Navigating the Path to a Montana Educator License

For those aspiring to shape young minds in the Treasure State, understanding the Montana educator license requirements is the first crucial step. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned educator from another state, or seeking advancement in your career, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the certification process, advanced specialization, and reciprocity for out-of-state teachers.

Montana's Commitment to Education

Montana has demonstrated a strong commitment to education, earning recognition among the top states in 2021-23, according to Public School Review. This commitment is reflected in the state's rigorous yet accessible pathways to teacher certification.

Traditional Route to Montana Teacher Certification

The traditional route to Montana teacher certification involves several key requirements:

Bachelor's Degree: Completion of a four-year educator preparation program, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited Montana university or its equivalent. All states require at least a bachelor’s degree to teach.
Indian Education Course: Completion of a free, online course in Indian Education.
Praxis Subject Area Test: Achieving a passing score on the appropriate Praxis subject area test that aligns with the desired certification.
Montana Assessment of Content Knowledge (MACK): Achieving the minimum score in the Montana Assessment of Content Knowledge (MACK) prior to recommendation for licensure or endorsement.
Accredited Program: Initial certification candidates must complete a teacher education program accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE), or a state-approved program from a regionally accredited college or university.
Student Teaching: Completing a 14-week student teaching placement under a cooperating teacher, specific to the grade level and subject area of certification. Student teaching completed through an educator preparation program is a requirement for teacher certification in Montana.

Montana Assessment of Content Knowledge (MACK)

Passing Montana certification exams after completing an educator preparation program is essential to qualify for a licensure or endorsement recommendation. To do so, you must earn at least 7 of 10 possible points on the Montana Assessment of Content Knowledge (MACK). The MACK verification system is a three-prong score based on three grading rubrics. Points are awarded based on your final educator preparation program GPA. The second prong is an assessment of content knowledge demonstrated during your student teaching/clinical practice. Ratings are awarded based on knowledge that is “Advanced,” “Proficient,” “Basic,” or “Insufficient.” The third prong is based on your score on the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessment and its comparison to the recommended Montana score.

Fingerprint Background Check

Submitting completed fingerprint cards to the Montana Department of Justice is also required to facilitate a fingerprint-based background check by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI). Each individual recommended for initial licensure in Montana is required to complete a national fingerprint-based background check.

Advancing to a Class 1 Professional Teacher’s License

To progress to a Class 1 - Professional Teacher’s License, you must hold a master’s degree in education or an endorsable teaching area from a regionally accredited college or university. Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) can substitute for the master’s degree requirement.

Specialty Certifications

Montana offers specialty certifications by content area and grade level for Class 1 and 2 licenses. Grade level endorsements are added consistent with the educator preparation program you complete.

Early Childhood Education (PK-3)

For those passionate about teaching the youngest learners, certification in Early Childhood Education (PK-3) is available. Requirements for Class 2 licenses include a bachelor’s degree and an approved early childhood educator preparation program. To earn a recommendation for certification in Early Childhood Education, you must achieve a MACK score of 7 or above.

Elementary Education (K-8)

For certification as an elementary school teacher in Montana, you can earn the Elementary (K-8) specialty certificate that authorizes you to teach all subjects at this grade level. The traditional route to Class 2 licensure requires a bachelor’s degree and an approved elementary educator preparation program. Those wishing to become elementary teachers obtain their degree in elementary education. This program embeds the content coursework, general education coursework, and education/licensure coursework into a 120-credit bachelor’s degree.

Secondary Education (5-12)

A secondary school teacher in Montana is certified in a content area to teach in a departmentalized classroom environment for grades 5-12. For a specific subject area secondary school certification, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a major of at least 40 semester hours in your subject area or 30 semester credits in an approved major plus 20 semester credits in an approved minor. You also must complete an approved educator preparation program of at least 16 credits. In Montana, one completes a degree in the subject area he wishes to teach (math, biology, English, etc.) plus an accredited, state-approved professional educator preparation program. At UM, that means one gets a degree in the subject area he wishes to teach and also completes the secondary education licensure coursework within the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. In other words, you would complete your teaching major requirements, general education requirements, and the education requirements.

Physical Education (K-12)

You can earn Physical Education (PE) certification for grades K-12 in Montana. A bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in physical education or a related degree with a physical education student teaching experience is required.

Special Education (P-12)

You can choose Special Education (P-12) certification in Montana. You also can earn special education certifications that correlate with specific disabilities, including Special Education (P-12) Hearing Impairment or Special Education (P-12) Vision Impairment. All certifications require a bachelor’s degree or higher and an approved special education teacher preparation program.

English as a Second Language (ESL) (K-12)

You can earn English as a Second Language (ESL) (K-12) certification in Montana if you enjoy helping people from different backgrounds learn a new language. This certification requires a bachelor’s degree or higher and an approved ESL educator preparation program.

School Administrator Certifications

Certifications for school administrators in Montana are offered as Class 3 Administrator’s Licenses for Superintendent or Principal. The minimum requirement for a Class 3 Administrator’s License is completion of a master’s degree or higher from an approved professional educator preparation program. In addition, candidates for Superintendent certification must complete at least 18 semester graduate credits in a school superintendent preparation program, with at least 12 credits beyond a master’s degree in education leadership. The State of Montana requires individuals interested in becoming K-12 principals to hold a master's degree in Educational Leadership from an accredited professional educator preparation program or a master's degree in another education-related field plus 24 credits in school administration. (Specifics regarding the master's degree and course content requirements are found in ARM 10.57.415 - 10.57.417.) In addition, individuals must have a minimum of three years of successful experience as an appropriately licensed teacher in a K-12 setting. The State of Montana requires those seeking superintendent licensure to hold a K-12 principal license and have a minimum of one year of licensed experience as a principal. The superintendent licensure program typically consists of 12-18 credits depending on one’s academic background. Official transcript evaluations will be completed upon application to the program.

Alternative Teaching Certification

You can earn alternate teaching certification in Montana by participating in non-traditional licensure options. These programs offer opportunities for candidates who meet education and experience requirements to achieve teacher certification. Courses offered in the evenings, on weekends or online accommodate adult learners who have full-time employment. In some cases, you may be able to work in a classroom while you learn.

Class 5 Provisional Licensure

A Montana Class 5 Provisional Licensure with K-12, Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Secondary, or Special Education (P-12) Endorsement may be appropriate for you if you are a career changer considering transitioning into teaching. You can apply for this license if you have a bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university and a proof of a certification plan of study from an accredited educator preparation program. This plan must verify that you can meet admission standards and complete the qualifications to earn a full license within the three years that the Class 5 license is valid. Montana offers a Class 5 alternative license which lasts for three years while a candidate completes a valid teacher preparation program and/or the requisite coursework. Those with a Class 5 License sign a Plan of Professional Intent agreeing to complete their deficient requirements within three years. Class 5 licenses cannot be renewed or reinstated and students are restricted to one Class 5 license in their lifetime. These licenses are most typically used when one has a bachelor’s degree in an endorsed area and needs to complete a teacher prep program or does not complete renewal requirements.

Teach For America

Teach for America, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting education equality in the United States, places teachers in 53 needy communities across the United States. These locations are desperate for committed and certified teachers. Teach for America corps are top college graduates who live and work in school districts where they can make a difference as teachers and community leaders.

Certification vs. Certificate

A certificate is awarded by an educational institution and signifies that a student has satisfactorily completed a given curriculum. Certification is generally awarded by a trade group after an individual has met certain professional requirements (e.g. teaching).

Teaching Reciprocity Agreements

Teaching reciprocity agreements in Montana allow you to use education and experience earned in another state to meet requirements for a new certification here. Out-of-state teachers have coursework requirements. They must show completion of an online course in Indian education and proof of a supervised teaching experience to earn a Professional - Class 1 or Standard - Class 2 license. Teachers who do not meet this criteria may qualify for a Provisional - Class 5 license with proof of passing the Praxis subject test that aligns with their certification along with an in-state address or offer of work from an accredited P-12 Montana school. Out-of-state candidates with proof of an educator preparation program must show a qualifying score on the Praxis subject test that aligns with their certification to qualify for a Professional, Standard or Provisional License. Proof of a current address in Montana or P-12 school job offer is required for a Provisional License. Out-of-state teachers must demonstrate five years of “successful” experience with documentation from an out-of-state P-12 school employer or educational institution in order to qualify for a Standard - Class 2 License. The COE Licensure Official will process out-of-state applications.

Application Requirements for Out-of-State Teachers

The application will require official transcripts, a fingerprint background check, a copy of your current out-of-state license, a university recommendation (which verifies you have completed a teacher preparation program, including student teaching and the endorsements you qualify for), a licensure fee, along with all other forms on the application.

Financial Assistance

Montana’s Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program is available for eligible K-12 educators in the state. The program is supported by the MEA-MFT, a state labor union that includes public K-12 school teachers. The program provides the repayment of school loans for amounts up to $3,000 annually for up to four years. Specific amounts are determined based on the schools and academic areas in which the applicants teach.

Additional Information

Substitute Teaching

Montana does not award substitute teacher certification. Substitute teachers are hired by individual school districts. Each school district can establish education requirements, though most have a minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree. A substitute teacher can teach in the same classroom for up to 35 consecutive teaching days in Montana. Substitute assignments longer than 35 days must be filled by a licensed teacher under contract to the employing school district.

Jobs For Teachers Montana

The Montana Office of Public Instruction maintains Jobs For Teachers Montana, which posts current job openings for Montana educators. This resource allows potential teachers searching for jobs in Montana to post their applications online for district employees to view.

Teacher Salaries and Benefits

In Montana, teachers earned an average of around $52,000 to $53,000 in 2019, depending on grade level taught, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Montana public school teachers are required to become members of the Montana Teachers Retirement System, which offers benefits related to retirement, disability, and life insurance. Montana teachers can retire at age 60 with 5 years of service, or at age 55 after 30 years of service.

Professional Development

Montana has its own government agency devoted to professional development. Professional development for Montana teachers is measured by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Units. 15 OPI Units is equivalent to 1 semester credit. It is no longer enough to only have years of experience teaching. After No Child Left Behind and other academic quantification measures, teachers are almost solely evaluated by their results in the classroom. A master’s degree in the field of education can give you more educational theory and classroom skills, as well as more hands-on student teaching experience with a mentor.

Advice for Specific Situations

I am an undergraduate student and want to be a high school teacher. What do I need to do?

In Montana, one completes a degree in the subject area he wishes to teach (math, biology, English, etc.) plus an accredited, state-approved professional educator preparation program. At UM, that means one gets a degree in the subject area he wishes to teach and also completes the secondary education licensure coursework within the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. In other words, you would complete your teaching major requirements, general education requirements, and the education requirements.

I am an undergraduate student and want to be an elementary teacher. What do I need to do?

Those wishing to become elementary teachers obtain their degree in elementary education. This program embeds the content coursework, general education coursework, and education/licensure coursework into a 120-credit bachelor’s degree.

I am an undergraduate student and want to be a middle school teacher. What do I need to do?

The State of Montana does not offer specific middle school licenses. Those licensed as elementary teachers can teach all the core content areas in grades K-8. Those licensed as secondary teachers can teach in grades 5-12. Therefore, those wanting to be middle school teachers can pursue either elementary or secondary licensure programs.

I already have a bachelor's or master's degree and want to be a high school teacher. What do I need to do?

The State of Montana requires individuals to have the equivalent of a teaching major in the subject area they wish to teach plus complete a professional educator preparation program. Essentially, that means comparing your coursework to the teaching majors at UM. You would then need to complete any courses that you did not complete as part of your bachelor's or master's degree. Additional endorsement areas can be added with either a teaching major or a teaching minor. There are two options for completing the professional educator preparation program at UM. One could complete the undergraduate Teacher Education Program as a post-baccalaureate student for undergraduate credit or the master's degree program in Curriculum and Instruction with initial licensure (an M.Ed.). Individuals with strong undergraduate academic backgrounds should consider the graduate route. In order to take any education coursework (C&I or EDU classes), you must be admitted into one of the programs mentioned above. The application deadline for the undergrad/post-bac program is every September 15th for spring admission and every February 15th for summer or fall admission. The application deadline for the graduate program is every October 1st for spring admission and every March 1st for summer and/or fall admission.

I already have a bachelor's or master's degree and want to be an elementary teacher. What do I need to do?

The State of Montana requires individuals to have the equivalent of a teaching major in the subject area they wish to teach plus complete a professional educator preparation program. Elementary education is slightly different in that you will be licensed to teach all the core content areas for grades K-8. Consequently, individuals must complete content coursework in all the core areas (math, science, social studies, reading, the arts) plus methods classes teaching one how to teach those content areas. At the undergraduate level, this is typically accomplished through a BA in elementary education. For those already holding a degree, this typically means completing some content coursework in addition to the education coursework. There are two options for completing the professional educator preparation program at UM. One could complete the undergraduate Teacher Education Program as a post-baccalaureate student for undergraduate credit or the master's degree program in Curriculum and Instruction with initial licensure (an M.Ed.). At the elementary level, those with strong undergraduate academic backgrounds should consider the master's degree as the number of required credits is almost identical to the undergraduate program for most individuals. You will find information regarding the undergraduate/post-baccalaureate program on the Elementary Education webpage. In order to take any education coursework (C&I or EDU classes), you must be admitted into one of the programs mentioned above. The application deadline for the undergrad/post-bac program is every September 15th for spring admission and every February 15th for summer and/or fall admission. The application deadline for the graduate program is every October 1st for spring admission and every March 1st for summer and/or fall admission.

I already have a bachelor's or master's degree and want to be a middle school teacher. What do I need to do?

The State of Montana does not offer specific middle school licenses. Those licensed as elementary teacher can teach all the core content areas in grades K-8. Those licensed as secondary teachers can teach in grades 5-12. Therefore, those wanting to be middle school teachers can pursue either elementary or secondary licensure programs.

I am a teacher and want to become a K-12 principal. What do I need to do?

Those interested in becoming K-12 principals must hold a degree in educational leadership. You may find information regarding that program Principal Licensure Certificate webpage. Those who already hold a master's degree in an education-related field may have the option of completing a 24-credit administrative licensure program rather than the full M.Ed.

I do not have a teaching license, but I want to become a K-12 principal. What do I need to do?

The State of Montana requires school administrators to have a minimum of three years of licensed teaching experience. Therefore, it is not possible to become a principal without obtaining a teaching license and then teaching for three years.

I am a principal and want to become a K-12 superintendent. What do I need to do?

The State of Montana requires those seeking superintendent licensure to hold a K-12 principal license and have a minimum of one year of licensed experience as a principal. The superintendent licensure program typically consists of 12-18 credits depending on one’s academic background. Official transcript evaluations will be completed upon application to the program.

I currently have a teaching license in Montana and need to renew. Where do I find additional information about renewal?

The Western Montana Comprehensive System for Professional Development (WM-CSPD) offers professional development activities for teachers. UM's Extended Learning Services offers Professional Development Services. This program includes courses for educators which earn UM credit and do not require admission to UM. Those looking to take traditional courses through UM will need to be admitted or readmitted to UM and register for classes via GrizPortal.

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