Experience
This Is Where the Magic Happens
Our Experience
focus is about helping students take the next step.
After exploring college campuses, learning about education programs, and connecting with other students who share their passion for teaching, members are ready to step into the classroom and experience the profession for themselves.
These experiences are where the magic happens. Students move from thinking, “Teaching might be for me,”
to actually working alongside educators, building relationships with students, and beginning to see themselves as future teachers.
Educators Rising South Dakota offers member schools two incredible pathways
to make that happen:
Teacher Assistant Program | Grades 9–12
Students complete at least 30 hours alongside a mentor educator, gain hands-on classroom experience, build a portfolio of their learning, and are eligible for a $500 stipend
after successfully completing the program requirements.
High School Para-Apprenticeship | Grades 11–12
Juniors and seniors can take their experience even further by working in their school district for up to five hours each week
while earning up to 12 dual credits that apply toward their education degree.
Explore the profession. Experience the classroom. See yourself as an educator.
Teacher Assistant Program
Teacher Assistant ProgramThe
Educators Rising South Dakota Teacher Assistant Program
gives high school students the opportunity to move beyond learning
about
teaching and experience what it is actually like to be part of a classroom.
Students are paired with a mentor educator and complete a minimum of
30 hours of hands-on classroom experience.
During their time in the classroom, students may support small groups, assist with classroom activities, work alongside students, observe instructional practices, and even plan and teach a mini-lesson.
Throughout the experience, Teacher Assistants create a portfolio documenting their learning, including reflections, instructional support examples, a teacher interview, a mini-lesson, and an end-of-experience reflection.
Learn. Serve. Experience Teaching.
HS Para- Apprenticeship
High School Para-ApprenticeshipThe
High School Para-Apprenticeship
gives students interested in education the opportunity to begin their career journey
while they are still in high school.
Through this pathway, students can earn
up to 12 dual credits that apply directly toward their education degree
while also gaining real-world experience working in their local school district. Students can work
up to five hours each week
alongside educators and students, giving them an authentic look at what it means to work in education.
Instead of waiting until college to begin preparing for a career in teaching, students can start building their college credits, professional skills, and classroom experience
before they graduate from high school.
Start Your Education Career NowThe Para-Apprenticeship helps students connect what they are learning in college coursework with what is happening in classrooms every day. It is an opportunity to
earn college credit, gain paid work experience, learn from educators, and take an early step toward an education degree.
Earn Credits. Gain Experience. Start Your Career.
