School of Education

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Audrey L. Peterson, Chair

Pages 176-194
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers teacher education baccalaureate programs leading to certification/licensure for kindergarten through twelfth grade (K-12) levels. Master and doctoral degree candidates receive focused study and increased depth in selected specialty areas. Students at all levels are prepared for the profession of teaching by completing a coherent program that emphasizes teaching and learning in community. The program prepares professionals who are skilled in the creation of student-centered, active-learning environments within learning communities. Individual self-esteem, diversity, and the social, moral and cognitive development of children and youth is emphasized. Students experience an integrated curriculum. They formulate collaborative and community-building strategies that address social and academic diversity, encouraging the development of caring, contributing citizens.

Graduate Programs

The following degrees are offered: Master of Arts, Master of Education, and Doctor of Education. Both the Master of Arts and the Master of Education programs are offered in Curriculum and Instruction, with optional concentrations in elementary education, secondary education, reading, library-media services, special education, and curriculum studies.

Teaching, administrative, and/or other education-related experience is normally required prior to the completion of advanced degree programs. To receive a master's degree in elementary or secondary education, a minimum of two years of teaching experience is required. Selection of a course of study (area of emphasis, course work outside the field of education, and electives) must be made only after consultation with and the expressed approval of the student's advisor. Information about specific requirements and options is available from the School of Education. For more information refer to the The University of Montana-Missoula Graduate Programs and Admissions Catalog.

Teacher Education

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the Teacher Education Council establish policies and standards for students within the Teacher Education Program. Students preparing to teach in elementary settings_kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8)_or in business education will complete a major in education. Students intending to major in elementary education but who have not been admitted to the Teacher Education Program will be designated as pre-education majors. Upon full admission to the Teacher Education Program, the student's major will become education with an emphasis in elementary education.

Individuals preparing to teach in secondary settings_middle schools or senior high schools_must obtain a degree in a subject area they plan to teach and complete the requirements for a minor teaching field unless the chosen degree area qualifies as a single endorsement field. Students at both elementary and secondary levels must complete courses required for state certification/licensure and demonstrate teaching competency during their student teaching experiences.

To meet state teacher certification/licensure standards an applicant must: (1) be at least 18 years of age, (2) pass the National Teachers' Examination (NTE) Core Battery, and (3) satisfy course, credit and degree requirements as outlined below.

Admission to Teacher Education

All students seeking certification/licensure or a degree in education apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program prior to enrolling in C&I 200. Admission is limited each academic year to approximately 125 elementary education candidates and 125 secondary education candidates. To be eligible for admission a student must have completed at least 30 semester credits or 45 quarter credits of college-level work and have attained a miimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50, and must achieve passing scores on the General Knowledge (644) and the Communication Skills (648) portions of the National Teachers' Examination. Students also must have earned at least a C in both an English composition course and an introductory psychology course. As part of the application, students write an essay responding to one of three selected questions on becoming a teacher, document formal experience in working with children/youth, and present letters of reference from two professors who are familiar with their work. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not necessarily assure acceptance by the Teacher Education Program. Once admitted, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 each semester in order to continue in the program. Students who interrupt their studies for more than two years will be placed on inactive status and must request reactivation in order to resume their studies. Students obtain from the UC Bookstore the Teacher Education Policy Handbook, which contains more specific admission requirements and procedures.

Students seeking a K-12 endorsement in library-media, reading or special education must have full admission into the Teacher Education Program or already be a certified/licensed teacher before applying to one of these specialized programs. Refer to the Teacher Education Policy Handbook for specific admission requirements.

Admission Policy for Minority Students and Students with Disabilities

The Teacher Education Program is committed to providing opportunities for teacher preparation for members of groups that historically have been disadvantaged and subjected to discrimination. The criteria for admission are the same for members of racial, ethnic and other minorities and students with disabilities as for other candidates; however, exceptions may be made to those admission requirements. Candidates who do not meet one or more of the criteria for admission are encouraged to describe in their applications any special circumstances and/or special talents that may compensate for unmet criteria. The physical, social, economic, and cultural circumstances that may have influenced the candidate's ability to achieve minimum eligibility for admission will be considered. A special effort will be made to determine the candidate's abilities and potential to overcome disadvantage or discrimination and become a successful beginning teacher. Upon entry to the program, the student will be assigned an advisor as a mentor. The student and mentor will design an appropriate course of study to achieve progress toward the degree and/or certification/licensure.

Application for Student Teaching

At the end of the junior year students should begin planning for student teaching. Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible to student teach: (1) full admission into the Teacher Education Program; (2) a grade of C or above in courses required for certification; (3) a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and 2.50 in each field of certification/licensure; and (4) consent of the Director of Field Experiences. In addition, elementary education majors must have completed the required courses in methods of elementary teaching, and secondary students must have completed their methods course and at least two-thirds of the courses in their teaching field(s). Post-baccalaureate students must demonstrate an appropriate general education background prior to student teaching. Recommendation from the departments in the major and/or minor fields is also a prerequisite to student teaching. Candidates for K-12 certification/licensure must student teach at both elementary and secondary levels. Applications for student teaching are contained in the Student Teaching Packet available in the UC Bookstore. Consult the Teacher Education Policy Handbook for application deadlines and procedures.

Certification/Licensure Requirements

The Dean or the Certification Specialist of the School of Education recommends to the State Office of Public Instruction eligible graduates for certification/licensure as elementary or secondary teachers . Students who anticipate teaching in states other than Montana should investigate specific requirements of those states.

All applicants for initial certification/licensure in Montana must provide evidence of having completed the National Teachers' Examination Core Battery with the minimum scores established by the Board of Public Education.

For University degree requirements, refer to the graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog. See index.

Teacher Education General Education Requirements

Candidates preparing to become elementary or secondary teachers are required to include in their general education requirements the areas specified below. Courses listed will apply to the general education as well as the teacher education requirements. The areas and courses are:

  1. The contributions and status of minorities with specific emphasis on Native Americans in Montana and North America, and the nature of prejudice. Students preparing to become teachers are required to complete at least one of the following courses in the General Education sequence or an approved substitute:
  2. America's pluralistic culture and heritage. Students preparing to become teachers are required to complete at least one of the following courses in American studies or an approved substitute:
  3. Growth and development of the United States as a nation and its place in world affairs. Students preparing to become teachers are required to complete at least one of the following courses in American studies or an approved substitute:

Elementary Education Degree and Certification/Licensure Requirements (Grades K-8)

Certification/licensure to teach in fully accredited elementary schools of Montana requires a baccalaureate degree from the University or other approved institution of higher education in which the individual has completed a four-year program (or equivalent) for preparation as an elementary school teacher. Some of the courses required for state certification/licensure also will meet general education requirements at The University of Montana-Missoula.

Degree candidates must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Curriculum and Instruction to include the following courses with a grade of C or above: C&I 200, 300 or 301, 303, 306, 309, 310, 311, 316, 317, 407, 410 and 481. In addition, the student will complete course work with a grade of C or above in English/communications, history and social sciences, mathematics, health and human performance, art, music, psychology, and science. None of these courses may be taken as pass/not pass except where that is the only grade available. For more specific information regarding these course requirements refer to the Teacher Education Policy Handbook. Elementary education majors may use their electives to strengthen any of the required academic fields, or to complete a minor. Students who plan to teach kindergarten must complete C&I 330_Early Childhood Education_before registering for student teaching. C&I 330 also is highly recommended for students who are planning to teach through grade three.

Curriculum for Elementary Education

First and Second Years

Third and Fourth Years

* Elementary Methods Block: During one semester students enroll concurrently in C&I 309, 310, 311, 317, 410, and 300 or 301. These 15 credits comprise a full load, and scheduling occurs in large blocks of time, incorporating class activity, student work, and field experiences throughout each week. This format allows for integration of curriculum, modeling of cooperative learning and collaborative teaching, and developmental field experiences. Interested students should contact the Department of Curriculum and Instruction during the semester preceding their intended enrollment in the Elementary Methods Block.

Secondary Teaching Certification/Licensure Requirements (Grades 5-12)

To qualify for the Montana secondary teaching certificate/license, students must complete requirements for a major teaching field and, where required, a minor teaching field in an area generally taught at the secondary level. To satisfy requirements for secondary teacher certification/licensure in all teaching fields, except Business Education, candidates must possess a degree in a subject area they plan to teach and complete the requirements of a minor teaching field unless the degree is in a teaching field that qualifies as a single endorsement. Prospective secondary teachers are advised to seek certification/licensure in more than a single endorsable area. The University reserves the right to modify course requirements listed. Students should seek advice from both the degree-granting departments and the School of Education. A University recommendation for certification/licensure to teach in fully accredited secondary schools of Montana requires the following:

  1. A baccalaureate degree from the University or another accredited institution of higher education.
  2. Completion of the following professional education courses: C&I 200, 301 or 302, 303, 306, 407E, 410, appropriate methods courses, and 482.
  3. Completion of appropriate general education course work, including writing competency requirements as well as C&I 427 or Ent 440.
  4. Completion of Psychology 100S or equivalent.
  5. Completion of HHP 233, The School Health Program or equivalent.
  6. Preparation in one or more special subject areas taught in the secondary schools as indicated under course requirements in major and minor teaching fields (see following). Single-field endorsements (40 or more credits) are possible for the following teaching majors: art, biology, business education, chemistry, English, French, general science, German, health-physical education, mathematics, music, social sciences, and Spanish. All other teaching majors require a teaching minor or a second major.

    Students must receive a grade of C or above in: all courses required for the teaching major and teaching minor; all required curriculum and instruction courses; a health education course; Psyc 100S; Enex 101; and C&I 427 or Ent 440. None of these courses may be taken as pass/no pass except where that is the only grade available. Variations from the required courses for secondary teaching certification/licensure are permissible only by petition through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Curriculum for Secondary Certification/Licensure

First and Second Years

Third and Fourth Years

Certification/Licensure in Library-Media: The library-media program is designed to prepare library-media specialists for K-12 settings. To be eligible for library-media certification/licensure students must meet the teacher certification requirements as well as complete a minimum of 25 credits in the following required courses: C&I 316, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, and 477.

Certification/Licensure in Reading: The reading program is designed to enhance the diagnostic and instructional skills of K-12 classroom teachers and remedial reading teachers. The program follows the philosophy of the International Reading Association. The undergraduate reading minor requires the following courses: C&I 316, 317, 427, 433, 435, and 437.

Certification/Licensure in Special Education: The Special Education program prepares teachers to work with children with disabilities in Special Education and inclusive settings. To be eligible for a K-12, non-categorical endorsement in the State of Montana, students accepted into the program must complete the following courses: C&I 357, 433, 457, 459, 461, 463, 465, 469. Students complete C&I 357 prior to beginning the endorsement; they must be admitted into the Special Education program before enrolling in C&I 457. The last semester is a professional block including focused course work for five weeks preceding the internship experience, and is done after regular student teaching or teaching experience in an elementary, middle, or secondary school setting.

Professional Certification/Licensure: The Montana professional certificate is issued to applicants with three or more years successful teaching experience who have completed a minimum of 30 semester credits in approved courses beyond the baccalaureate degree or who hold a master's degree in a certifiable area. Students intending to qualify for this certificate must first outline their program with a graduate advisor and receive approval from the Dean of the School of Education.

Professional Certification/Licensure in Reading Education: The post-graduate endorsement in reading involves a summer practicum. The post-graduate program for reading requires the following course sequence: C&I 316 or 470, 433, 530, 534, 537 and/or 437, 543.

Secondary Emphasis in Business Education:

Candidates for certification/licensure in business education must complete the following:

1. Meet the requirements for a baccalaureate degree in Education by completing a minimum of 30 credits in Curriculum and Instruction courses. Students may need to complete elective credits in Curriculum and Instruction to meet the 30-credit requirement.

2. Meet the requirements for business education listed in this catalog.

A marketing educaton endorsement is available for students who complete a business education major. Course requirements are listed under the marketing education endorsement section of this catalog. Students may concurrently complete a business education major and complete the course requirements for a marketing education endorsement.

A non-teaching option in office administration is also available. For details of this program, contact an advisor in business education.

Requirements for a Non-Teaching Minor

Library-Media Services

To complete a non-teaching minor in library-media services, the student must complete the following courses:

Office Administration

To earn a non-teaching minor in office administration the student must complete the following courses:

Course Requirements for Major and Minor Teaching Fields

Students who wish to qualify for the Montana secondary teaching certificate/license must, according to the regulations of the State Office of Public Instruction which were in effect when this catalog was printed, complete requirements for a major teaching field (30 or more credits, depending on the field) and a minor teaching field (20 or more credits, depending on the field) in areas commonly taught in high schools. In the event that the Montana Office of Public Instruction changes the program standards of major and minor teaching fields, the University reserves the right to modify the requirements listed for them.

Art (Grades K-12)

For an endorsement in the extended major teaching field of Art, a student must complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Art with an Art Education emphasis (see the Department of Art section in this catalog and below). Individuals possessing a baccalaureate degree must meet those requirements by completing the courses at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrating course equivalency.

For an endorsement in the minor teaching field of Art, a student must complete the courses for the minor teaching field (see the Department of Art section in this catalog and below) at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrate course equivalency.


Strongly recommended:

*Qualifies for single field

Biology (Grades 5-12)

For an endorsement in the extended major teaching field of Biology a student must complete the requirements for the B.A. with a major in Biology, emphasis in Biological Education (see the Biology section of this catalog and below). Individuals possessing a baccalaureate degree must meet these requirements by completing the courses at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrating course equivalency.

For endorsements in the minor teaching field of Biology, a student must complete the courses in the minor teaching field (see the Biology section of this catalog and below) at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrate course equivalency.

*Qualifies for single-field endorsement. However, there is a limited demand in most Montana high schools for teachers with a single endorsement in biology, and students should complete the requirements for a second teaching endorsement (major or minor).

**Students presenting a minor in biology take Chem 151N.

Business Education (Grades 5-12)

*Qualifies for single-field endorsement.

Marketing Education Endorsement
(Must have completed the Business Education Teaching Major.)

(22 crs.)

Note: Business Education students may need to complete elective credits in Curricululm and Instruction in order to meet the university 30-credit major requirement.

Chemistry (Grades 5-12)

For an endorsement in the major teaching field of Chemistry, a student must complete the requirements for the B.A. with a major in Chemistry, including Chem 101N and 485, and C&I 426 (see the Department of Chemistry section of this catalog and below). Individuals possessing a baccalaureate must meet these requirements by completing the courses at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrating course equivalency.

For endorsement in the minor teaching field of Chemistry, a student must complete the courses in the minor teaching field (see the Department of Chemistry section of this catalog and below) at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrate course equivalency.

*Qualifies for single-field endorsement. There is a limited demand in most Montana high schools for teachers with a single endorsement in chemistry and students should complete the requirements for a second teaching endorsement (major or minor).

Computer Science (Grades 5-12)

(Minor only)
For an endorsement in the minor teaching field of Computer Science, a student must complete the courses in the minor teaching field (see the Department of Computer Science section of this catalog and below) at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrate course equivalency.

(40 crs.)

Drama* (Grades 5-12)

For an endorsement in the major teaching field of Drama, a student must complete the requirements of a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Drama with a Drama Education Emphasis (see the Department of Drama/Dance section of this catalog and below). Individuals possessing a baccalaureate must meet those requirements by completing the courses at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrating course equivalency.

For an endorsement in the minor teaching field of Drama, a student must complete the courses for the minor teaching field (see below) at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrate course equivalency.

*The demand in Montana high schools for teaching of courses in this field is limited. The student should complete the required second endorsement (major or minor) in a field other than Economics, Geography, Psychology or Sociology.

Earth Science* (Grades 5-12)

For an endorsement in the major teaching field of Earth Science, a student must complete the requirements for the B.A. with a major in Geology, Earth Science Education emphasis (see the Department of Geology section of this catalog and below). Individuals possessing a baccalaureate must meet these requirements by completing the courses at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrating course quivalency.

*The demand in most Montana high schools for teaching in this field is limited and students should complete the requirements for the required second teaching endorsement (major or minor).

Economics (Grades 5-12)

For an endorsement in the major teaching field of Economics, a student must complete the requirements for the B.A. degree with a major in Economics (see the Department of Economics section of this catalog and below). Individuals possessing a baccalaureate degree must meet these requirements by completing the courses at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrating course equivalency.

For an endosement in the minor teaching field of Economics, a student must complete the courses in the minor teaching field (see the Department of Economics section of this catalog and below) at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrate course equivalency.

*The demand in Montana high school for teaching in this field is limited, and the student should complete the required second endorsement (major or minor) in a field other than Drama, Geography, Psychology or Sociology.

English (Grades 5-12)

For an endorsement in the extended major teaching field of English, a student must complete the requirements for the B.A. with a major in English, English Teaching emphasis (see the Department of English section of this catalog and below). Individuals possessing a baccalaureate must meet these reqirements by completing the courses at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrating course equivalency.

For an endorsement in the minor teaching field of English, a student must complete the courses in the minor teaching field (see the Department of English section of this catalog and below) at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrate course equivalency.

*Qualifies for single-field endorsement.

English as a Second Language (Grades K-12)

(Minor only)
For an endorsement in the minor teaching field of English as a Second Language, a student must complete the courses in the minor teaching field (see the Linguistics section of this catalog and below) at The University of Montana-Missoula or demonstrate course equivalency.

*NOTE: Students are referred to the section of the University catalog relative to Credits Required for a Major. Students must have the equivalent of two years of a foreign language. Non-native speakers of English must take an English competency examination administered by the chair of the Linguistics Program.

Education Curriculum and Instruction continued . . .