Watertown’s Lake Area Technical College, Northern State University Partner on South Dakota CTE Teacher Pathway
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Lake Area Technical College and Northern State University formalized a new partnership Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, establishing a degree pathway for technical college graduates and industry professionals to become career and technical education (CTE) teachers in South Dakota middle and high schools.
Administrators from both institutions met at Lake Area Technical College's Watertown campus to recognize the articulation agreement. The program combines industry-focused technical training from Lake Area Technical College with teacher-preparation coursework from Northern State University to meet South Dakota's demand for educators trained to prepare students for skilled and technical careers.
Graduates who complete the pathway will earn a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Northern State University.
Qualifying Technical Programs and Flexible Learning
The articulation agreement applies to students finishing technical degree programs and established industry professionals looking to transition into classroom instruction.
Qualifying technical fields include:
· Agriculture
· Automotive and diesel technology
· Building trades technology
· Business
· Cybersecurity
· Energy
· Financial services
· Nursing
· Social work
· Welding technology
To support working professionals and students balancing employment and family commitments, Northern State University offers the required teacher preparation coursework online, HyFlex, and on campus.
Effective fall 2026, the partnership will also establish ongoing coordination between the two schools on academic advising, student recruitment, and curriculum alignment to guide students through degree and transfer requirements.
Institutional Leaders Highlight Workforce and Classroom Impact
Lake Area Technical College President Tiffany Sanderson said the agreement helps connect middle and high school students with career opportunities in local communities.
"South Dakota's future is in our middle and high schools today. We have incredible opportunities for rewarding, well-paying careers in our communities. Great CTE teachers connect the two," Sanderson said. "This partnership creates a new pathway for people with industry experience to become those teachers, inspiring the next generation to build their futures and strengthen our state."
Northern State University President Dr. Alan LaFave said combining the strengths of both institutions creates a practical route to bring real-world technical expertise into South Dakota classrooms.
"At Northern State University, we recognize that strong career and technical education programs begin with great teachers. This partnership with Lake Area Technical College brings together the strengths of both institutions and creates a practical pathway for individuals with valuable technical skills and industry experience to bring that expertise into South Dakota classrooms," LaFave said. "By working together, we are expanding opportunities for future educators, strengthening our schools and investing in the communities and workforce that will shape South Dakota's future."
About the Institutions
Founded in 1965 in Watertown, Lake Area Technical College offers technical education in more than 30 fields of study—including health care, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, transportation, energy, aviation, public safety, information technology, and business—and has received the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. More information is available at lakeareatech.edu.
Located in Aberdeen, Northern State University offers accredited academic programs in the arts and sciences, business, education and counseling, and fine arts, and competes in 15 NCAA Division II varsity sports in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). More information is available at northern.edu.
