Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Montana
Early Childhood Education is one of the most valuable parts of a person's education. When children receive the attention and nurture they need in those early years, they have a foundation for later personal and academic growth. As their teacher and mentor, you will help them unlock their innate talents, mold their interpersonal interactions, and foster positive thoughts and behaviors that will serve them for a lifetime.
As their teacher, you can help form a curriculum that introduces students to fundamental subjects: reading, writing, mathematics, and the arts. You might even introduce the basics of science with little experiments growing beans or demonstrating how a magnet works. With a little creativity, there's no telling what sort of talents you will unlock.
Nationally, the BLS shows that Early Childhood Education is growing at an average rate of 7%. If you work hard, are dedicated, and satisfy the Montana Board of Education, you can become a teacher in under five years. The future belongs to your students, so make it a good one.
Montana Steps to Follow for Teachers
There are few professions as richly rewarding as teaching. The thrill of seeing a child's eyes light up when she grasps a new concept or idea is amazing. Teachers also nurture developmental hurdles such as learning to cooperate in groups, seeing someone else's point of view, or exploring critical thinking. Each of those are small parts of a teacher's job and might all coincide in a single day.
It's not hard to see that Montana needs highly qualified teachers at all levels, from pre-k onwards. Here are the standard steps you must take to become a licensed early childhood educator in Montana:
Step 1. Earn Your Degree
If you intend on becoming licensed by the state, you should attend an educator preparation program that is either accredited by NCATE, CAEP, or MACTE and/or is acknowledged by Montana's Office of Public Instruction. Your degree program should include accepted in-class curriculum as well as a student teaching experience.
You should be aware that Montana does not license teachers for preschool education. They have a license that includes preschool special education, but their requirements for teaching preschool itself are 2 years’ experience at a facility licensed by the state, a CDA credential, or an associate degree in a related field. Most Head Start positions will require at least an associate degree, so obtaining at least that will give you more options for employment.
You do have the option of obtaining a Pre-k through 3 endorsement with the Montana Early Childhood Project. This gives you a way to express your level of expertise in the subject.
However, you will require licensure to teach Kindergarten or elementary school. And to obtain that, you’ll need to finish a teacher preparation program, most of which culminate in a bachelor’s degree. If you already have a degree in a pertinent or related field, you can go through a program that will prepare you for licensure without conferring another degree.
If you’re interested in administration, higher-level teaching, or special positions such as school psychologist, then you’ll need a different form of licensure with different requirements, such as a masters degree.
Step 2. Pass Your Exams
Montana's Office of Public Instruction requires that you pass a PRAXIS exam. If you intend to teach preschool through grade three, you need to take the Early Childhood Education test. Future educators who wish to teach K-8 will take Elementary Education: Content Knowledge. The Content Knowledge test covers the four main areas of education:
Reading and Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Montana also requires all it’s licensed teachers to take a free, online course titled ‘An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana’. This course focuses on the native Indian groups from Montana’s history and the effect the European arrival had on them. It’s a concerted effort by the Montana education system to include cultural awareness in education right from the beginning of a child’s educational career.
Step 3. Standards and Qualifications:
To fully qualify for licensure in Montana, you will need to submit your official academic transcripts, a fingerprint background check, and a recommendation from the dean of your department that recommends you for licensure.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Discover Early Childhood EDU Education Degree Online
Early Childhood Education is a vital part of any student's growth and development. Studies have shown the enormous benefit students receive from preschool and other early childhood experiences. This is why states are paying more and more attention to this aspect of education. If you are drawn to work with youngsters in the pre-K years, or even up through 3rd grade, you will not only experience an amazing sense of job satisfaction, but you will provide those kids with a foundation on which to build a life of learning. Your very presence in the classroom will make a lasting impression.
You'll note that Montana schools offer a wide array of degrees and specialties for elementary/early childhood educators. However, if you desire a different specialty and find one offered from a public University in another western state, you can attend that school without paying out-of-state tuition. However, make sure that your program is fully accredited and that the degree will be acknowledged by the Montana Board of Education.
Teaching is one of the greatest professions. Find the best program for you and apply today.
Accredited Montana Programs
Class I Professional Teaching License:
This is the premier teaching credential in Montana. To achieve this license, you will need to complete a master's degree or achieve certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standard. You will need to take the course: An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana. Finally, you will need to show proof of three years successful teaching experience in Montana or five years if you achieved a license through an alternative preparation program.
Class II Standard Teaching License:
This is the standard license that you will qualify for upon graduating with your bachelor's degree from an accredited Montana college or university. You will need to have completed a student teaching experience, passed the Praxis I or II for your specialty area, and successfully completed the course: An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana.
Class V Provisional Teaching License:
Provisional teaching credentials are provided to teachers seeking an alternative route to certification. This path is for those who have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, but who wish to change careers. You should have a plan of study that will allow you to complete all coursework requirements within three years and qualify to enter the professional educator preparation program. You should also complete the course, An Introduction to Indian Education for All in Montana.
Accredited Early Childhood Educator Teacher Preparation Programs
To achieve a teaching credential for Early Childhood or Elementary Education in Montana, you'll need to complete a degree through an accredited college or university that is acknowledged by the Office of Public Instruction. There are ten total programs in the state that meet Montana's Professional Educator Preparation Program Standards (PEPPS). Here are five of the top programs that will set you on a path to your very own classroom:
Montana Universities & Colleges with Teaching Programs
Carroll College
Degrees Offered:
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’
ESL/ Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language; Bachelor’s
Accreditation By:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Montana Board of Public Education
Montana State University - Bozeman
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’s
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Educational Leadership and Administration; Master’s & Dr.
Accreditation By:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Montana Board of Public Education
CAEP
University of Providence:
Degrees Offered:
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Accreditation By:
Montana Board of Public Education
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Rocky Mountain College:
Degrees Offered:
Educational Leadership and Administration; Master’s
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Accreditation By:
Montana Board of Public Education
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
The University of Montana
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’s, Dr., & Post-grad Certificate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Post-grad Certificate
ESL/ Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language; Undergrad Certificate
Accreditation By:
University of Arizona
Degrees Offered:
Montana Board of Public Education
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
American Speech Language Association-Council on Academic Accreditation (ASHA)
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission
In order to function in the Montana public institution system, instructors should be appropriately certified. The state's Office of Public Direction monitors the procedure, which is outlined here for those who mean to find out exactly just how to end up being a teacher in Montana. Each state has its own needs for qualification, and Montana educator accreditation is not various.
Those that ended up a trainer prep work program that is effectively approved as well as additionally consisted of supervised training experience may receive the Course 1 teacher certificate as their preliminary license. 1.8% Those going after instructor certification in Montana should attend an instructor prep work program that has been approved by the Montana Board of Public Direction; has really been accredited by the board of education in one more state for the prep work of teachers; has in fact been authorized by the Montessori Certification Council for Teacher Education (MACTE); and/or holds certification from the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation Job (CAEP).
The Council for the Qualification of Instructor Prep Work (CAEP) was created from the merging in between the Instructor Education And Also Understanding Certification Council (TEAC) and additionally the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education And Learning And Also Discovering (NCATE). CAEP accreditation is well-regarded as a pen of high requirements in teacher preparation. When analyzing bachelor's degree and also teacher prep job programs, future instructors have to additionally confirm that the college is accredited by among the 6 regional qualification firms recognized by the United States Department of Education.
You can uncover a whole lot much more thorough evaluation details through the Montana Office of Public Direction. Like a great deal of US states, Montana trainer accreditation needs a government as well as additional state background check. Instructor candidates have to go to a local police as well as request that their fingerprints be taken for a history check to be sent out to the Montana Workplace of Public Direction.
The sticking to data is needed: Finished fingerprint card for history check. Key records revealing evidence of bachelor's level. Proof of teacher program verdict at an accepted college. Confirmation of mentor experience. Institutional suggestion for a teaching certificate. Ended up application for advisor credentials in Montana. Payment of non-refundable qualification handling fee. Applications could be ended up online by means of the Montana State Teacher Details System or published as well as also mailed to: Montana Work Environment of Public InstructionAttn: Teacher LicensurePO Box 202501Helena, MT 59620Visit the Montana Office of Public Direction for more details on mentor certification in Montana.
Feaver, who acknowledges there is a demand for pre-K programs in Montana, rejected the debate that some preschool financing containing personal programs is much better than none whatsoever. Bullock needs to have continued to combat his proposal to money preschool in the very same approach the state funds preschool, as opposed to supporting the giving in cost, which would have" established what we.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Be an Early Childhood Teacher in Montana? In order to qualify as an early childhood educator, a candidate must have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university or college. He or she must also complete two years of college coursework that is focused on teaching skills.
In Montana, there are no state-funded early childhood teacher programs. That means that if you want to teach in Montana, you'll have to pay for your education through either private funding or community college. However, since many states require that someone with a high school diploma earn at least a bachelor's degree, this shouldn't be a problem for you.
If you're looking for work in Montana, it's important that you start by looking online. The Internet has become a great place to find job listings and information about hiring requirements. You can also get in touch with your local school district for their information.
Once you've found a job in the district where you live, contact the state's requirements for teacher certification. They will give you information about what you'll need to complete in order to become an ECC. It will typically take up to four years to complete a two-year Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE). Once you're approved for the certification, you will be able to take the test.
Once you've received your certificate, you will be able to apply for positions in districts across the state. For example, districts in Glacier National Park, Helena and Missoula, Montana all have openings for teachers in their districts. Most districts hire teachers that already hold certification as well.
One of the first things you'll need to do once you're hired in Montana is to participate in a teacher-training program. You'll learn everything you need to know about teaching. from how to motivate and inspire children, to the legalities involved with teaching children, to elementary school classroom procedures.
Once you complete a teacher-training program, you'll need to complete a teacher assessment and an evaluation to prove to the district that you're a good fit for a teaching position in Montana. If you pass these requirements, you will be placed on a waiting list until the next available teaching position in your district is filled. After you're hired, you'll be assigned to your first school.
There are many ways you can qualify to be an Early Childhood Educator in Montana. You just have to put your best foot forward to get it. Take the time to research schools in your area and make sure you're prepared before applying for jobs.
One of the first requirements for Early Childhood Educators in Montana is that you must have the right kind of credentials and experience to teach at the preschool level. You must have a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Also, you must have teaching experience. This experience must relate to teaching in Montanans preschools and must relate to what you will be teaching.
You must also show evidence of your ability to lead children and interact effectively with your students and use various classroom procedures. In addition to this requirement, you'll need to have good communication skills. so that you can get along with your students and understand their educational needs.
Once you've successfully completed your education program, you'll want to take the tests required to be certified in your state as an Early Childhood Educator in Montana. These tests range from basic math skills to classroom management and even social studies. Once you have passed your state's certification exam, you will be qualified to teach at the elementary level in the district where you've applied for employment.
Many schools in Montana also require applicants to take pre-employment training with their school system in order to gain employment. After you've been approved by the district, you will be placed on a waiting list until you're assigned a position. If you're lucky, your job search might be done at the same school you were approved to work at.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
Public schools:
Public schools are perhaps the most popular career choice for teachers. They are relatively standardized, well-regulated, and most university education programs are designed to prepare teachers for the Montana public education system. Further, since public schools require licensure, they tend to compensate teachers better than the alternatives.
Private childcare:
With a degree in early childhood education, you may find a family to hire you to help their children learn and grow in an intimate setting. The pay for these private jobs is dependent on your ability to negotiate, the current market, and your experience and specific credentials. While most private childcare jobs are focused on preschool-aged kids, your credentials might land you a job teaching homeschooled children.
Private schools:
Private schools are an option whether or not you have a Montana teaching credential. Though they might not pay as well as their public counterparts, you are likely to have more creative license in your classroom. You won't be encumbered by many state regulations regarding course content or other concerns. Though you won't need a teaching credential, your principal is likely to prefer candidates that have degrees in early childhood education, or significant experience working with the targeted age group.
Head Start Programs:
This federal program has been a boon to the entire field of early childhood education. The state is home to 20 programs that help the state's youngest kids get a great start on life. To qualify for a teaching position with Head Start you should have an associate degree, if not a bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. If your degree is in another field you can qualify for employment with significant experience, ‘Teach for America' preschool training, or if you have passed the appropriate Praxis II exam.
Community-based programs:
For this Montana career option, you should have a high school diploma, associate degree, or even a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. The most important qualifiers for this position are your background check and experience.
Faith-based programs:
If you wish to make your faith a part of your career, then there is no better way to integrate those parts of your life. When you work for a faith-based program, you will help youngsters with their faith while you help them move through their developing years.
Military programs:
Teaching in the military is a great way to impact many young lives while traveling the nation and world. You might work on one of the large bases in Germany, or perhaps you'll be posted in Hawaii. You will need a teaching credential to qualify, but if you want a life of adventure, this is a career path that will not disappoint.