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October 2022

This newsletter contains news and information of interest about
Montana Rural Teacher Project. Thanks for staying informed.

MRTP Graduate Highlight

The Montana Rural Teacher Project now has 22 graduates from two cohorts teaching in eligible schools around the state. We would like to highlight how our graduates are doing in their classrooms. This month we feature Ben Deremiah.


Ben is in his second year of teaching 8th grade English at Libby Middle/High School. In addition to teaching, Ben has also become involved in extracurricular activities within the community. He is an Assistant Coach for the Cross Country Team, Assistant Coach for 5/6 Basketball, and the Head Coach for the Track Team. Ben enjoys the relationships he builds with his students and the community through coaching. This past summer Ben participated in the Kootenai Outdoor Adventure Program which aims to provide outdoor opportunities to the youth of Libby. He looks forward to participating again in the future.


A highlight of the year thus far for Ben was presenting a student of the month award at a district board meeting. Overall, Ben is enjoying his second year of teaching. Though there may be challenges and road bumps, he enjoys the positive interactions and relationships he builds with his students and community.


All of our MRTP participants are happy to be in the classroom and contributing to the life of their schools and communities. They are receiving two years of MRTP-provided mentoring as well as support from their local school leaders. MRTP partners including SAM, MFPE, MREA, MSSA, SSoM, WMPLC, MTSBA, OPI, and OCHE are also providing key support for all participants. 

The MAT is Accepting Applications

The MRTP has provided funding for its third and final cohort. However, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program will continue to provide a solid pathway for new educators who want to enter the profession. Currently, the MAT program offers applicants with a bachelor's degree a pathway to complete a teacher preparation program and become a licensed Montana teacher in as little as one year. 


The Master of Arts in Teacher program at MSU may also be able to support candidates working as teachers-of-record on a Class 5 license. Please reach out directly to Jamie O'Callaghan for questions about how we can support candidates.

Elementary track starts - January 2023

Preferred application deadline - November 15, 2022


Secondary track starts - May 2023

Preferred application deadline - January 1, 2023


If you know of prospective applicants, please invite them to contact Jamie O'Callaghan.