How to Become an English Teacher in Montana

Becoming an English teacher in Montana is a rewarding career path that allows you to shape young minds, foster critical thinking, and inspire a love of literature and language. Whether you envision yourself teaching high school students about Shakespeare or guiding middle schoolers through creative writing, Montana offers clear pathways to earn your teaching credentials and enter the classroom.

At Prepsaret, we’re here to walk you through every step of becoming a certified English teacher in Montana—from choosing the right educator preparation program to passing required exams, completing student teaching, and obtaining your official teaching license from the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI). If you’re ready to pursue your teaching career in Big Sky Country, this guide will provide the roadmap you need.

Why Become an English Teacher in Montana?

Montana’s education system serves diverse communities across rural and urban settings, offering English teachers the opportunity to make meaningful impacts in smaller class sizes compared to many other states. 

The state values qualified educators and provides multiple pathways to certification, accommodating both traditional college graduates and individuals seeking a career change.

English teachers in Montana work with students at the middle school and high school levels, teaching literature, composition, grammar, reading comprehension, and communication skills. 

The role extends beyond academics—you’ll help students develop critical thinking abilities, cultural awareness, and the confidence to express themselves effectively.

>>> Read More on Praxis Test Montana

Understanding Montana Teacher Certification Requirements

The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) oversees all educator licensing in the state. To teach English in Montana public schools, you must obtain a Class 1, 2, or 5 Montana teaching license with an English Language Arts endorsement. The specific class of license depends on your educational background and the route you take for preparation.

Montana Teaching License Classes

• Class 5 License (Provisional): This entry-level license is available to candidates who have completed a state-approved educator preparation program and met all basic requirements but may still be completing certain components. It’s valid for two years and non-renewable.
• Class 2 License: This is the standard professional license for most teachers. It requires completion of an approved teacher preparation program, passing required exams, and meeting all OPI standards. This license is valid for five years and is renewable.
• Class 1 License: This advanced license requires a master’s degree or higher in education or a related field, plus additional professional development. It represents the highest level of professional licensure in Montana.

For most beginning teachers, you’ll start with either a Class 5 or Class 2 license, depending on when you complete all requirements.

>>>Learn More on Praxis Requirements in Montana

Step-by-Step Path to English Teacher Certification in Montana

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The foundation of Montana English teacher certification is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You have two primary pathways:

• Traditional Educator Preparation Route: Complete a bachelor’s degree in English Education, Secondary Education with an English focus, or a related field from a college or university with a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs integrate coursework in English content (literature, composition, linguistics, writing) with educational pedagogy, classroom management, and instructional methods.
• Alternative Route: Earn a bachelor’s degree in English, English Literature, Communications, or a closely related field, then complete a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program or alternative certification pathway. This option works well for career changers who already hold degrees in English or related disciplines.

Your undergraduate or post-baccalaureate program should include:

• English and American literature courses covering various periods and genres
• Composition and rhetoric
• Grammar and linguistics
• Young adult literature (especially for middle school endorsement)
• Methods of teaching English Language Arts
• Educational psychology and learning theory
• Classroom management strategies
• Curriculum design and assessment
• Diversity and inclusion in education

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program

Montana requires completion of an educator preparation program approved by the OPI. These programs are offered at Montana colleges and universities, including:

• University of Montana
• Montana State University
• Montana State University Billings
• University of Montana Western
• Carroll College
• Rocky Mountain College

If you completed your preparation program out of state, Montana may accept it if the program is accredited and meets comparable standards. You’ll need to submit official transcripts and program documentation to the OPI for evaluation.

Teacher preparation programs include both coursework and practical experience. You’ll study adolescent development, instructional strategies specific to English Language Arts, assessment and evaluation, differentiated instruction for diverse learners, and integration of technology in the classroom.

Step 3: Complete Student Teaching Requirements

All Montana teaching candidates must complete supervised student teaching or a clinical practice experience. This typically occurs during your final year of undergraduate study or as part of a post-baccalaureate program.

Student teaching requirements include:

• A minimum of 12-16 weeks of full-time student teaching in an actual classroom setting
• Placement in a Montana-approved school under the supervision of a qualified cooperating teacher
• Gradual assumption of teaching responsibilities, culminating in full classroom management
• Teaching multiple English classes across different grade levels or ability groups when possible
• Regular observation and evaluation by both the cooperating teacher and university supervisor
• Completion of lesson planning, assessment development, grading, and parent communication
• Participation in faculty meetings, professional development, and school activities

Student teaching gives you hands-on experience implementing the English curriculum, managing classroom dynamics, differentiating instruction, and developing your teaching identity. It’s your opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings before becoming the teacher of record.

Step 4: Pass Required Praxis Exams

Montana requires teaching candidates to pass specific Praxis exams to demonstrate subject-matter competency and professional knowledge. For English teacher certification, you’ll need to pass:

Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (Test 5038)

This exam assesses your understanding of English content across the areas you’ll teach. The test measures:

Reading and Understanding Text (25% of exam)

• Literary elements and devices (symbolism, metaphor, irony, tone, theme)
• Reading comprehension strategies
• Text structure and organization
• Analysis of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama
• Author’s purpose and point of view
• Making inferences and drawing conclusions

Language Use and Vocabulary (17% of exam)

• Grammar and syntax
• Mechanics and conventions
• Sentence structure and variety
• Vocabulary development and word analysis
• Etymology and morphology
• Standard and non-standard English usage

Writing, Speaking, and Listening (32% of exam)

• Writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing)
• Rhetorical strategies and organizational patterns
• Audience and purpose in writing
• Research skills and citation practices
• Speaking and listening standards
• Collaborative discussion and presentation skills
• Integration of technology in communication

The English Language Arts Curriculum (26% of the exam)

• Curriculum design and learning progression
• Assessment and evaluation methods
• Instructional strategies for diverse learners
• Selection and use of texts and materials
• Differentiation and scaffolding techniques
• Integration of literacy across disciplines
• Professional standards and ethics in English education

The Praxis 5038 exam consists of 130 selected-response questions. You’ll have 150 minutes (2.5 hours) to complete the test. Questions include traditional multiple-choice items as well as selected-response questions that may ask you to select all correct answers from given options.

>>> Find Out More on Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge (5038) Practice Test

Praxis 5038 Scoring

The Praxis 5038 uses a scaled scoring system ranging from 100 to 200. Montana requires a minimum passing score of 167 for English Language Arts certification. Scores are typically available within 10-16 business days of your test date for selected-response exams.

Montana may also require the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam or Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects, depending on your endorsement area and grade level. Check current OPI requirements for your specific situation, as requirements can be updated.

>>> Learn How to Pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching

Step 5: Submit Your Montana Teaching License Application

Once you’ve completed your educator preparation program and passed required exams, you’re ready to apply for your Montana teaching license through the OPI Educator Licensure Division.

Application requirements include:

• Completed Application Form: Available through the OPI online licensing system. You’ll create an account and complete the electronic application.
• Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended, showing your bachelor’s degree conferral and completion of your teacher preparation program.
• Praxis Score Reports: Request that official score reports be sent directly from ETS to the Montana OPI. Use institution code 7999.
• Program Verification: Your educator preparation program must submit verification of your program completion, including confirmation that you met all competencies and completed student teaching.
• Background Check: Montana requires fingerprint-based criminal background checks for all teaching candidates. You’ll submit fingerprints electronically or via fingerprint cards, and the FBI and Montana Department of Justice will process your background investigation.
• Application Fee: License application fees vary by license class. Check the current OPI fee schedule, as fees are subject to change. Expect to pay between $50-$100 for initial licensure.
• Additional Endorsement Documentation: If you’re seeking multiple endorsements (such as both English and Reading), submit documentation for each area.

The OPI reviews applications within 4-6 weeks under normal circumstances, though processing times can vary during peak application periods (typically summer months before the school year begins). Apply early to ensure your license is issued before your intended start date.

Step 6: Obtain Your English Language Arts Endorsement

Montana teaching licenses include specific endorsements that designate which subjects and grade levels you’re qualified to teach. For English teachers, you’ll receive an English Language Arts endorsement valid for grades 5-12 or 7-12, depending on your preparation program.

Endorsement requirements:

• Completion of at least 24 semester credits in English, including coursework in literature, composition, linguistics, and language arts pedagogy
• Passing the Praxis English Language Arts: Content Knowledge exam (5038)
• Completion of methods courses specific to teaching English
• Successful student teaching in English classrooms

Some programs offer combined endorsements, such as English and Reading Specialist, or English and Journalism. Additional endorsements strengthen your job prospects and flexibility.

>>> Read More on Praxis English Language Arts: Content and Analysis (5039) Practice Test

Step 7: Apply for Teaching Positions

With your license in hand, you’re ready to seek employment in Montana schools. The state’s rural nature means teaching opportunities exist throughout the state, from larger districts in Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman to smaller rural schools serving tight-knit communities.

Job search strategies:

• Montana OPI Job Board: The OPI maintains a job posting system where Montana school districts advertise open positions.
• Individual District Websites: Visit school district websites directly and check their employment or human resources pages for current openings.
• Education Job Fairs: Montana colleges and universities host education job fairs, typically in the spring, where districts recruit new teachers.
• Networking: Connect with mentor teachers, university faculty, and education professionals you met during your preparation program and student teaching.
• Professional Organizations: Join the Montana Association of Teachers of English Language Arts (MATELA) or the Montana Education Association (MEA) for networking and professional development opportunities.

When applying, prepare a strong resume highlighting your student teaching experience, relevant coursework, any tutoring or mentoring experience, and special skills (technology integration, coaching, advising student publications). Your cover letter should emphasize your passion for English education and understanding of Montana’s educational context.

Alternative Pathways to English Teacher Certification in Montana

Montana recognizes that qualified individuals may come to teaching from non-traditional backgrounds. Several alternative pathways exist:

Alternative Licensure for Career Changers

If you hold a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field but didn’t complete a traditional teacher preparation program, you may qualify for alternative licensure. This pathway typically requires:

• A bachelor’s degree with sufficient English content coursework
• Passing Praxis exams
• Completion of a condensed pedagogical preparation program
• Mentored teaching experience under a provisional license

Contact the Montana OPI for specific requirements and approved alternative preparation programs.

Out-of-State License Transfer

If you hold a valid teaching license from another state, Montana offers reciprocity under certain conditions. The Interstate Agreement allows qualified out-of-state teachers to transfer their credentials if:

• You hold a valid, current teaching license from another state
• Your out-of-state license is comparable to Montana’s requirements
• You’ve passed equivalent content knowledge exams or are willing to take Montana’s required Praxis tests
• You meet Montana’s background check requirements

Montana is part of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which facilitates credential transfer among member states. However, you’ll still need to apply formally through the OPI and may need to complete additional requirements.

Provisional and Emergency Licenses

In cases of teacher shortages or unique circumstances, Montana may issue provisional or emergency teaching licenses. These temporary licenses allow you to teach while completing the remaining requirements. However, they come with conditions and timelines for obtaining full certification.

Maintaining and Renewing Your Montana Teaching License

Montana teaching licenses aren’t permanent—they require renewal and ongoing professional development to ensure teachers stay current with best practices and educational research.

Class 2 License Renewal Requirements:

• Valid for five years from the date of issue
• Complete 60 Renewal Units (RUs) during each five-year cycle
• One Renewal Unit equals one hour of approved professional development
• Professional development must be relevant to your teaching assignment or professional growth
• Submit renewal application and fee before expiration

Acceptable Professional Development Activities:

• Graduate coursework (1 semester credit = 15 RUs)
• Professional workshops and conferences
• Curriculum development projects
• Mentoring other teachers
• National Board Certification pursuit
• Educational research or publication
• Professional learning communities
• District-provided training

Track your professional development hours carefully and maintain documentation. Many Montana districts provide substantial professional development opportunities that count toward renewal units.

>>> Read More on Praxis Middle School English Language Arts (5047) Practice Test

Career Advancement and Graduate Education

Many Montana English teachers pursue advanced degrees to deepen their expertise, increase earning potential, and access leadership opportunities.

Master’s Degree Options:

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with an English focus
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction
• Master of Arts in English Literature or Composition
• Reading Specialist endorsement
• Educational Leadership (for future administrators)

Earning a master’s degree elevates you to a Class 1 Montana teaching license, typically resulting in higher placement on salary schedules. Montana’s universities offer both in-person and online graduate programs designed for working teachers.

National Board Certification: Pursuing National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult English Language Arts demonstrates the highest level of professional accomplishment. Montana offers financial incentives and salary increases for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs).

Preparing for the Praxis English Language Arts Exam

Success on the Praxis 5038 exam requires focused preparation. Here are effective study strategies:

Understand the Exam Blueprint

Download the official test specifications from the ETS Praxis website. Review the content categories and approximate percentage of questions from each area. Focus your study time proportionally—since Writing, Speaking, and Listening comprises 32% of the exam, allocate about one-third of your preparation to this content area.

Review English Content Systematically

• Literature: Refresh your knowledge of major literary periods, movements, and representative authors. Review literary terms and devices. Practice analyzing poetry, fiction, drama, and nonfiction for theme, structure, and technique.
• Language and Grammar: Study parts of speech, sentence structure, agreement rules, punctuation, and mechanics. Review common grammatical errors and how to correct them. Practice identifying effective and ineffective writing samples.
• Writing Process and Pedagogy: Understand stages of the writing process and instructional strategies for each stage. Review different writing modes (narrative, expository, argumentative, descriptive) and their characteristics. Study assessment rubrics and feedback techniques.
• Curriculum and Instruction: Familiarize yourself with national English Language Arts standards (Common Core State Standards or similar frameworks). Review differentiation strategies, assessment types, and instructional approaches for diverse learners.

Use Quality Study Resources

• Official ETS Materials: Start with the free Praxis 5038 Study Companion and practice questions available on the ETS website. These materials are created by the test developers and reflect actual exam content and format.
• Prepsaret Practice Tests: Utilize our comprehensive practice exams from our pool of past and current actual Praxis exams. At Prepsaret, we offer you full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations, helping you identify knowledge gaps and build test-taking confidence.
• English Content Review Guides: Use college literature anthologies, grammar handbooks, and composition textbooks to refresh content knowledge. Consider guides specifically designed for English teacher certification exams.
• Professional Resources: Review the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) standards and position statements. Explore educational journals focused on English Language Arts teaching.
• Take Practice Tests Under Realistic Conditions

Simulate actual testing conditions when taking practice exams:

• Set a timer for 150 minutes
• Eliminate distractions
• Use only allowed materials (the Praxis 5038 is computer-based with an on-screen calculator, though you likely won’t need it)
• Complete the entire test in one sitting
• Review your answers thoroughly afterward, focusing on questions you missed or found challenging

Taking multiple practice tests builds stamina, improves time management, and reduces test-day anxiety.

Target Your Weak Areas

After each practice test, analyze your performance by content category. If you consistently miss questions about grammar and mechanics, dedicate additional study time to those concepts. If literary analysis questions challenge you, practice analyzing poems and prose passages using different critical lenses.

Create study guides or flashcards for content you find difficult. Teach concepts to others—explaining material to someone else deepens your own understanding.

Study Grammar in Context

Rather than memorizing isolated grammar rules, study examples of effective and ineffective writing. Practice identifying errors in context, as Praxis questions often present sentences or paragraphs with errors to identify or correct. This approach mirrors how you’ll teach grammar—in the context of authentic writing rather than decontextualized worksheets.

Review Young Adult Literature

The exam includes questions about selecting appropriate texts for middle and high school students. Familiarize yourself with contemporary young adult literature across genres, including diverse voices and perspectives. Understand criteria for text selection, including readability levels, thematic appropriateness, and cultural relevance.

Test-Day Strategies for Praxis Success

Before Test Day

• Register Early: Create an ETS account and register for your Praxis exam well in advance. Testing centers fill quickly during peak periods. Select a date that allows adequate preparation time but isn’t so far away that you lose momentum.
• Confirm Test Center Details: Note your testing center location, test date, and arrival time. Visit the testing center beforehand if possible to familiarize yourself with the location and parking.
• Prepare Required Materials: You must bring valid, government-issued photo identification matching the name on your registration. Your ID must include your photograph, name, and signature. Acceptable IDs include driver’s licenses, passports, military IDs, and permanent resident cards.
• Get Adequate Rest: Sleep well the night before your exam. Avoid late-night cramming, which increases anxiety without improving performance.
• Plan Your Morning: Eat a nutritious breakfast with protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Avoid excessive caffeine, which can increase nervousness. Arrive at the testing center at least 15-30 minutes before your appointment.

During the Test

• Read Questions Carefully: Praxis questions often include qualifiers like “most,” “best,” “least,” or “except.” These words significantly affect the correct answer. Read each question completely before looking at answer choices.
• Eliminate Obviously Wrong Answers: Use the process of elimination to narrow choices. Even eliminating one or two incorrect options significantly improves your odds when making educated guesses.
• Manage Your Time: With 150 minutes for 130 questions, you have slightly over one minute per question. Don’t spend excessive time on any single question. If you’re unsure, make your best guess and flag the question for review if time permits.
• Answer Every Question: There’s no penalty for guessing on the Praxis. Never leave questions blank. If you’re running short on time, quickly select answers for the remaining questions rather than leaving them unanswered.
• Use the Review Feature: The computer-based test allows you to flag questions and return to them. If time permits, review flagged questions and reconsider your answers with a fresh perspective.
• Stay Calm and Confident: If you encounter difficult questions, remember that the test includes experimental questions that don’t count toward your score. Not every question will feel manageable, and that’s normal. Trust your preparation and do your best on each question.

After the Test

• Don’t Second-Guess: Once you’ve submitted your exam, don’t obsess about questions or answers. You’ve completed an important step toward certification—celebrate that accomplishment.
• Understand Score Reporting: Selected-response Praxis scores are typically available 10-16 business days after your test date. You’ll receive an email when scores are available in your ETS account. Official score reports are sent to the institutions you designated during registration.
• Plan Next Steps: If you pass, proceed with your licensure application. If you don’t achieve the passing score, analyze your score report to identify weak content areas, then develop a focused study plan and retest when ready. Many successful teachers didn’t pass on their first attempt—persistence matters more than perfection.

Understanding Montana English Teacher Salaries

Teacher compensation in Montana varies by district size, location, and experience level. While teaching isn’t typically the highest-paying profession, Montana teachers receive competitive salaries plus benefits.

Average Montana Teacher Salaries (2024-2025 estimates):

• Beginning teachers: $32,000-$42,000 annually
• Mid-career teachers (10-15 years): $45,000-$60,000 annually
• Experienced teachers (20+ years): $55,000-$75,000+ annually

Larger districts like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls typically offer higher salaries than smaller rural districts. However, cost of living varies significantly across Montana, so salary comparisons should account for regional differences in housing costs and expenses.

Additional Compensation Opportunities:

• Advanced degrees increase salary placement
• National Board Certification bonuses
• Coaching stipends for athletics or activities
• Advising student publications or clubs
• Department chair or curriculum leadership roles
• Summer school teaching
• Professional development workshop facilitation

Teacher Benefits:

• Health insurance coverage
• Retirement plans through the Montana Teachers’ Retirement System
• Paid holidays and breaks
• Professional development funding
• Tenure protections after a successful probationary period

Montana’s teacher salary schedules are public information, available through individual school district websites. Research compensation at specific districts where you’re interested in teaching.

Continuing Your Professional Growth

Teaching is a profession of continuous learning. Effective English teachers remain curious, reflective, and committed to improvement throughout their careers.

Professional Organizations:

• Montana Association of Teachers of English Language Arts (MATELA)
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
• Montana Education Association (MEA)
• International Literacy Association (ILA)
• Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN)

Membership provides access to conferences, journals, lesson resources, and networking opportunities with English teachers nationwide.

• Conferences and Workshops: Attend annual state and national conferences focused on English education. NCTE’s Annual Convention, regional conferences, and Montana-specific professional development events offer current research, innovative teaching strategies, and inspiration.
• Graduate Coursework: Even without pursuing a full master’s degree, taking graduate courses in areas like teaching writing, adolescent literature, reading intervention, or educational technology deepens expertise and earns renewal units.
• Collaborative Learning: Form or join professional learning communities with fellow English teachers. Regular meetings to discuss teaching challenges, share successful lessons, analyze student work, and study educational research create powerful professional growth.
• Classroom Research: Engage in action research in your own classroom. Identify questions about your teaching practice, systematically investigate them, and share findings with colleagues. This teacher-researcher stance keeps you intellectually engaged and responsive to student needs.

How to Become an English Teacher in Montana: FAQs

How long does it take to become an English teacher in Montana?

Typically, it takes 4–5 years, including earning a bachelor’s degree and completing a teacher preparation program. Alternative routes may vary in length.

What exams are required to become an English teacher in Montana?

Most candidates must pass:

• Praxis Core Academic Skills (if required by their program)
• A Praxis English subject exam for the appropriate endorsement level

Can you become an English teacher in Montana without a teaching degree?

In most cases, you must complete a state-approved educator preparation program. However, alternative licensure pathways may be available for career changers.

Do you need a master’s degree to teach English in Montana?

No. A master’s degree is not required for initial licensure, though it may be beneficial for career advancement.

How much do English teachers make in Montana?

Salaries vary by district, experience, and education level. English teachers in Montana earn competitive wages aligned with statewide educator pay scales.

Conclusion: Your Path to Teaching English in Montana

Becoming an English teacher in Montana requires dedication, preparation, and persistence, but the reward of inspiring students’ love of reading, writing, and critical thinking makes the journey worthwhile. 

By completing an approved educator preparation program, passing required Praxis exams, fulfilling student teaching requirements, and obtaining your Montana teaching license with English Language Arts endorsement, you’ll join a profession that shapes minds and transforms lives.

Montana needs qualified, passionate English teachers committed to helping students develop literacy skills essential for academic success and engaged citizenship. Whether you teach in a small rural school or a larger urban district, your impact extends beyond classroom walls—you’re preparing the next generation of communicators, thinkers, and leaders.