Montana Launches ‘Earn While You Learn’ Apprentice Program to Train 160 New Teachers

HELENA, MT — Governor Greg Gianforte and Montana Department of Labor & Industry Commissioner Sarah Swanson announced Monday that Montana has been awarded a $4 million federal grant to launch the state’s first registered teacher apprenticeship program.

The grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor’s State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula program, aims to support a stronger, more sustainable teacher workforce across Montana, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

“Preparing the next generation of Montana’s workforce and supporting starting teachers has been a top priority of our administration,” Gianforte said. “Through this investment, we’re preparing future educators and getting more teachers in the classroom to better serve Montana students and families.”

The four-year apprenticeship program will allow aspiring K-12 educators to earn while they learn, receiving pay for the full duration of their classroom experience. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced mentor teachers while completing academic coursework through accredited higher education partners.

Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices will become licensed K-12 educators in Montana.

Program Details

The initial program will serve a minimum of 40 school districts statewide, including at least 12 located in rural or tribal communities. It will launch with an initial cohort of 160 registered teacher apprentices and 40 youth pre-apprentices.

The first cohort of apprentices will begin in summer and fall of 2026, with a second cohort launching in spring 2027.

DLI is partnering with the Coalition of Advocates for Montana’s Public Schools, the Montana Office of Public Instruction, and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to complete the program design and launch the registered teacher apprenticeship framework.

“Montana’s future depends on growing and retaining strong, local teachers who understand the communities they serve,” said DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson. “This apprenticeship model lowers the barriers to entering the profession, brings workforce training into communities, and builds a homegrown pipeline of teachers who are more likely to stay and thrive in Montana’s classrooms.”

Addressing Teacher Shortages

The program comes as Montana faces ongoing challenges with teacher recruitment and retention, particularly in rural areas. The apprenticeship model is designed to create a pipeline of educators who are familiar with and committed to their local communities.

“As a former teacher and school administrator, I understand firsthand the critical need for more highly qualified educators in our classrooms,” said Montana Superintendent Susie Hedalen. “This new apprenticeship program will help build a stronger future by preparing the next generation of teachers to guide and inspire our students for years to come.”

Lance Melton, Executive Director of the Montana School Boards Association, emphasized the program’s focus on rural communities.

“This initiative marks crucial advancement in tackling the teacher recruitment and retention crisis in our rural schools,” Melton said. “By investing in registered apprenticeships, we are not merely training future educators; we are nurturing a skilled workforce that truly understands the values of the communities we serve. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for Montana’s public schools, ensuring our students receive the high-quality education they deserve.”

Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship system currently supports over 700 employers and over 3,300 apprentices in industries ranging from construction to healthcare to financial services.