Professional Development Resources

Acceptance into the OPI Special Education Endorsement Project will be given to those applicants who will be employed by a rural district unable to recruit a fully certified special education teacher and who will be in possession of a teaching contract in that district. Applicant requirements include:

• Current Class 1 or Class 2 Montana Teaching Certificate. Class 5 Alternative Licenses are NOT eligible for project participation.
• Commitment to complete the special education endorsement within three (3) years as mandated by NCLB and IDEA regulations.
• Commitment to teach special education in Montana for a minimum of two (2) years following completion of the program.

Recipients may be eligible to receive up to $2,500 per year to pursue higher education resulting in an endorsement to teach special education. Stipend amounts are based on the student's credit load and housing needs, and WILL NOT COVER ALL TUITION EXPENSES. School expenses will need to be paid up front by the applicant as stipends are not released until AFTER each semester course(s) are completed and a final grade has been recorded on the student's transcript. Stipend reimbursements must be paid out during the academic year the courses were completed. Reimbursements requested beyond one year after completion will not be paid.