Want to become a teacher in the great state of Montana? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Montana.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

All states require at least an undergraduate degree to teach. In addition to an undergraduate degree, Montana educators must add an endorsement. The elementary level endorsement is earned by completion of an elementary educator preparation program. For secondary level endorsements, students must complete a teaching major or minor from an NCATE or state-approved college or university.

Additional endorsements for subjects elementary education, secondary English/language arts, secondary mathematics, secondary history, and secondary science involve at least 16 credits in an educator preparation program and at least 40-semester credits in an extended major, or 30-semester credits in an approved major, plus 20-semester credits in an approved minor. Montana, educator preparation programs, must include student teaching or some other type of certified teaching experience.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. A list of accredited educator preparation programs can be found at the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s Accreditation and Educator Preparation page.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Montana educators are required to pass the Praxis II exam to obtain a Class 2 Educator Licensure. To earn your Montana teaching licensure, you must complete required coursework and tests, as well as an approved teacher education program. Montana has two tiers of certification for classroom educators: the Class 2 Standard Certificate for beginning educators with an undergraduate degree who have completed an accredited educator education program plus the Class 1 Professional Certificate. Both certificates are renewable every five years.

Step 3: Submit a Montana Teaching Credential Application

Once you have successfully finished all of your educational obligations, completed your student teaching requirements, and passed all of the required assessments, you may apply for teaching licensure in the state of Montana, using the following application: Application for a Montana Class 1, 2, or 3 Educator License. Send the application and required documents to the Montana Office of Public Instruction, Attn: Educator Licensure, P.O. Box 202501, Helena, MT 59620-2501.