Montana Substitute Teaching License
There is no statewide Montana substitute teaching license. Each school district sets its own hiring standards, though the state requires a high school diploma at minimum, a criminal history background check, and at least 3 hours of district-approved training for unlicensed substitutes. Districts give hiring priority to substitutes who already hold a Montana teaching license.
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Montana leaves substitute teaching requirements almost entirely up to local school districts. There is no state-issued substitute permit or certificate, so the specific rules you’ll need to meet depend on where you apply. Some districts hire only candidates who already hold a Montana teaching license. Others accept a high school diploma and a short training course. The state still sets a few baseline rules every district has to follow, and understanding those first makes it easier to know what a specific district might ask for on top of them.
Substitute Teaching Requirements in Montana
The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) doesn’t require substitute teachers to hold any license or certification. The governing rules sit in Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 10.55.716, which places hiring authority with each individual school district’s board of trustees. That means requirements can look very different from one district to the next.
At minimum, an unlicensed substitute must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Many districts, particularly larger ones, prefer or require a bachelor’s degree, and some give extra weight to candidates who completed a teacher preparation program. Because these preferences vary so much, contact the school district in which you want to substitute for its exact requirements. A complete listing of Montana school districts is available through the OPI School Directory.
License Classes That Qualify You to Substitute
Holding a current Montana teaching license isn’t required to substitute, but it does affect how districts prioritize hiring and how long you can stay in one classroom. Three license types are relevant to substitute work:
A Class 1 Professional Teaching License requires eligibility for a Class 2 license plus a master’s degree or qualifying National Board certification, along with meeting one of Montana’s approved licensure pathways. A Class 2 Standard Teaching License requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and completion of an approved teacher preparation program that includes student teaching. Montana also offers several types of Class 5 Provisional licenses that allow eligible educators to work while completing specific licensure requirements.
Districts consistently prefer licensed substitutes over unlicensed ones, and licensed substitutes are typically paid more per day as a result. If you’re subbing now and considering full licensure down the road, see Montana teacher certification renewal for what’s involved in keeping a license current once you have one.
Training and Background Check Requirements
Unlicensed substitutes must complete at least 3 hours of training approved by the local board of trustees before they can work in the classroom. Districts with strong local experience requirements may waive part of this training for candidates who have taught before, so it’s worth asking directly rather than assuming the full 3 hours applies.
Every substitute teacher in Montana, licensed or not, must pass a criminal history background check before working with students. This requires fingerprinting through a local law enforcement agency. You’ll receive specific instructions on how to complete this step once you apply for a substitute position with a district.
How Long You Can Substitute Without a License
Montana limits how long an unlicensed substitute can cover a single teacher’s classroom. If you’re filling in for one teacher for 35 consecutive school days or more, the district must place a fully licensed teacher in that role instead. This limit exists to make sure long-term instruction stays with someone who holds a full teaching credential, even when substitute availability is tight.
Substitute Teacher Pay in Montana
Substitute teacher pay varies widely by district, local budgets, and whether the substitute holds a Montana teaching license. Licensed substitutes are generally paid more than unlicensed substitutes, but there’s no single statewide rate, so check with the district you’re applying to for its current pay schedule. Some districts also let regular classroom teachers pre-select preferred substitutes for their classes, which can mean more consistent work for substitutes who build relationships with specific schools.
Montana continues to face a shortage of available substitute teachers, particularly in rural districts, which creates steady demand for both licensed and unlicensed candidates willing to take assignments.
Reciprocity for Out-of-State Licensed Teachers
If you already hold a teaching license from another state, Montana’s participation in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement may allow you a streamlined path to a Montana license, which can qualify you for the same substitute hiring priority given to in-state licensed teachers. See Montana teaching license reciprocity for details on how this process works.
Want to learn how to earn a professional teaching certification? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Montana.
How to Apply for Substitute Teaching Positions
Substitute positions in Montana are posted and filled at the district level, not through OPI directly. Contact your local school district to ask about its application process, required paperwork, and current openings. Montana’s Jobs for Teachers service also lists substitute teaching openings statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to substitute teach in Montana?
No. Montana doesn’t issue a statewide substitute teaching license or certificate. Individual school districts set their own hiring requirements, though districts do give hiring priority to candidates who already hold a Montana teaching license.
What’s the minimum education requirement to substitute teach in Montana?
The state minimum is a high school diploma or its equivalent, plus 3 hours of district-approved training. Many districts set a higher bar, commonly a bachelor’s degree, so check with the specific district you want to work for.
How long can I substitute teach in the same classroom without a license?
Up to 35 consecutive school days. Beyond that, the district must assign a fully licensed teacher to the classroom.
How much do substitute teachers get paid in Montana?
Pay varies widely by district and local budget. Licensed substitutes are generally paid more than unlicensed substitutes, but there’s no single statewide rate, so check directly with the district you’re applying to.
Can an out-of-state teaching license help me substitute in Montana?
Yes. Montana’s participation in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement can streamline the process of converting an out-of-state license into a Montana teaching license, which may qualify you for the same hiring priority given to in-state licensed substitutes.
- No statewide license required — Montana leaves substitute hiring standards up to individual school districts.
- State floor is a high school diploma — plus 3 hours of approved training and a background check, though many districts require more.
- 35-day rule — an unlicensed substitute can’t cover one classroom past 35 consecutive school days.
- Licensed substitutes earn more and get hired first — districts prioritize candidates who hold a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 5 Provisional license.
- Reciprocity can help out-of-state teachers — Montana’s NASDTEC membership can streamline licensure for teachers moving from another state.
Find accredited teacher certification programs in Montana, including licensure paths that can help you qualify for hiring priority as a substitute.
