How to Apply to Be a Substitute Teacher in Montana
Montana substitute teacher how to apply. Apply Through: Montana OPI and individual school districts. Credential Required: Class 5 Substitute Teaching License.
Montana OPI and individual school districts
Apply Through
Class 5 Substitute Teaching License
Credential Required
$48
Background Check Cost
2-4 weeks
Processing Time
Billings Public Schools
Largest District
Montana: How to Apply
Montana Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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.
Practical skills training only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by Montana state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Montana
Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.
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 does not issue substitute teaching authorization, credentials, or employment. All decisions rest solely with state education authorities, provincial ministries, and local school districts.