How do I complete an endorsement while I am teaching?

There are two routes to allow you to be responsible for the programs for students with special needs while taking courses to meet the endorsement in special education.

  1. OPI Internship Program does not provide stipend support. Complete the Teaching Internship Application which is available online. This form must be completed in consultation with the university program.
  2. OPI Special Education Endorsement Project provides stipend support and all criteria must be met for acceptance. For more information, contact: Rene’ Rosell Yarbrough at 406-657-2097.

The following information pertains to the OPI Special Education Endorsement Project only.

Plan of Study

A Plan of Study must be on file with the OPI Special Education Endorsement Project office from one of the five participating colleges the teacher plans to attend:  Carroll College, University of Great Falls, Montana State University Billings, University of Montana, or University of Montana Western.

Registration

Refer to the Registrar’s Office at your school for instructions on enrollment to your institution's program.

Timeframe to complete the OPI Special Education Endorsement 

Timeline to completion of the OPI Special Education Endorsement depends on the number of credits needed per plan of study.  All courses for the OPI Special Education Endorsement, including Student Teaching, are to be completed within 3 years as mandated by OPI.

Stipend Information for the OPI Special Education Edorsement

  • Stipends are available to offset the cost of tuition and fees and are dispersed based on the number of credits completed during a semester.
  • Stipend requests are processed after the OPI Special Education Endorsement Project office receives a copy of the unofficial transcript with completed course and credits earned per semester. This must be submitted after every semester and takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process the reimbursement.

Other Questions? Call 406- 657-2097.

Participating Institutions

The following college/universities participate in the OPI Special Education Endorsement Project:

Carroll College
Ms. Kathleen Gilboy
406-447-4376
kagilboy@carroll.edu

 

Montana State University Billings
Dr. Susan Gregory
406-657-2152
sgregory@msubillings.edu

 

University of Montana
Dr. Trent Atkins
406-243-4978
trent.atkins@mso.umt.edu

 

Dr. Morgen Alwell
406-243-5512
morgen.alwell@umontana.edu

 

The University of Montana Western
Dr. Goodson Dzenga, BCBA
Office:   406-683-7177
Cell:       412-886-8245
chaidamoyo.dzenga@umwestern.edu

 

*Always contact the school's Admissions Office regarding admission and registration requirements.