OPI Special Education Endorsement Project

General Information

The OPI Special Education Endorsement Project began in 1987 to address the shortage of special education teachers in Montana.  Acceptance into the OPI Special Education Endorsement Project will be given to those applicants who will be employed by a rural district unable to recruit a fully certified special education teacher.  Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a current Class 1 or Class 2 Montana Teaching Certificate. Class 5 Alternate licenses are NOT eligible for project participation.

• A commitment to complete the special education endorsement in three (3) years, as mandated by NCLB and IDEA Regulations.

• Work with a district mentor.

• Make a commitment to teach special education in Montana for a minimum of two (2) years following completion of the OPI Special Education Endorsement Project.

Successful applicants can qualify for stipend money available to assist them with their college tuition and fees; however, stipends do NOT cover all educational expenses.

Applicants can be considered for the project upon submission of the following:

1. Completed application form (see also: application instructions) with all required signatures. Mail to:
   OPI Special Ed Endorsement Project
   MSU Billings
   1500 University Dr
   Billings, MT 59101

2. Copy of Montana Teaching Certificate

3. Letter from school district indicating the student has applied for a special education teaching  position they have been unable to fill with a certified special education teacher.

4. Unofficial copy of all transcripts.

5. Plan of Study, developed with a university advisor at the college/university you will attend. The Plan of Study must accompany this application before it will be reviewed. If you are considering a master's degree with this endorsement, please discuss this with your advisor.

Questions? Please contact our office at 406-657-2097.