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Reach Out And Teach

The GoTeach South Dakota program is a federally funded Teacher Quality Partnership grant. The program aims to increase student achievement by developing quality teachers for South Dakota’s high-need rural areas. Grant schools qualify based on poverty levels and teacher need.  For a list of qualifying school districts, click here.

 

As part of the GoTeach experience, participating students will be enrolled in a specific track of the USD School of Education. This track offers all the benefits of the education program, as well as unique course work and experiences that address the diverse needs of rural education.

 

Upon graduation, GoTeach teachers will take jobs in rural South Dakota communities where they will use their specialized courses, experiences and mentoring to enhance the lives of K-12 students. For more detailed information about the USD School of Education program, click here.

 

Elements of the GoTeachSD program:

  • Identify:  Some people have a passion for teaching in a rural setting.  GoTeachSD will identify those students and enroll them in the program.
  • Prepare: Teaching in a rural school is different than teaching in an urban setting.  As a part of the program, students will receive special social/cultural training that will better prepare them for teaching in the rural setting.
  • Support:  Research tells us that first-year teachers are more successful when they receive the support of a mentor. GoTeachSD participants will receive the support of a mentor during their undergraduate field experiences as well during their first two years of employment following graduation.
  • Recruit:  Schools often go it alone when attempting to attract and retain teachers. The GoTeachSD program will provide support in the recruitment and retention process to interested communities.
  • Train:  Training will be provided to GoTeachSD participants and mentor teachers.  Educators in participating schools will be provided access to this same training.