Application deadline on Dec. 1

HELENA, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Nov 20th, reminded Montana school superintendents of the upcoming December 1 deadline to apply for funds to boost starting teacher pay.

“As a son and father of teachers, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication these professionals have for helping students reach their full, outstanding potential,” Gov. Gianforte said. “In Montana, we must continue to do more to increase starting teacher pay and the TEACH Act helps school districts do just that. I encourage all Montana superintendents to apply for this incentive to help boost pay for Montana’s hardworking teachers.”

Introduced in the governor’s first week in office, the TEACH Act, or Tomorrow’s Educators Are Coming Home Act, provides incentives to school districts to increase starting teacher pay. In its first year, the TEACH Act helped nearly 500 teachers begin their careers in Montana. In 2023, the governor increased funding for the program by 40 percent.

In October, the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) opened applications for school districts to apply for TEACH Act funding. Teachers within their first three years of teaching are eligible to receive the incentive. OPI is accepting TEACH Act applications on its website until December 1.  

For more information on TEACH Act eligibility and to apply for funding, visit governor.mt.gov/teachact.