The English Teaching Program has two major purposes: 1) to prepare beginning teachers of English language arts (grades 5–12) and 2) to continue the professional development of experienced English language arts teachers. Our program embodies the Standards for English Language Arts (National Council of Teachers of English and International Reading Association) and the Adolescence and Young Adulthood/English Language Arts Standards and the Early Adolescence/English Language Arts Standards (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards). Our program is committed to equity, fairness, diversity, and Montana´s Indian Education for All.

Through coursework and related field experiences, teachers gain knowledge and develop strategies for teaching reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Our methods courses develop positive, professional learning communities in which teachers create, teach, and critique their lesson plans and curriculum units. Using research–based best practices, teachers design instructional plans for teaching literature, language, and media. In our methods workshops, we immerse teachers in inquiry, reflective decision–making and collaboration. Teachers learn how to engage students as effective communicators, creative problem–solvers, critical thinkers, and life–long learners. We are dedicated to helping teachers address the needs, interests, and abilities of our diverse student population. We mentor teachers as valued members of our profession.

Montana Writing Project

The Montana Writing Project (MWP) is a professional development learning community in which educators are writers, teacher-researchers, and literacy leaders. The mission of MWP is to increase the effectiveness of the teaching and learning of writing at all levels of education and in all subject areas. We are committed to supporting and empowering educators as they help their students grow in writing competence and confidence. For more information please check out our MWP website.