High school apprentices praise Sioux Falls paraprofessional apprenticeship program

Students and school staff described how a paraprofessional apprenticeship housed in the Sioux Falls School District 49-5 gives high school students paid, in-classroom experience and a pathway to college credit.

A school staff member (Speaker 2) said the “para apprenticeship program is a program where, students can become apprentices, for a paraprofessional position” and that the program is “sponsored by Dakota State University” and the “South Dakota Department of Labor.” The speaker said the district partners with those organizations to “house the apprenticeship program, within our school district,” allowing students to practice skills in classrooms they already know.

Why it matters: the program combines classroom coursework with on-the-job experience for students considering education careers. Staff explained students enroll in a high school course to ensure they have time in their school day for apprenticeship duties, and apprentices follow standard employment procedures and payroll processes.

Students described daily tasks and benefits. One apprentice (Speaker 3) said, “I go to Pedigree every day, and I work with miss Peterson. I sit and I can grade. I can walk around to the students, and I help them work on their work,” adding that the role let them “experience what it's like to be a teacher before we actually became a teacher.” Another student (Speaker 4) said they regularly help with math and that seeing students smile “just makes me wanna come every day.”

Staff outlined administrative steps. A school staff member (Speaker 5) said apprentices “got to go through all of the employment process,” met with IPC, and “yes, they punch in and out every day like a hourly employee would in the Sioux Falls School District.” The staff member added that moving from a once-a-week practicum to daily presence lets apprentices “see that growth and the relationships” and be a steady support for an hour each day.

Students also noted practical benefits: one apprentice (Speaker 1) said the paid position fits around extracurricular activities and helps them save, while another (Speaker 6) said the work revealed how different grades learn in distinct ways and broadened their interest in education. Two students said they plan to pursue education at Northern State and the University of South Dakota, respectively.

Program logistics and limits: staff said apprentices can earn college credit as part of the program but did not specify the number of credits or the precise wage rates. Interested students must enroll in a high school course to secure time in their day for classroom work; employment paperwork and timekeeping follow district procedures.

Next steps: speakers presented the program as an operational partnership with higher-education and labor partners rather than a new policy vote. No formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcript.