South Dakota State Library Services

There are a few routes allowing one to serve as an endorsed school librarian in South Dakota:

THROUGH TRADITIONAL ENDORSEMENT

Individuals who hold a teaching degree/certification in South Dakota can add a School Library Science endorsement to their teaching certificate in one of two ways:

1.  via Coursework

• Minor/endorsement from an accredited university (ExCITE! coursework may apply)
• Emporia State (hybrid, endorsement, and Masters)
• View more opportunities to expand your education in library science.

 
2.  via Library Media Praxis Test

• ​SD Department of Education Certification > State Designated Tests

THROUGH EDUCATOR PERMIT ONLY

Individuals who do not hold a teaching degree/certificate in South Dakota but who hold a Master's Degree or higher in Library Science may obtain an Educator Permit ONLY to serve as the paid elementary and/or secondary school librarian.

• Library Science Educator Permit (a note on state-designated test requirements: 5623 Praxis Pedagogy Principle of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5-9 is the required pedagogy test and 5311 Praxis Content Library Media Specialist is the required content test). 
• TIP SHEET - Educator Permit ONLY Initial Application 
• Renewal Requirement for Educator Permit ONLY

Ask a Question

Contact Scottie Bruch, School Library Coordinator | 605-295-3152 (direct) | SD State Library