Office of Accreditation & Teacher Quality

Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission

Commission History

Teaching was declared a profession by the 1969 South Dakota Legislature, when a 13-member Professional Practices and Standards Commission was created, which included teachers and administrators. In 1985, the membership was divided into two commissions -- one for teachers and one for administrators -- each made up of seven members.

The Professional Teachers Practices and Standards Commission (PTPSC) is composed of six teachers and one parent appointed by the Governor. SDCL §§ 13-43-17 through 13-43-30 outlines the commission's authority, procedures and responsibilities. The Code of Ethics and its companion complaint procedure are contained in the commission's administrative rules, ARSD Chapter 24:08.