Becoming a teacher takes hard work, dedication and patience. Your efforts are rewarded, however, when you see a child’s face light up as they grasp a new concept. Each day involves making a positive difference in the lives of our younger generations. Consider turning your passion for instructing young minds into a career by becoming a licensed teacher in Montana.
Montana Teacher Certification Requirements
Montana Teacher Certification Types
Montana offers two types of teaching licenses. The Class 2: Standard is the first license you’ll receive when you fulfill the licensing requirements. The Class 1: Professional is the license you receive after you have earned the Class 2 license, have three years of teaching experience and have earned a Master’s Degree.
Montana Teacher Education
Montana requires its teachers to have completed a Bachelor’s Degree and the state-approved educator preparation program.
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Montana Teacher Certification Exam
Montana doesn’t require you to pass examinations to get your license, but you need to pass certain tests to be considered a “Highly Qualified” teacher and to be recommended for licensure by your institution. You must pass your performance-based assessments in your education program, as well as the appropriate Praxis II content area exam.
Teacher Experience
Montana’s Office of Public Instruction requires you to complete a practicum and a student teaching experience as part of the process to earn your teaching license.
Background Check
All applicants for a teaching license in Montana are required to undergo a background check.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- Montana Alternative Teacher Certification: Montana offers a Class 5 Alternative License for those who don’t meet the requirements for the other teaching licenses. It is valid for three years and allows you to teach while you fulfill the requirements for a full teaching license.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: The Class 2: Standard teaching license is valid for five years and is renewable.
- Montana Substitute Teaching: Montana does not require a permit or license to be a substitute teacher. Most schools will require substitute teachers to have obtained a bachelor’s degree, but specific requirements vary between each district.
- Reciprocity: Out-of-state teachers can be licensed to teach in Montana through reciprocity one of two ways. You can receive a Standard Certification if you can show that you fulfill the requirements for a Class 2: Standard teaching license. You can receive a Professional Certification is you can demonstrate that you meet the requirements for the Class 1: Professional teaching license.
Discover teacher certification programs in Montana that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in Montana?
Teachers in Montana are expected to provide their students with the most accurate and current educational knowledge that will allow them to excel in their schoolwork and in their daily lives. To this end, teachers dedicate their time to making lesson plans, working together with other teachers to continuously improve education with the students’ best interests in mind and communicating with the families of their students.
Montana Teacher Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides information about the average yearly salary of teachers in Montana. Elementary school teachers in Montana make a yearly average of $49,010. Montana middle school teachers earn a yearly average of $58,350. High school teachers in Montana make an average yearly salary of $49,760.
Montana Teacher Certification Links
Teacher Certification Programs in Montana
Teacher Certification Programs in Montana
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!