NSU logo next to photo of smiling female student

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Abby Woytassek Nelson always intended to pursue teaching, and Northern State University’s Educational Studies Secondary Education program provided the perfect opportunity.

The new program is specifically designed for students like Nelson – candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue certification to teach in South Dakota while also earning a master’s degree.

“As someone with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, I was attracted to the program because it seemed like a perfect fit for my situation,” said Nelson.

And she’s not alone.

“There are many other people in the same boat as I am with wanting to teach but not having a degree in education, and this is really the perfect way to accomplish two goals on one simplified track,” Nelson said.

Along with providing that opportunity for students, the program also addresses the shortage of secondary teachers. This shortage is not only a national issue, but also a critical South Dakota issue – an emergency in some school districts, said Dr. Anna Schwan.

“The teacher shortage across the United States is real, and as a committed teacher preparation institution, Northern’s Millicent Atkins School of Education has to do what we can to help,” said Schwan, NSU assistant professor of education. “The beauty of this M.S.Ed. program is that we can give amazing people who are caring and passionate the opportunity to become dedicated teachers and mentors. Graduate students in our program will receive personalized guidance and meaningful feedback as they prepare for the real world of teaching after graduation.”

Students are able to complete the 33-credit program in two years or less. All classes are offered online, and some can be taken on Northern’s campus. The curriculum for the secondary education track is an approved teacher preparation program for teaching in the state of South Dakota and provides good preparation for teaching elsewhere in the United States.

“One of the most important benefits I see from this program is that it will thoroughly prepare me to become a more effective educator for my future students. Additionally, my degree will also provide me with more professional opportunities as I enter the field of education,” Nelson said. “I truly feel that the curriculum is designed to help me become the most effective teacher I can be by giving me the tools to develop constructive curriculum, utilize assessment, and build up a positive and engaging learning environment for all students.”

For more information or to apply, visit NSU Educational Studies Secondary Education, or contact Schwan at anna.schwan@northern.edu.

About Northern State University  

Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and, soon, an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $120 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.