Teacher Pathway

The Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development (RPED) program is a $2.2 million federal grant initiative addressing the teacher shortage in rural South Dakota. This partnership between the University of South Dakota School of Education, Compass/Black Hills Special Services, and rural school districts creates clear pathways from high school through college and into teaching careers. The program is comprised of two subprograms: the teacher pathway program and teacher fellows program. The Teacher pathway is the focus of this landing page. 

• Teacher Pathway Program - High School Component: Career exploration through three no-cost dual-enrollment courses for secondary students. 
• Teacher Fellows Program - College Component: Continued support, mentorship, and apprenticeships after entering college

In partnership with the University of South Dakota, further information on the USD Teacher Pathway program can be found on their website page.

Board Members, Admin, and Teachers

Start by reaching out to us through the contact information below or at BLicht@bhssc.org 

1. For Board Members - Champion this zero-cost opportunity for your district. Review our Administrator Implementation Guide, then bring this to your next board meeting. The federal grant covers all expenses while building your future teacher pipeline.
2. For Administrators - Ready to implement? Contact our team for a no-obligation consultation. We'll walk you through the simple setup process, minimal time requirements (2-3 hours/month), and ongoing support we provide.
3. For Teachers - Become a field experience mentor! Share your expertise with the next generation while gaining recognition for your professional leadership. Flexible scheduling works around your classroom responsibilities.

Steps for Students

1. Check Your School - Look for your school in the list below. If you see it, you're all set! If not, don't worry - we're adding new schools all the time. Ask your counselor to contact us about joining.
2. Meet with Your Counselor - Schedule a quick meeting with your guidance counselor. They'll help you understand how these courses fit with your graduation plan and assist with the registration process. Bring any questions you have!
3. Register Online at Both USD and the BHSSC Canvas Course - Complete the simple online registration with USD (USD.edu/dualcredit) AND for the BHSSC Canvas course (links above) before the semester due date. We'll walk you through each step, and help is always available if you get stuck. Your parent/guardian will need to complete a quick section too. If you miss the registration date for USD, you can still enroll in the Canvas course, complete materials, and then enroll for credit the following semester.
4. Start Learning - Access your courses online through our Canvas platform on any device. Work at your own pace with weekly deadlines. All materials are provided, and you can download content to work offline if needed. While material is self-paced, all items still must be turned in by the completion of the semester.
5. Gain Real Experience - Spend time in local schools and educational programs as part of your coursework. You'll observe teachers, help with activities, and earn $16/hour for your time. Additional information on field experience is listed in the Canvas course.

Participating Schools

• Hill City
• Hot Springs
• Rapid City Area School District

Not here yet? Have your school reach out to us today!