In response to a growing teacher shortage, Montana has introduced an innovative program aimed at recruiting and training new educators. The Montana Teacher Residency Program, a joint effort between the state Office of Public Instruction and the University of Montana Western, is designed to offer aspiring teachers an immersive, year-long classroom experience.
Launched in 2022, the program allows students enrolled in teacher preparation programs at Montana colleges to spend a full year working in K-12 classrooms, far exceeding the traditional few months typically required for student teaching. While gaining hands-on experience, participants continue their coursework and receive significant financial support in return. This includes a monthly stipend of $1,400, housing assistance, and a potential tuition grant.
For many participants, like Bethany Morris, the program has proven to be a life-changing opportunity. Morris, who had previously worked as a paraprofessional and had children in the district, was drawn to the program after realizing she needed credentials to pursue a career in teaching. “I just fell in love with the kids and the people here,” she said, reflecting on her decision to transition from a business career to teaching. “I think this is where I’m meant to be.”
The Montana Teacher Residency Program aims to address not only the immediate shortage of teachers but also the long-term retention of new educators. Krystal Smith, who helps oversee the program at the state education department, emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with teachers, families, and communities. “It’s not just about the financial support,” Smith said. “It’s about creating bonds that will keep these educators in Montana’s classrooms for the long term.”
However, the program is not without its challenges. One significant hurdle is the high number of emergency teaching authorizations issued across the state. In the past year alone, the state issued more than 175 emergency licenses, the highest number in the past five years. These emergency hires allow schools to fill vacant positions, but often with individuals who lack the formal teaching credentials. Several program participants chose to leave early this year after being hired for these emergency positions.
While the Montana Teacher Residency Program has had success in placing new teachers into classrooms, it has not been immune to the ongoing issues affecting the profession statewide. One of the biggest barriers to long-term teacher recruitment and retention, according to Morris, is the starting salary for teachers, which lags behind neighboring states. “Any program they come up with is going to be a challenge because that’s the root of it,” Morris noted, underscoring the importance of addressing pay disparities.
Despite these challenges, Morris remains optimistic about her future in teaching. For now, she is focused on the joy of her classroom experience—reading stories, singing songs, and working with her preschool students. As the program continues to grow, the hope is that it will help develop a new generation of teachers committed to building strong educational foundations in Montana.
While the Montana Teacher Residency Program represents a positive step forward, experts agree that broader systemic changes will be needed to fully address the state’s teacher shortage and improve the overall teaching profession. For now, the residency program stands as a promising model, providing valuable support for future educators and strengthening the ties between schools and the communities they serve.
