Educator Preparation

Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Chapter 58 Professional Educator Preparation Program Standards (PEPPS) directs the accreditation of educator preparation programs in Montana. There are ten post-secondary campuses offering teacher education programs in Montana, and each is approved by the Montana state board of public education to provide educational programs leading to licensure for teachers and administrators. Each educator preparation program offers its own combination of programs.

The Montana Council of Deans of Education (MCDE) fosters communication and collaboration among leaders of educator preparation programs (EPPs) and state partners for the purpose of continuously strengthening P20 education in Montana. MCDE is comprised by 10 institutions including five public universities, three private colleges, and two Tribal Colleges.

Through collaboration across the EPP institutions, MCDE does the following:

• develops a shared vision, goals, and model processes and programs, while recognizing and honoring the unique contribution and strengths of each EPP,
• draws from its location and history to support candidates who differ culturally and contextually.  
• provides one another support and feedback regarding educator preparation and EPP accreditation in Montana., and 
• when appropriate, seeks to inform public policy and accreditation standards related to P20 education in Montana and the nation.  MCDE is comprised by 10 institutions including five public universities, three private colleges, and two Tribal Colleges.