly is advised due to ongoing teacher shortages.
Optional District Training: Some districts or agencies offer or require orientation sessions focusing on classroom management and district policies to better prepare substitutes.

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What are the different types of substitute teaching permits in South Dakota?

South Dakota offers several types of substitute teaching permits tailored to different qualifications and needs. Understanding these options can help prospective substitutes choose the right permit for their situation.

Short-Term Substitute Permit: Issued for substitutes working fewer than 45 consecutive days in the same classroom, this permit requires a minimum of 60 college credit hours but does not necessitate a full teaching license.
Long-Term Substitute Permit: Designed for those filling positions longer than 45 days, applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have completed a background check. This permit is valid for one year and can be renewed.
Emergency Substitute Permit: Available for individuals without college credits who meet specific local district requirements. This permit is temporary and typically contingent on district approval and additional training.
Standard Substitute License: For candidates who already possess a valid South Dakota teaching certificate, this license allows substitution without additional permits, streamlining the process for certified educators.

These flexible options show how South Dakota works to keep classrooms staffed. Yet, the image below reveals just how challenging it still is for schools to find enough substitute teachers nationwide.

how hard it is to find substitute teachers

How do substitute teachers renew their teaching permit in South Dakota?

The process for renewing a teaching permit is less formalized compared to full-time teacher certifications, but substitute teachers must still meet certain expectations to maintain their eligibility. Understanding the key steps can help ensure a smooth renewal aligned with South Dakota educator permit renewal requirements.

Understanding Current Requirements: Substitute teaching permits are often managed locally, with school districts setting specific renewal criteria such as background checks or documentation of continued service.
Professional Development: While not always mandatory, engaging in ongoing education through workshops or courses can enhance skills and support renewal efforts. Access to the ultimate quality online education courses can be a valuable resource for professional growth.
Maintaining Ethical Standards: Adherence to the South Dakota Code of Professional Ethics for Teachers remains crucial, ensuring substitute teachers uphold the integrity and professionalism expected in educational environments.
Background Checks: Keeping a valid and updated background check is commonly required by districts to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations.
District Communication: Since requirements can vary, staying in touch with local school districts for specific permit renewal instructions is advisable to avoid lapses in authorization.

How do substitute teachers receive assignments in South Dakota districts?

Substitute teachers in South Dakota navigate a well-defined but varied process to receive assignments, shaped by district-specific policies and technologies. Understanding these steps can help prospective substitutes prepare effectively and increase their chances of securing work across different districts.

District-Based Application and Approval: Prospective substitutes must apply directly to each school district, completing required forms and passing background checks. Documentation such as identification and proof of education is necessary for approval.
Centralized Substitute Lists: Once approved, substitutes are added to district-maintained lists reviewed regularly by building principals and approved by local Boards of Education, ensuring only qualified individuals are available for assignments.
Assignment Notification Technologies: Many districts, especially larger ones like Sioux Falls, use automated systems such as the SmartFind Express Management System (SEMS) to notify substitutes about available jobs via phone, email, or online portals for quick scheduling.
Priority and Preferred Substitute Systems: Some districts implement priority systems that give experienced or high-performing substitutes first access to assignments, supporting reliable coverage and continuity in classrooms.
Direct Principal Contact: In smaller or rural districts, principals often reach out directly to substitutes by phone or email, particularly when seeking coverage for specialized subjects or specific grade levels.
Regional Differences in Assignment Practices: Urban districts tend to rely on automated platforms, while rural districts favor manual systems and personal outreach, creating diverse experiences depending on the district’s size and resources.
Orientation and In-Service Training: New substitutes typically attend district orientation or training sessions to learn about health, safety, and classroom procedures before receiving assignments, ensuring readiness and compliance with district expectations.

Substitute teachers are not only employed by schools. The chart below shows that substitute teaching is overwhelmingly concentrated in the education sector.

Can substitute teaching lead to a full-time teaching job in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, substitute teaching can be a meaningful step toward securing a full-time teaching position. Although no statewide substitute certification is mandated, the role offers valuable experience that can improve chances of permanent employment amid the state’s teacher shortages.

Gain Classroom Experience: Serving as a substitute helps develop essential classroom management skills and familiarity with district routines, which many schools appreciate when hiring for full-time roles.
Build Professional Networks: Frequent substitutes often cultivate relationships with administrators and staff, whose positive feedback and recommendations can boost prospects for full-time teaching jobs.
Meet Certification Standards: Transitioning to a permanent teacher requires obtaining a valid South Dakota teaching certificate, a legal necessity for official instructional roles in public and accredited schools.
Apply for Full-Time Positions: Substitutes should actively monitor district job openings and apply, as districts frequently prefer candidates already acquainted with their environment and students.
Complete Hiring Procedures: New full-time teachers must undergo district-specific processes such as background checks and fingerprinting, even if previously completed as substitutes.
Achieve Continuing Contract Status: After a full school term as a certified teacher, individuals may earn continuing contract status, providing enhanced job security and benefits.

One substitute teacher from South Dakota shared his journey candidly. He described the initial uncertainty of juggling diverse classrooms daily and the challenge of proving himself without a permanent position. “Every day felt like an audition,” he said, emphasizing how building trust with staff was crucial.

Despite occasional frustrations with inconsistent schedules, he found that persistence paid off. When a full-time math teaching role opened, his familiarity with the school’s culture and students gave him an advantage. Reflecting on the process, he noted, “It wasn’t just about filling in; it was about showing I could contribute long-term.” His story illustrates how substitute teaching can be more than temporary work—it can be a strategic path toward a lasting educational career in South Dakota.

How much do substitute teachers make in South Dakota?

Substitute teacher salary in South Dakota varies based on several key factors, with an average hourly wage ranging from $20.31 to $23.69. Annually, substitute teachers can expect salaries averaging around $42,244, though some report base salaries closer to $28,140. Understanding the requirements and earning potential can help prospective substitutes make informed decisions about their career path.

Certification Requirements: Holding a full teaching certification or a certified substitute license generally leads to higher pay and more consistent assignments. Certified substitutes are often eligible for longer-term roles, increasing earning potential.
Assignment Length: Long-term placements usually offer higher daily or weekly pay compared to short-term or single-day assignments, reflecting the additional responsibilities involved.
District Policies: Pay scales vary by district, with some offering bonuses for high-demand subjects or hard-to-staff schools. Funding differences mean compensation can fluctuate significantly across regions.
Geographic Location: Urban areas like Sioux Falls and Rapid City typically provide higher wages due to greater demand, while rural districts may pay less but offer more frequent opportunities.
Salary Range: Substitute teachers in South Dakota earn between $19,000 and $69,000 annually, with most making between $31,000 and $50,000. Certified substitutes often earn between $34,108 and $45,623, reflecting their qualifications.

For those interested in enhancing their qualifications and understanding what is degree in education options that can lead to certification, explore the detailed guide at what is degree in education. Pursuing certification not only increases job opportunities but also aligns with higher pay scales in the South Dakota substitute teaching market.

What is the job outlook for substitute teachers in South Dakota?

The job outlook for substitute teachers in South Dakota reflects ongoing challenges in filling permanent teaching roles, which sustains a strong demand for qualified substitutes. Understanding the specific regional needs can help prospective substitutes target opportunities effectively while contributing to educational stability.

Rural Areas: Teacher shortages and high absentee rates are common in many rural communities, where attracting and retaining permanent staff is difficult. Although programs involving international teachers have been introduced, local substitutes remain essential to ensure consistent classroom coverage.
Sioux Falls and Rapid City: These urban centers report some of the highest substitute teacher demand, with Sioux Falls listing 37 vacancies and Rapid City 45 as of early 2025. The demand stems from ongoing teacher turnover and the need to fill gaps during recruitment processes.
Crow Creek Tribal School District: Located in a remote area with a limited hiring pool, this district relies heavily on substitutes to maintain educational continuity for its students, highlighting the broader challenges faced by remote and tribal schools.

For those exploring the job outlook for South Dakota teachers, substitute teaching offers a practical entry point with significant demand across diverse regions. Candidates interested in advancing their credentials might also consider pathways like the what is the cheapest online library science masters degree programs to enhance their qualifications and future opportunities.

What ethical standards do substitute teachers adhere to in South Dakota?

Substitute teachers in South Dakota are held to rigorous ethical standards designed to foster trust, safety, and professionalism within schools. These expectations align with state regulations and local district policies, ensuring that substitutes contribute positively to the educational environment while protecting student welfare.

Student Confidentiality: Substitute teachers must safeguard all student information, refraining from sharing academic or personal details outside professional settings, in line with the South Dakota Code of Ethics for Teachers.
Safe and Inclusive Environment: They are responsible for creating respectful classrooms that support equity and intervene promptly against bullying or discrimination to uphold a positive learning atmosphere.
Compliance with Policies: Adherence to all local and state rules is mandatory, including those related to safety, reporting obligations, and classroom management, as outlined by the South Dakota Department of Education and district-specific guidelines.
Conflict of Interest Avoidance: Substitutes must maintain impartiality by avoiding gifts or activities that could compromise their professional judgment or integrity.
Professional Conduct: Maintaining honesty, integrity, and appropriate relationships with students and staff is essential, reflecting the high standards set forth by state ethical codes.
Background Checks: Comprehensive criminal background screenings through state and federal agencies are required prior to employment to ensure student safety.
Mandatory Reporting: Substitute teachers are obligated to report any suspected abuse or unethical behavior among colleagues to prevent harm and uphold ethical accountability.
Ongoing Professional Development: Commitment to continual learning, including culturally relevant training and awareness programs, supports both personal growth and student well-being.
State-Specific Standards: South Dakota’s Administrative Rules and the Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission provide a unique framework for monitoring and enforcing these ethical responsibilities.

How do substitute teachers navigate legal protections and liability concerns in South Dakota?

Substitute teachers must be well-informed about the legal safeguards and liability provisions inherent to their roles. They need to understand district-specific policies regarding incident reporting, personal liability, and claims procedures. This includes recognizing the extent of protection afforded through employment contracts, professional liability insurance, and other legal mandates defined by state regulations. Awareness of these legal intricacies empowers substitutes to act decisively during emergencies and potential disputes. For further insights on securing your professional standing, check out how to become a substitute teacher in South Dakota.

What are the benefits received by substitute teachers in South Dakota?

Substitute teachers in South Dakota enjoy a variety of benefits and incentives designed to support and encourage qualified educators to fill temporary classroom roles. The following points outline the key benefits typically available, reflecting both state-level trends and local school district policies.

Flexible Scheduling: Substitute teaching offers considerable flexibility, allowing individuals to select assignments that fit their personal schedules. Systems like SmartFindExpress used in districts such as Sioux Falls enable substitutes to receive and accept job offers via text messages, enhancing convenience.
Weekly or Monthly Payment Options: Substitutes can choose to be paid weekly or monthly, helping with personal financial planning and cash flow management.
Professional Experience and Networking: Working as a substitute provides valuable classroom experience and opportunities to build connections within school communities, which can facilitate advancement to permanent teaching roles.
Classroom Support Roles: Some substitutes also serve as education assistants, earning hourly wages (e.g., $17.85/hour in Sioux Falls) with shifts typically lasting 4 to 7 hours, broadening their experience in educational support.
Access to Long-Term Assignments: Filling long-term vacancies not only offers higher pay but also experience akin to full-time teaching, which can enhance career prospects.
Local Control Over Additional Benefits: Some districts provide extra incentives such as professional development opportunities or eligibility for certain retirement and health benefit plans. These benefits vary by district and may include different pay rates for substitutes with advanced permits or student teacher status.

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What are the common challenges for substitute teachers in South Dakota?

Substitute teaching in South Dakota presents several distinct challenges that affect both the educators and the students they serve. The state’s ongoing shortage of substitute teachers has intensified pressures on school staff and complicated the delivery of consistent instruction.

Below are key difficulties commonly encountered by substitutes in this region, along with practical insights to help navigate these obstacles.

Substitute Shortage Impact: Severe shortages have led some districts to combine classes or temporarily close schools, which increases demands on substitutes and full-time teachers alike.
Unpredictable Scheduling: Assignments often come with little notice, making it hard for substitutes to maintain a steady income or plan their professional commitments.
Classroom Management Challenges: Working without established relationships or familiarity with school routines makes maintaining discipline and student engagement more difficult for substitutes.
Professional Status and Job Security: Restrictions based on performance concerns can be applied without clear communication, risking sudden job loss without proper recourse.
Low Pay and No Benefits: Despite recent pay increases in some districts, compensation remains modest and excludes benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, limiting financial stability.
Effect on Student Learning: Frequent changes in classroom leadership due to substitute turnover disrupt learning continuity and can negatively affect academic outcomes, especially in rural or underserved schools.

Besides these, there are also struggles substitute teachers face regarding their training. Based on the chart below, a significant portion of substitutes want more training to support students with disabilities, and in trauma-informed methods. With nearly 50% requesting help in teaching strategies and in classroom management, it’s clear that most substitutes are seeking foundational instructional skills.

What additional professional development opportunities are available for substitute teachers in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, substitute teachers can access targeted professional development programs designed to refine classroom management techniques, digital learning strategies, and specialized instructional practices. Many districts coordinate with local higher education institutions and professional bodies to offer skill-enhancing workshops and training sessions that directly respond to evolving educational demands. Engaging in these programs not only bolsters immediate instructional effectiveness but also advances long-term career trajectories. For further clarity on progressing credentials through advanced learning pathways, refer to our article on the different types of teaching certifications and requirements in South Dakota.

What Substitute Teachers in South Dakota Say About Their Careers

Working as a substitute teacher in South Dakota has given me incredible flexibility to balance my personal life with a rewarding career. The average daily pay is quite competitive, making it a practical choice for supplemental income without sacrificing time with my family. – Jenna
Starting as a substitute opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. South Dakota schools really support substitutes looking to advance, and I was able to transition into a full-time teaching role through their mentorship programs. It’s fulfilling to grow professionally while making a real difference in students' lives. – Erik
The professional development opportunities offered to substitute teachers here are outstanding. Attending workshops and training sessions has not only improved my teaching skills but also boosted my confidence in the classroom. South Dakota truly invests in our continuous growth. – Annie

Other Things to Know About Substitute Teaching License and Requirements in South Dakota

Is substitute teaching in South Dakota a good career option?

Becoming a substitute teacher in South Dakota offers a practical entry point into the education field, providing flexibility and valuable classroom experience. This role is well-suited for individuals seeking part-time work or a stepping stone toward a full teaching license. South Dakota’s rural and small-town schools often rely heavily on substitutes, creating consistent demand and opportunities across the state. Additionally, substitute teaching allows for exposure to diverse educational settings.

Can substitute teachers work in special education classrooms in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, substitute teachers can work in special education classrooms; however, they must meet specific qualifications to do so effectively and legally. They are assigned to special education settings and should have appropriate training or experience related to special education to ensure they can support the unique needs of students with disabilities. Many school districts require substitutes working in these classrooms to demonstrate knowledge of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and behavior management techniques.

Can you substitute teach at multiple school types in South Dakota with one permit?

In South Dakota, substitute teachers cannot use a single permit to teach across multiple school types, such as public, private, and tribal schools. Each type of school system operates under different regulatory bodies and licensing requirements, which means a substitute permit issued for one category is not automatically valid in another. Substitute teachers must obtain the proper authorization or permits designated for each school type where they intend to work.

How do substitute teachers in South Dakota handle student behavior issues?

When handling student behavior issues, substitutes are generally expected to follow the established classroom management plans and disciplinary policies set by the school or district. They can use verbal warnings, redirect students’ attention, and apply non-punitive classroom management techniques to encourage proper behavior.

However, substitutes have limited authority compared to permanent teachers—they typically cannot assign formal detentions, suspensions, or other significant disciplinary actions without consulting school administrators. According to the South Dakota Department of Education, substitutes should immediately report serious behavior incidents to the school’s principal or designated staff to ensure appropriate follow-up.

References:

Comeet. (n.d.). Substitute teachers salary in SD, US. https://www.comeet.com/resources/jobs/substitute-teachers/sd

Education Colleges. (n.d.). Substitute teaching in South Dakota, SD. https://www.education-colleges.com/-dakota-substitute-teaching/

Kelly Education. (n.d.). Safety - performance - impact: Training qualified substitute teachers. https://www.kellyeducation.com/news-and-insights/safety-performance-impact-training-qualified-substitute-teachers/

Swing Education. (n.d.). How to manage disruptive behavior as a substitute teacher. https://swingeducation.com/sub-success-resource-center/how-to-manage-disruptive-behavior-as-a-substitute-teacher/

Teaching Certification. (n.d.). South Dakota substitute teaching license | Substitute teaching certification in SD. https://teaching-certification.com/teaching/south-dakota-substitute-license/