Local schoolchildren are not the only ones hitting the books this fall. Britton-Hecla paraprofessional Michelle Krutsinger has started classes through the state’s Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (TAP) program, a big step toward her goal of becoming a certified teacher.
“I remember playing school as a kid,” Krutsinger said. “Helping others has always been a passion of mine. I went the nursing route for a while, but I’ve found that this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Krutsinger, a 2010 Britton-Hecla graduate, first earned her LPN from Sisseton Wahpeton in 2012 and spent nearly a decade working at Wheatcrest Hills before making a career change. She later worked at Healthfirst Chiropractic and then joined Britton-Hecla as a paraprofessional three years ago. Encouraged by coworkers, she now works with kindergarten through fifth-grade students while pursuing her teaching degree.
The TAP program is designed to help paraprofessionals already working in South Dakota schools become certified teachers. With support from the Department of Education, Department of Labor and Regulation, Dakota State University, Northern State University, and local districts, participants complete coursework virtually while continuing to work in schools. The program culminates in a bachelor’s degree in elementary, special, or secondary education along with a student-teaching experience in their home district.
Krutsinger is pursuing elementary education through Dakota State University and is currently taking Human Relations and K-3 Reading. If all goes as planned, she will graduate in the summer of 2027.
“This is the first time in 34 years that I have honestly woken up and wanted to go to work every single day,” Krutsinger said. “When summer approaches, most people are so excited to get out of school. Not me. Don’t get me wrong, I love time with my kids, but I would be 100 percent okay with working year-round. That was enough for me to commit to this program. I know this is where I’ll be for the rest of my working years, and I will enjoy every minute of it.”
The program has grown rapidly since its launch in 2023. Of the 59 graduates so far, 41 have signed teaching contracts in 31 public school districts and three private schools across South Dakota. State Education Secretary Joe Graves called it an “incredible success,” noting that paraprofessionals bring both classroom experience and strong ties to their communities.
Britton High School graduate Jodi (Buhl) Zubke, Class of 1997, was part of the program’s first cohort and graduated in May. She is now working as a certified special education teacher in Waubay.
Krutsinger is one of four Marshall County participants currently in the program. Three others are already on track to graduate next summer: Ann Stiegelmeier and Tom Shileny from Britton-Hecla and Kelly Knebel from Langford Area. Shileny, who is working toward secondary math, said the journey has been demanding but rewarding. “The program has been arduous, but it has been going very great. I have been getting great grades, so it is hard to complain.”
Knebel, who is pursuing a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education, admitted the work can be overwhelming at times. “There are days that I want to quit, and my kids cheer me up and remind me that I can do this. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! It will all be worth it in the end!”
Stiegelmeier will be certified as a K-8 teacher. She described the experience as fast-paced but fulfilling. “The program has been a whirlwind, but I have never second guessed my commitment to it.”
The effort comes at a critical time. South Dakota schools reported 144 unfilled teaching positions before the start of this school year, the lowest number in recent years but still a pressing challenge. By offering paraprofessionals an affordable and flexible path to certification, the state hopes to strengthen the teacher pipeline while keeping dedicated educators rooted in their local schools.
For Krutsinger, the goal is clear. “I hope to teach any grade K-8 at Britton-Hecla,” she said. She is pleased that this program is giving her that chance and couldn’t be more excited about the future.
