Montana Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Montana minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
5
Required Items
1
Optional/Recommended
$95
Daily Rate (avg)
Montana Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
Education Requirements
Montana requires substitute teachers to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or possess at least three years of documented teaching experience. Candidates who do not hold a bachelor's degree may still qualify if they can demonstrate substantial classroom experience and meet additional criteria set by the Office of Public Instruction. Transcripts must be submitted as part of the application process.
Background Check
All substitute teacher applicants in Montana must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check conducted through the Montana Department of Justice and the FBI. The background check must be completed and cleared before the applicant is eligible to work in any school district. Results are submitted directly to the Office of Public Instruction.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Montana must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application. This minimum age requirement ensures that all candidates have reached legal adulthood and can assume the responsibilities associated with supervising students in a classroom setting.
Application Process
Applicants must apply for a Class 6 substitute teaching license through the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI). The application requires submission of official transcripts, background check results, and a completed application form with the appropriate fee. Processing times vary, and applicants should apply well in advance of the desired start date.
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Montana issues a Class 6 substitute teaching license, which authorizes holders to serve as substitute teachers in any public school district in the state. The license is valid for a specified period and must be renewed before expiration. License holders may substitute in any grade level or subject area, though individual districts may impose additional restrictions.
Recommended / Optional
References
Applicants for a Montana Class 6 substitute license are generally required to provide professional references as part of the application process. Districts may request two to three references from individuals who can speak to the applicant's character, work ethic, and ability to work with children in an educational environment.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Montana Office of Public Instruction Licensure page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Montana
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Montana's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In Montana, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Montana
$95
Avg Daily Rate
$29,000
Annual (regular subs)
High school diploma
Education Floor
Often No
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
All State Requirements
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Montana: Salary Guide
Montana: Without a Degree
Montana: Background Check
Montana: Age Requirements
Montana: State Credential
Montana: How to Apply
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Classroom Skills Courses
Practical training that gets you called more
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in Montana are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Montana Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.