Black Hills State University’s College of Education is hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) beginning April 2nd. Interested parties are invited to submit third-party comments to the evaluation team. Please note that comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the party's relationship to the provider (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates).
We invite you to submit written testimony to:
CAEP
1140 19th Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Or by email to: callforcomments@caepnet.org
Such comments must be within the specified period and based on the core tenets of CAEP accreditation standards of excellence, which recognize that:
In CAEP's performance-based system, accreditation is based on evidence that demonstrates that teacher candidates know the subject matter and can teach it effectively so that students learn. In the CAEP system, EPPs must prove that candidates can connect theory to practice and be effective in an actual P-12 classroom.
A professional education provider that is accredited by CAEP is expected to be involved in ongoing planning and evaluation; engaged in continuous assessment and development; ensure that faculty and programs reflect new knowledge, practice, and technologies; and be involved in continuous development in response to the evolving world of education and educational reform.
Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of professional education programs offered, and should specify the respondent's relationship, if any, to the institution (i.e., graduate, present or former faculty member, employer of graduates). Copies of all correspondence received will be sent to the university for comment prior to the review.
Organizational Membership Websites
CAEP - Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Educator Preparation Program (EPP) Standards
(CAEP) Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
(INTASC) Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium
(NBPTS) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Program Standards
Specialized Professional Associations (SPAs)
National Standards for Initial Physical Education Teacher Education (2017)
Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE)
South Dakota Content Standards
International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Students
Standards:
CAEP: Standards for Initial Programs 2022
CAEP: Standards for Advanced Programs 2022
Performance Measures:
2025 Performance Measures
2024 Performance Measures
2023 Performance Measures
2022 Performance Measures
Annual Reports:
2025 EPP Annual Report
2024 EPP Annual Report
2023 EPP Annual Report
2022 EPP Annual Report
Related Documents:
CAEP Notification of Full Accreditation
CAEP Full Accreditation Action Report
2018 ITP Accreditation Site Visit
Black Hills State University can only enroll students “located” in states/territories where it has been determined that the program meets the requirements. If you are in a state that does not meet requirements or has not yet been determined, you will not be able to be admitted into the program.
You can review the states that have been determined to meet the requirements of your state below.
State Licensure Status for BHSU Teacher Certification Program (2025-2026)
| State | Licensure Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Not Determined |
| Alaska | Not Determined |
| Arizona | Meets Requirements |
| Arkansas | Meets Requirements* |
| Connecticut | Not Determined |
| Colorado | Meets Requirements* |
| Delaware | Not Determined |
| District of Columbia (DC) | Meets Requirements* |
| Florida | Meets Requirements* |
| Georgia | Meets Requirements |
| Guam | Not Determined |
| Hawaii | Meets Requirements |
| Idaho | Meets Requirements |
| Illinois | Meets Requirements* |
| Indiana | Meets Requirements* |
| Iowa | Not Determined |
| Kansas | Meets Requirements* |
| Kentucky | Meets Requirements |
| Louisiana | Meets Requirements* |
| Maine | Meets Requirements* |
| Maryland | Meets Requirements* |
| Massachusetts | Meets Requirements* |
| Michigan | Meets Requirements* |
| Minnesota | Meets Requirements* |
| Mississippi | Meets Requirements |
| Missouri | Meets Requirements |
| Montana | Meets Requirements* |
| Nebraska | Meets Requirements* |
| Nevada | Meets Requirements |
| New Hampshire | Meets Requirements |
| New Jersey | Meets Requirements* |
| New Mexico | Meets Requirements* |
| New York | Meets Requirements* |
| North Carolina | Meets Requirements* |
| North Dakota | Meets Requirements* |
| Northern Mariana Islands | Not Determined |
| Ohio | Meets Requirements |
| Oregon | Meets Requirements* |
| Puerto Rico | Not Determined |
| Pennsylvania | Meets Requirements* |
| Rhode Island | Meets Requirements* |
| South Carolina | Meets Requirements* |
| Tennessee | Meets Requirements* |
| Texas | Meets Requirements* |
| Utah | Meets Requirements* |
| Virginia | Meets Requirements* |
| Vermont | Not Determined |
| Washington | Meets Requirements* |
| West Virginia | Meets Requirements* |
| Wisconsin | Meets Requirements* |
| Wyoming | Meets Requirements* |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Not Determined |
Professional Licensure Form Links and Instructions
This form must be completed prior to enrolling the student in a teacher preparation program. To complete the required Professional Licensure Location form, use the links below and follow the directions.
Current students will complete this form using their university-provided credentials.
**This form also must be completed prior to a change of major processing in Banner.
Undergraduate transfer students will use this form.
The student will need to create an account using their personal email address and desired password if they have not already created an account.
Master students will use this form.
The student will need to create an account using their personal email address and desired password if they have not already created an account.
- Select the BBSED. ________BHSU _________________ (BSED)
- Select the major that you are completing
|
TEACHING MAJORS |
BHSU Program Code |
|
ART EDUCATION |
BBSED.ART |
|
BIOLOGY EDUCATION |
BBSED.BIO |
|
COMPOSITE EARLY CHILD/SPECIAL EDUCATION |
BBSED.ECS |
|
COMPOSITE SCIENCE EDUCATION |
BBSED.SCC |
|
COMPOSITE SOCIAL SCIENCE |
BBSED.SSC |
|
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION |
BBSED.ELE |
|
ENGLISH EDUCATION |
BBSED.ENG |
|
HISTORY EDUCATION |
BBSED.HST |
|
MATHEMATICS EDUCATION |
BBSED.MTH |
|
MUSIC EDUCATION |
BBSED.MUE |
|
PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
BBSED.PE |
|
SPEECH COMMUNICATION EDUCATION |
BBSED.SCM |
|
SPECIAL EDUCATION |
BBSED.SPE |
|
SPANISH EDUCATION |
BBSED.SPN |
|
SPECIAL EDUCATION (MAT/SPED MASTERS) |
BMS.MAT |
|
SECONDARY EDUCATION (PROJECT SECOND MASTERS) |
BMS.SED |
3. Select the semester you will start the program.
4. Select what state you will be / desire to teach in when you complete the program.
5. Electronically sign and then this will come directly to Field Office.
Licensure Attestation Forms
Professional Licensure Attestation (Continuing)
Students will complete this form using their university-provided credentials.
Professional Licensure Attestation (Graduate/Transfers)
Students will complete this form using their university-provided credentials.
INITIAL CERTIFICATION: To graduate from BHSU and be licensed to teach in South Dakota students must pass the Praxis Content Knowledge Exam which is taken prior to beginning student teaching. This exam measures the student’s knowledge of content (what disciplines he/she will teach). The Praxis PLT exam is taken at the beginning of student teaching. This exam assesses the student’s knowledge of methods (how to teach).
- Praxis Content Knowledge Exam
- When it's taken: Before student teaching begins
- Purpose: Assesses your understanding of the subject matter you plan to teach (e.g., math, science, English).
- Requirement: Must be passed to start student teaching.
- Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Exam
- When it's taken: At the beginning of student teaching
- Purpose: Evaluates your knowledge of teaching methods, classroom management, and instructional strategies.
- Requirement: Must be passed for licensure after graduation.
Both tests will be taken on the ETS PRAXIS website. Students must pass any content area exam for which they want to be licensed in South Dakota as per the guidelines for certification. Study guides are available on the ETS PRAXIS website. Over 90% of our students pass the exams on the first try because they study, take it seriously, and take advantage of study guides.
Assistance will be provided to candidates regarding the out-of-state requirements for licensure prior to enrollment in the Black Hills State University program.
Please contact:
Director of Field Experiences and University Certification Officer
Mrs. Jami Kesling
Email: TeacherEducationCertification@bhsu.edu
Phone: 605.642.6077
South Dakota Department of Education - Educator Certification
INITIAL CERTIFICATION
Educators who have never held a South Dakota teaching certificate must complete the online initial application. Initial certification requires verification from an accredited university that the candidate has completed an approved education program.
North Dakota - Education Standards and Practice Board)
Have you ever held a North Dakota teaching certificate or license?
No, but I have a certificate or license from another state.
North Dakota has limited reciprocity with other states. All out-of-state applicants submit transcripts for review by the same criteria as ND applicants. You will need to apply and provide official copies of transcripts from all the institutions of higher education you have attended. There is a $30 fee to receive the application packet and a $175 non-refundable fee for the transcript review process. Those meeting the full North Dakota requirements will be issued a 2-year initial license which has a fee of $70. See information on Initial Licensure. Those who meet the minimum reciprocity requirements and submit a satisfactory plan for completing the remaining ND requirements will be issued a 2-year interim reciprocal license which has a fee of $70. See information on Interim Reciprocal Licensure.
Wyoming - Professional Teaching Standards Board
You will need an Institution Recommendation
- It comes to the Office of Field Experiences
- The Director of Field Experiences fills it out and mail it back to you
- You mail it to the PTSB office
Wyoming certifies elementary teachers K-6; K-12 SPED are SPED Generalist
PRAXIS tests approved in SD qualify for Wyoming
License effective date (validity dates): For applicants who may be concerned about the “effective” date of their license or
permit, please be assured that the effective date of your license will be the date
your complete application was received by our office. Example: If your complete
application was received 02/08/2012, but it takes five weeks for the license to be
issued, the effective date of your license will be 02/08/2012, not the day it is issued.
This is another reason that it is crucial for you to ensure you have carefully read
the application instructions and have submitted a complete application packet that includes all required documentation.
Minnesota Department of Education
Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exam (MTLE)
- All candidates for Minnesota teaching licensure are required to pass a series of Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE).
- The test is also called BASIC SKILLS
NOTE TO PROSPECTIVE TEACHER CANDIDATES: Each state is responsible for its own certification/licensure requirements, which may change without notice to NASDTEC or to BHSU's certification office. You must contact the office of certification in any state to which you may be relocating to get the most accurate information on certification requirements.
NASDTEC has a map link that will help you determine the educator certification requirements
for each state. One important note is that reciprocity is always easier if you complete
the certification requirements and obtain your teaching credential in the state where
you completed your program requirements.
NOTE: All information is provided by the jurisdiction. BHSU and NASDTEC do not assume any
responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided. Questions should be submitted
to the jurisdiction. Here is a link to the MAP that provides information for each jurisdiction. State requirements are subject to
change without notice to the university. Check the state agency (linked) website for
additional information.
*States will possibly need extra coursework or exams, not necessarily right away for an initial license. Review the Professional Licensure tab for more information on each state.
For more information:
University Certification Officer
Mrs. Jami Kesling
Email: TeacherEducationCertification@bhsu.edu
Phone: 605.642.6077
After Initial Certification
- Educator 411 allows you and your employer to access your certificate information, including highly qualified teaching assignments.
- Additional certification information is available online:
- Renewal Information
- Code of Ethics
- Professional development opportunities:
Teacher Recertification and Endorsements
Black Hills State University offers a variety of options for teachers looking for recertification credits or adding additional endorsements to current teaching certificates. Coursework is designed for individuals who have completed a teaching content area from accredited colleges or universities.
Black Hills State University follows certification rules established by the South Dakota Department of Education. For more information about certification renewal requirements and adding an endorsement, see the South Dakota Department of Education Certification: Information for Teachers website.
Frequently requested endorsements include, but are not limited to:
- Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement
- K-12 Special Education Endorsement
- Kindergarten Endorsement
- Additional endorsements available upon analysis of transcripts request
Start Recertification Application
This application is to be completed by teachers seeking to take classes at BHSU for recertification purposes or for adding an endorsement to a current teaching certificate. This is classified as a non-degree-seeking application. Classes can be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level. There is no fee for non-degree-seeking applications.
College transcripts and Teaching Certificates are required. Please email copies of transcripts and teaching certificates to TeacherEducationCertification@bhsu.edu.