All pre-professional and certified
teachers are held responsible for the health, safety, and learning
environment for each child under their supervision. The district
personnel are primarily responsible for the student's welfare; however,
a student teacher may find himself/herself having the sole
responsibility on playgrounds or in the classroom. Legal action could
be taken against a student teacher if he/she behaves in a manner not
consistent with one’s level of knowledge.
The School of Education highly encourages
student teachers to familiarize themselves with district policies
concerning students, certified personnel, and liability coverage.
In addition, student teachers are
required to show proof of having liability insurance at the time of the
student teaching interview. A liability policy may be purchased from a
local insurance agency or through the Northern State University
Student-South Dakota Education Association. This policy, which is
endorsed by the National Education Association and the South Dakota
Education Association, provides one million dollars of liability
insurance. Membership forms and fees are coordinated by the advisor of
the Student South Dakota Education Association.