State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen Encourages Public Comment For Flexibilities to Recruit Quality Teachers
HELENA-To recruit quality teachers, Superintendent Elsie Arntzen has introduced recommendations to the Board of Public Education (BOPE). Public comment is now opened to review these flexibilities. These recommendations will ensure quality, engage new and existing teachers, and assist Montana teacher recruitment and retention.
Parents, community leaders, and teachers are asked to participate in commenting on these flexibilities to ensure quality teachers lead our community classrooms. Current Montana teacher shortages demand this change to remove barriers in obtaining teacher licenses and hiring qualifications. Streamlining the process will attract teachers with multiple pathways and skills.
“There are alternative paths to becoming a teacher,” Superintendent Arntzen explained. “My degree in Business Economics served me well for ten years, but then I found my true passion in education as an elementary teacher. Even today, the path to becoming a teacher is too rigid and does not allow for a smooth, flexible transition. Montana has a great need for quality teachers. Our system must allow alternatives for locally elected school boards to choose the teacher who best fits their students and community needs.”
The proposed changes to increase recruitment of teachers:
- Equalizing alternative teacher preparation pathways
- Earning multiple endorsements to expand credentials
- Increased access for expired licensees to reenter the classroom
- Flexibility of initial license competencies through a test, portfolio, or verified GPA
- Acceptance of lifetime licenses
- Increase Career Technical educators by accepting diverse degrees, allowing associate degrees, and work experience equivalencies
- Allowing school counselors to pursue administrative licenses
- Providing license reciprocity from other states for military spouses and dependents
- Recognizing licenses for nationally board-certified teachers
Read more comprehensive changes to ARM Chapter 57.
In 2020, the number of unfilled classrooms challenged by lack of recruiting teachers had increased from 353 to 559. In the current Critical Educator Report, vacancies increased by 19% for areas such as math and special education. Unlicensed teachers through emergency authorization have doubled since 2020.
The Public Hearing on new licensing rules is on February 24 at 9:00 AM. Written public comment may be submitted through 5:00 PM on April 8, 2022, to the Executive Director at bpe@mt.gov and will be shared with board members and included as part of the official public record. For more information, please contact Julie Murgel, Chief Operating Officer, at julie.murgel@mt.gov or 1- 406-444-3172.
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