Montana Teacher Residency Program Overview

Founded in 2022, the Montana Teacher Residency Program (MTRP) is a year-long clinical practice opportunity for higher-education students in Montana seeking initial teacher licensure enrolled in a participating Montana college/university.

Given the MTRP's structure, Resident Teachers will finish their final degree requirements in a flexible format, allowing them to complete their studies within their Educator Preparation Program (EPP) while participating in the MTRP. The MTRP provides student participants, Resident Teachers, with a monthly stipend of $1,400, a last-dollar tuition grant of up to $4000, and guaranteed housing assistance through their host district during their year-long, residency.

In exchange for these benefits, Resident Teachers in the MTRP agree to teach in a Montana public school for 3 years within 5 years of completing their clinical practice/Residency Year. This gives Resident Teachers the opportunity to go in-depth with acquiring knowledge and skills related to the practices of education while being compensated for the commitment.

The MTRP remains focused on many specific goals; in addition to providing Resident Teachers with a more in-depth experience, the MTRP includes incentivizing teaching in a wider range of communities across the state and increasing long-term teacher retention.

By working with rural and understaffed districts, it is our hope that these districts, the Resident Teachers, and our partnership EPPs will all be served with an efficient model of placing teachers in areas where they are greatly needed and appreciated.

Who is Involved?

The success of the Montana Teacher Residency Program depends on the collective efforts of universities (EPPs), school districts, Teacher Leaders, Resident Teachers, and state partners.

By working together, these organizations help build a stronger and more sustainable educator workforce for Montana.

Partnerships

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