A Class 4 Educator License, are designed for individuals who wish to teach Career and Technical Education subjects, including Industrial Technology, in public schools. Unlike traditional teaching licenses that often require a bachelor's degree in education and a teacher preparation program, the Class 4 license leverages an applicant's extensive real-world experience and industry expertise. This alternative pathway gives applicants the opportunity to teach based on practical knowledge and skills, typically gained through significant work hours to effectively instruct students in specialized vocational and technical fields. This pathway ensures that students in Montana's CTE programs can benefit from instructors who bring invaluable, hands-on industry experience directly into the classroom.
Class 4A licenses: 60 professional development units or any combination of professional development units and semester/quarter college credits. Each semester credit is worth 15 professional development units and a quarter credit is worth 10 professional development units. The first renewal must show evidence of professional development units earned in the following content areas: curriculum and instruction in career and technical education; and safety and teacher liability.
Class 4B or 4C licenses: 60 professional development units or any combination of professional development units and semester/quarter college credits. Each semester credit is worth 15 professional development units and a quarter credit is worth 10 professional development units. The first renewal must show evidence of professional development units earned in the following content areas: curriculum and instruction in career and technical education; and safety and teacher liability.
Other professional development appropriate to renew a Class 4B or 4C license includes the following: principles and/or philosophy of career and technical education; curriculum and instruction in career and technical education; learning styles/teaching styles; including serving students with special needs; safety and teacher liability; classroom management; teaching methods; career guidance in career and technical education; or endorsement related technical studies, with prior OPI approval.