Montana Special Education Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about becoming a special education teacher in Montana: licensing requirements, continuing education, salary data, and key resources. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your license, this is your complete Montana guide.
How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Montana
Special education advocate training is one of the most critical investments a Montana educator can make. With 443 vacant positions in a single school year and a federal “Needs Assistance” IDEA determination, Montana faces one of the most acute disability education shortages in the country. Only 842 disability educators serve the state’s 147,000+ students across 825 schools, making every trained, credentialed advocate essential.
To earn your Montana teaching license with a special education endorsement, meet requirements set by the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI):
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution through an OPI-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Complete 14 weeks of student teaching in your endorsement area
- Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment for your endorsement area
- Complete the free Indian Education for All (IEFA) two-hour online course, required for all Montana educators
- Complete a fingerprint-based background check through the Montana Department of Justice
- Apply through the TeachMT (TMT) online licensing portal
Montana offers three primary license classes: Class 2 (Standard, bachelor’s degree), Class 1 (Professional, master’s degree plus three years of experience), and Class 5 (Alternative, three-year provisional for career changers). The OPI Endorsement Project also allows Class 1 or 2 teachers without a disability endorsement to fill vacancies while completing requirements over three years.
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Continuing Education & License Renewal in Montana
Montana teachers renew their Class 2 license every five years by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs). One semester college credit equals 15 PDUs, meaning four credits cover the full renewal requirement. Renewals are processed through the TeachMT portal.
NASET district-level acceptance in Montana is likely. Montana does not require state-level approval for professional development providers, and educators may submit NASET course information to their district or the OPI for credit approval. Use AUN# 300003228 or CPE# 910014 when requesting administrator approval. For educators pursuing special education advocate training, NASET’s BCASE certification is directly aligned with the IEP advocacy skills Montana districts need.
Contact careercenter@naset.org for a support letter for your Montana district or OPI submission, or download the free Admin Approval Guide.
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Special Education Teacher Salary in Montana
Montana educators in this field earn salaries that reflect the state’s rural economy and lower cost of living.
- Average statewide salary: ~$52,000-$53,000/year (NASET State-by-State Guide, 2025)
- Starting salary: ~$27,274 (below the national average)
- Top earners: up to $75,000+ in larger districts
- Highest-paying districts: Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Helena
Earning potential grows with credentials, special education advocate training, and experience. Class 1 license holders with a master’s degree earn higher district compensation, and NASET board certifications signal advanced professional standing to Montana administrators.
Explore the State-by-State Guide to compare Montana with other states.
IEPs in Montana
Montana follows all federal IDEA requirements through the OPI Division of Special Education, with key provisions:
- All eligible students must have an IEP developed collaboratively and reviewed annually
- Montana’s 13:1 student-teacher ratio is among the lowest in the country, giving educators more time per student
- Transition planning begins at age 16, covering post-secondary education, employment, and independent living
- Services are available through age 21
- Montana’s rural geography means IEP teams often serve students across large distances, making strong special education advocate training skills essential for remote and in-person meetings
Browse examples at NASET’s IEPs from Around the Country, download the NASET Completed Sample IEP, and use the measurable annual goals guide as part of your special education advocate training toolkit.
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Key Resources for Montana Special Education Teachers
- OPI Special Education Division: opi.mt.gov/special-education
- OPI Educator Licensure: opi.mt.gov/licensure
- TeachMT Licensing Portal: opi.mt.gov/teachmt
- NASET IEP Development: naset.com/iep-development
- NASET Forms and Checklists: naset.com/forms
Advance Your Career With NASET
The Board Certified Special Educator (BCSE) certification through NASET demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the field, and counts directly toward your NY CTLE hours.
Whether you’re renewing your license, exploring IEP best practices, or building toward certification, NASET is your partner for every stage of your special education career in New York.
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