Teaching Degrees in Montana

Anyone who plans to earn a teaching degree in Montana and/or wishes to teach in the Montana public school system needs to know some important information about:
Also included here is a list of additional resources and a comprehensive directory of fully accredited teaching degrees in Montana.
A bachelor’s degree is required in order to obtain a teaching degree in Montana. There are 16 colleges and universities that offer teaching degrees in Montana. Currently, 33.4 percent of Montana teachers possess a Master’s degree or better. Having this higher degree can mean an average salary increase of around $6,340 per year when compared to Montana teachers who hold only a bachelor’s degree.
For those pursing a teaching degree in Montana, it is wise to research the many scholarships and grants that are available. These forms of financial assistance are funded by the state, organizations, schools, and by individuals and can help offset the out-of-pocket costs of a teaching education. Some examples include:
Montana Community Foundation
The Montana Community Foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships, including scholarships for those studying to become teachers.
Montana PTA Scholarship
The Montana PTA Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to students entering or currently attending a Montana college or university in a teaching field of study.
Montana State Reading Council Scholarship
The Montana State Reading Council awards a $1,000 scholarship in the name of June Atkins to an individual who is conducting graduate study in education at an accredited university, preference given to those attending a Montana university or college.
Montana State University at Billings Scholarships
MSU Billings offers a variety of scholarships to students pursuing teaching degrees.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
This federally funded grant program awards up to $4,000 per year to students pursuing a teaching degree in Montana who demonstrate financial need. Students must agree to work in a high-need private or public school for a minimum of four years.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Scholarship
Residents of Montana that are majoring in education can apply for a reduced tuition rate.
Those interested in pursuing a teaching degree in Montana should be aware of the certification requirements. This state currently offers five types of teaching certificates/licenses. These are:
Montana state teacher certification requirements include:
Montana teachers must participate in continuing education. The state requires a combination of ongoing college courses and what are called OPI renewal units. These are Office of Public Instruction approved courses. The recertification requirements vary by the type of license held, but the majority of license holders must complete a minimum of 60 OPI renewal units in order to be eligible for recertification.
The following resources provide additional information for those pursuing teaching degrees in Montana.
Montana Office of Public Instruction
The state of Montana’s comprehensive site provides information and resources for those interested in pursuing a degree as a teacher.
Montana Educator License Renewal Requirements
This chart provides prospective teachers with important information regarding educator license renewal.
Montana Educators Association
A professional organization representing Montana’s public school teachers.
Montana Department of Labor and Industry
Information about the Alabama job market in general, and teaching careers specifically.