WATERTOWN, S.D. (KXLG)-

Lake Area Technical College and Northern State University have announced a new articulation agreement establishing a seamless educational pathway for technical college graduates and industry professionals seeking to become Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers in South Dakota. Under the agreement, eligible Lake Area Tech graduates can transfer up to 90 credits toward Northern State University’s 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Education in Career and Technical Education. LATC President Tiffany Sanderson says there are two areas that she is passionate about; great opportunities for students’ futures, and quality education, and this partnership combines both of those passions. She added that many would be surprised that there is no pathway in South Dakota for many teachers to become certified as CTE teachers.

She said that many schools would like to have strong CTE programs in their schools, but the lack of teachers makes hiring difficult. This agreement with Northern State will help to rectify that situation. Sanderson says when she had the idea for the agreement, she reached out to Dr Anna Schwan, Dean of the School of Education at Northern.

Dr. Sanderson says the partnership applies to 26 Lake Area Tech programs, providing more opportunities for South Dakota youth.

Dr. Alan LaFave, President at Northern State says the partnership will allow students to pursue opportunities in their fields.

Dr. Anna Schwan says that CTE teachers are needed across the state. This partnership makes sense as it will help prepare qualified teachers in a variety of areas.

Dr. Schwan says there are three different pathways available for tech school graduates to become teachers.

The third pathway is for students who plan to be CTE teachers from the start of their education and complete the pathway from start to finish.