October 2020
This newsletter contains news and information of interest about
Montana Rural Teacher Project. Thanks for staying informed.
Partnerships make the difference
You never know when you will run into a partnership that inspires. The other day on my neighborhood walk I noticed that tucked among the trees and brush was the Fluttery Thicket, a collection of fairy houses.

These little treasures were the result of a partnership between the Gallatin Valley Land Trust and the Random Acts of Silliness children's theatre. Over a two week period, hardly an hour during the day or early evening passed when you would not hear children squealing with excitement and parents sharing a sense of wonder with their kids.

I highlight this partnership because it brought immeasurable joy to those who experienced it. It is a beautiful demonstration of how people working together can make a difference, both small and large, in their community.

In this spirit, MSU wants to partner with YOU,
your school, your district, and your community.

We know the challenge in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, especially in rural communities. The Master of Arts in Teaching program can be part of the solution. The MAT is an online, place-based program in which practicum and student teaching are completed near or within students’ home communities.

It's Application Time!

We are excited to review applications from the amazing people in your community who are interested in becoming teachers.

We have begun reviewing applicants for the elementary education stream and will accept applications through December 1, for the January 2021 program start.

Secondary stream (English, math, social studies broadfield, and science broadfield) applications are coming in as well. The application window is open through January 1, 2021 with a May 2021 start date.

Like you, we know there is incredible value when students learn together. We aim to have at least 5 MAT students in each secondary content area. Please help recruit YOUR next math, science, English, or social studies teacher by referring applicants to the MAT.

Please note: all MAT students take the Praxis before applying to the program. It's important to plan ahead as Praxis exam dates may be limited.

More information about the program is available on the website .

Are you hosting a meeting where the MAT Team could recruit?
If so, please contact Tricia Seifert.
MAT Students bring experience & knowledge
The elementary stream MAT students are truly a cut above.

Avg. bachelor's GPA = 3.49
Avg. Praxis screening test scores:
ELA: 180 (cut score =157)
Math: 179 (cut score =157)
Social Studies: 184 (cut score =184)
Science: 181 (cut score =159)
The secondary stream MAT students are equally impressive.

Avg. bachelor's GPA = 3.54
Avg. Praxis screening test scores:
English: 200 (cut score =167)
Social Studies: 175 (cut score =155)
Science: 181 (cut score =152)

Montana Rural Teacher Project launches!

9 elementary and 8 secondary students, enrolled in the MAT program, were selected for the first cohort of the Montana Rural Teacher Project, a competitive grant program funded by the US Department of Education.

MRTP candidates are paid a “living wage stipend” (varies from $25K-$30K) for one year while earning MSU’s MAT to qualify for licensure. They then commit to three years of teaching in a rural school (possibly yours!) and receive two years of mentoring during induction. Note that eligible MRTP candidates must not be currently teaching on a provisional license.

MRTP schools that hire MRTP teachers also receive direct benefits. In addition to highly qualified teachers who receive mentoring during induction, school leaders and trustees are supported in executing best practices in teacher retention.

The MRTP collaboration provides two years of professional development to school leaders (principals and superintendents) through participation in
School Administrators of Montana’s Leaders Professional Learning Program. Montana School Boards Association provides trustees and board members with professional development.

We know amazing potential candidates are in our rural communities,
but we need your help finding them.
We need your network to connect us to candidates! 
Partnering for a better future
The MRTP collaboration includes robust professional development for the MRTP teacher as well as school and district leadership.

We opened this newsletter highlighting the importance of partnerships in strengthening our communities. It is fitting to close thanking the great partners across the state who make the MRTP project possible.

Thank you
  • Montana Federation of Public Employees
  • Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education
  • Montana Office of Public Instruction
  • Montana Rural Education Association
  • Montana School Board Association
  • Montana Small Schools Alliance
  • Montana State University
  • School Administrators of Montana
  • School Services of Montana
  • Western Montana Professional Learning Collaborative
If you know of prospective students, please contact Jamie O’Callaghan. 
Please share this opportunity with other school leaders in your area.