The Teaching Option permits a student to choose a balanced program among agricultural economics, agricultural mechanics, animal & range sciences, and plant & soil sciences, while also gaining teaching and presentation skills. Students preparing to teach spend 14 weeks in an approved high school agriculture department as teaching candidates. Graduates are eligible to receive a Montana Class Two (standard) teaching license which permits them to teach in middle and high schools. This licensure is recognized in most other states throughout the U.S.

Students may pursue a teaching minor in a variety of disciplines that provides them with additional employment opportunities.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

Students must apply to the Teacher Education Program during the semester prior to taking their upper-division methods and practicum coursework. Admission to the Teacher Education Program requires completion of the "Application for Admission." These forms are available at www.montana.edu/ehhd/educ/advising and must be turned into the Education Advising Center, Reid Hall 132. 

The requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program are:

1.     a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75

2.     a 2.75 grade-point average in the teaching major, minor and option, with no grade below a "C" in any of these areas

3.     a current background check completed as outlined by Sec. 20-4-110 of the MCA

Application and Approval for Student Teaching

Certain requirements must be met by all students desiring to student teach:

1.     maintenance of the same standards required for admission into the program including satisfactory clearance on a federal criminal background check

2.     completion of all required courses (meeting academic requirements as listed above) prior to student teaching

3.     a 2.75 grade-point average in the content coursework for any teaching major or teaching minor

4.     certification in first aid with CPR

Student teaching is limited to seniors. A completed application must be submitted to the Office of Field Placement and Licensure before any placement is made.