South Dakota

South Dakota Candidate Financial Support

South Dakota is pleased to announce that funding is available to help offset the cost of the assessment fee. This funding is made possible through a Federal Subsidy grant from the United States Department of Education. Please read the information below for specific details, deadlines, and contact information.

Funding Available - First-Time Candidates State Funding
The South Dakota Department of Education will fully reimburse teachers who successfully achieve National Board Certification for any fees paid to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards less any subsidies/scholarships awarded.  Additional fees incurred for retakes will also be reimbursed.

Funding Available - First-Time Candidates Federal Funding
The South Dakota Department of Education will utilize NBPTS Candidate Subsidy funds to support candidates with awards ranging from $500 to $1000 depending on funds available. The candidates are responsible for the balance of the application fee and must meet NBPTS eligibility guidelines. Deadline to apply: October 31, 2008

Funding Available Retake Candidates
If candidate subsidy funds are available, eligible retake candidates who have not previously received federal subsidy funding, may receive subsidy funds for up to two retake entries/exercises.

Several organizations provide scholarship support to candidates pursuing National Board Certification. For more information, visit the Scholarship page.

• South Dakota Codified Law 13-42-26 states that a teacher who teaches in a public school and who has obtained certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards shall receive a payment of two thousand dollars per year for five years. The stipend shall be paid as follows:

1. $1,000 from the Department of Education
2. $1,000 from the school district where the teacher is employed.

• In 2006, the Legislature amended the law to read that:

“If the school district allows, the stipend for NBCTs can be extended beyond the five year limitation.  Once the first five years is complete, the school district that employs the teacher may opt to continue payments during the period of the next five years. If, during that period, the school district pays the teacher a stipend, the Department of Education shall also pay the teacher a stipend equal to the amount offered by the school district, up to a maximum of one thousand dollars. However, the department is not required to pay a teacher a stipend pursuant to this section during years six to ten unless the school district employing the teacher opts to pay a stipend.”

• The state of South Dakota has signed the 2005-2010 NASDTEC Interstate Contract and will award a 10-year certificate for $50.00 to any person who has obtained National Board Certification in an area corresponding to that for which certification is sought, provided the applicant also holds a comparable and valid certificate issued by any Member state and has complied with any requirements of the receiving state regarding experience, degrees held, citizenship, and moral, ethical, physical, and mental fitness, and completion of any post-baccalaureate study required by the receiving Member.

Please click here for a list of school districts in this state that offer support and/or incentives for candidates and National Board Certified Teachers.  It is possible that your school district or local businesses offers support not included in the above link.   Check with your school, your school district’s Web site or your state program administrator for more information.

If you are aware of local incentives supporting National Board Certification in your school district please Contact Us.  Include complete contact details so that we can reach you to verify the information.