Becoming a teacher in Montana is a streamlined process. The easiest way to go about earning your license is to complete your education at an accredited college or university with an approved teacher preparation program that includes a supervised teaching experience. If you did not receive this experience in your program, then you can substitute one year of teaching experience in a state accredited elementary and/or secondary school district.

In order to receive licensure to teach in Montana, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree. If you completed an accredited teacher preparation program in Montana, submit an application with applicable fees, and submit a fingerprint card for a criminal background check. Upon approval, you will receive a Class 2 Standard Teacher’s License that is valid for five years before you will need to renew it.

After receiving your license to teach, you will need to find a job in a Montana school. Billings Public Schools is currently in the process of restructuring their district to better include the "many statewide and regional businesses headquartered here, medical facilities and staff ranked among the best in the nation, excellent institutions of higher learning, and a diverse, growing population." Missoula County Public Schools offers high quality, innovative programs and has been named one of the top 100 schools for music education. With a graduation rate above 95% and professional development and mentoring programs for teachers, Great Falls Public Schools has much to offer. Butte offers schools nestled among culture and lots of outdoor activities.

Once you have taught in Montana for five years, you will need to renew your license. In order to do so, you will need to have taken three semester credits and 15 renewal units or four semester credits during that five year period. Your renewal will last for another five years.