Elementary School Teacher in Great Falls, MT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for an Elementary School Teacher considering a move to Great Falls, Montana.

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The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

As a local who’s watched the education sector here for years, I can tell you that Great Falls offers a solid, middle-of-the-road salary for educators, especially considering our low cost of living. The key number to anchor yourself to is the Median Salary: $62,256/year. This translates to an Hourly Rate: $29.93/hour, a figure that feels very different here than it would in a coastal city.

When you compare this to the National Average of $63,670/year, Great Falls sits just slightly below the national curve. However, the real story is in the local job market. With Jobs in Metro: 302 and a 10-Year Job Growth: 1%, the market is stable but not booming. This isn't a place for rapid-fire promotions, but it’s a market where experienced teachers are valued and turnover is relatively low.

To give you a clearer picture of the salary progression within the Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) system and other local districts, here’s a breakdown based on the standard Montana salary schedule tiers.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Great Falls
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	This is the starting point for most new hires with a bachelor's degree. It's tight but manageable with our low rent.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	You'll hit the median here. This is the sweet spot where you have experience and a manageable classroom load.
Senior (10-19 years)	$68,000 - $75,000	Teachers at this level often take on mentorship roles or lead curriculum teams.
Expert (20+ years)	$76,000 - $82,000	The top of the local pay scale. Often includes additional stipends for National Board Certification.

Local Insight: The Great Falls Public Schools salary schedule is public. Your placement on the scale depends heavily on your years of credited experience and your education level (a Master’s degree bumps you up a lane). The 1% job growth means you should be prepared to apply early and be flexible with grade levels or school locations. Many teachers find work by substituting first to get a foot in the door.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. The Median Salary of $62,256/year breaks down to about $5,188/month before taxes. After federal, state (Montana has a progressive income tax), and FICA deductions, your take-home pay will likely land in the $4,100 - $4,300/month range.

The biggest advantage here is housing. The Average 1BR Rent: $745/month is a game-changer. With a Cost of Living Index of 92.6 (US avg = 100), your dollar stretches significantly further than in most of the country.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a teacher earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,200	After taxes and deductions.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$745	In a decent, safe area.
Utilities (Elec/Heat/Internet)	$200	Winters are cold, so heating costs are real.
Groceries	$400	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in Great Falls; public transit is limited.
Gas	$150	Commuting from suburbs adds up.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300	GFPS offers good plans, but premiums vary.
Retirement (TRS Contribution)	$500	Strongly recommended; Montana TRS is a defined benefit plan.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$300	Dining out, movies, hobbies.
Remaining/Savings	$1,155	Solid room for savings, student loans, or a mortgage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, yes. This is the single biggest financial advantage of teaching in Great Falls. The median home price is roughly $250,000 - $280,000. With the budget surplus above, a teacher earning $62,256 can comfortably qualify for a mortgage on a modest 3-bedroom home, often with a monthly payment comparable to renting a larger apartment. This is a city where homeownership is a realistic goal for a single-income teacher.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

While Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) is the 800-pound gorilla, there are several other employers to consider. It's a small, interconnected community, so knowing the players is key.

1. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): The largest employer with over 20 elementary schools. Schools like Riverview (on the north side, near the Missouri River) and Sunnyside (central) are often hiring. They have a centralized hiring portal. Hiring Trend: Steady. They need teachers every year, especially in special education and STEM.

2. Belt Public Schools: A smaller district about 15 miles south of Great Falls. Offers a tight-knit, rural community feel. Commute is easy (20 mins). Hiring Trend: They often hire from the Great Falls pool; less turnover means openings are less frequent but more impactful.

3. Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB): Located right in Great Falls. They serve students statewide and often have openings for elementary teachers who are willing to learn or already know ASL. It's a unique, mission-driven environment. Hiring Trend: Specialized, with openings appearing as staff retire or move.

4. Great Falls College MSU: While primarily higher ed, they have a robust Early Childhood Education program. Adjunct positions or roles in their lab school can be a great stepping stone or part-time gig. Hiring Trend: Part-time and adjunct roles are more common than full-time elementary teaching positions here.

5. Private & Parochial Schools: Places like Great Falls Central Catholic High School (which has a K-8 component) or Trinity Lutheran School. Salaries may be slightly lower than public, but the environment can be different. Hiring Trend: Small, tight-knit staffs with low turnover.

6. Childcare Centers & Head Start: Organizations like the Great Falls Association of Community Health run Head Start programs. These are excellent for gaining early childhood experience and often lead to public school positions. Hiring Trend: Consistent demand for qualified early childhood educators.

Insider Tip: Many teachers in the area work for GFPS but live in the neighboring "bedroom" communities like Black Eagle or Sun Prairie. The commute is short, and the community feel is strong. Check district websites weekly from March through August for the best hiring cycles.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana’s licensing process is straightforward but requires planning. You’ll apply through the Office of Public Instruction (OPI).

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program.
• Passing scores on the Praxis Core (basic skills) and Praxis II (content knowledge) exams.
• A completed background check (fingerprinting).

Costs (Approximate):

• OPI Application Fee: $160
• Praxis Core (3 tests): ~$150 total
• Praxis II (Elementary Education): ~$150
• Fingerprinting: ~$45
• Total Initial Cost: ~$505

Timeline:

1. Months 1-3: Gather transcripts, request verification from your preparation program, and register for Praxis exams.
2. Months 3-4: Study for and take the Praxis exams. Results take 2-3 weeks.
3. Month 5: Complete fingerprinting and submit your full application packet to OPI.
4. Month 6-7: Processing can take 6-8 weeks. You can start applying for jobs with a "Letter of Eligibility" while waiting for the full license.

Montana-Specific Tip: Montana offers a 5-Year Renewable License. You must complete 6 continuing education units (CEUs) every 5 years to renew. Many districts, including GFPS, offer professional development that counts toward this.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Great Falls is geographically spread out, and your neighborhood choice will define your commute and lifestyle.

1. North Great Falls (Near the River): This is the "nicer" part of town, with well-maintained homes, mature trees, and proximity to Giant Springs State Park and the Missouri River. It's where many teachers and professionals live. Commute to most schools is 10-15 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Vibe: Quiet, established, family-friendly.

2. Central Great Falls (Near 10th Ave S): More affordable, with a mix of older apartments and small homes. You're close to downtown's restaurants, the C.M. Russell Museum, and the Great Falls Public Library. Walkable in parts. Commute is a breeze—under 10 minutes to most schools.

   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900 for a 1BR.
   • Vibe: Urban, convenient, slightly eclectic.

3. Sun Prairie/South Side: A growing area with newer apartment complexes and subdivisions. It's a bit farther from downtown but has its own shopping centers. Commute to southern schools like Sunnyside Elementary is very short.

   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950 for a 1BR.
   • Vibe: Modern, suburban, new construction.

4. Black Eagle (Just North): Technically its own town but part of the metro area. It's a historic mill town with a strong community feel, lower rents, and a quick 10-minute commute into Great Falls. You get more house for your money if buying.

   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $800 for a 1BR.
   • Vibe: Historic, blue-collar, tight-knit.

Insider Tip: The "Hill" (the area near the University of Great Falls) is popular with younger teachers. It's close to the college, has older but charming homes, and is a short drive to everything. Parking can be a challenge in winter.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-Year Job Growth: 1%, career advancement in Great Falls is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about deepening your expertise and taking on leadership roles within the existing structure.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary bumps come from additional qualifications. A Montana Class 6 Professional License (requiring a Master's) will move you up a lane on the salary schedule, adding roughly $3,000-$5,000 annually. Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) is highly respected and comes with a significant stipend (often $5,000+ annually) from the state.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is to move into leadership: Instructional Coach, Curriculum Specialist, or Assistant Principal. These roles are competitive but become available as the current cohort retires. Many teachers also pursue endorsements in high-need areas like Special Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), or Technology Integration, which makes you more valuable and can lead to stipends.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. The aging teacher population means retirements will create openings, but the 1% growth indicates it won't be a flood. The key to longevity here is engagement. Get involved with the Great Falls Education Association, take on committee work, and build a reputation as a collaborative, reliable educator. In a small city, your professional network is your greatest asset.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls is a fantastic choice for teachers who value financial stability, homeownership, and a slower pace of life. It’s not for everyone, especially those seeking a bustling urban arts scene or a fast-paced career trajectory.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially for buying a home.	Limited Job Growth: The 1% growth means you must be proactive and patient.
Strong Community: Great Falls is a city of neighborhoods with a genuine small-town feel.	Isolation: It's a 2-hour drive to Helena (the capital) and 3.5 hours to Billings. Air travel is expensive.
Outdoor Access: World-class hunting, fishing, hiking, and Lewis & Clark history are in your backyard.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy winters can be a shock. A reliable car with good tires is non-negotiable.
Stable School District: GFPS is a well-established system with good resources and benefits.	Limited Diversity: The population is predominantly white, which may be a cultural adjustment.
Low Student-to-Teacher Ratios: Generally smaller class sizes than national averages.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant change and new restaurants opening every month, it might feel slow.

Final Recommendation: If you are a teacher looking to build a life, not just a career—where you can own a home, enjoy the outdoors, and be part of a community—Great Falls is an outstanding choice. It rewards those who plant roots. If you're looking for rapid advancement and a high-energy social scene, you may want to look elsewhere.

FAQs

Q: What is the teaching certification reciprocity in Montana?
A: Montana has reciprocity with most states. If you are already a licensed teacher, you can apply for a Montana license by submitting your out-of-state license, transcripts, and a verification form. You may need to take the Montana Constitution course (offered online) if you didn't take it in your home state.

Q: How competitive is the job market in Great Falls?
A: It's moderately competitive. For core elementary grades (K-3), you'll likely face a few dozen applicants for a single opening. Specialized roles (Special Ed, ESL) are less competitive. Insider Tip: Apply even if a posting says "internal candidates only." Districts often interview externally to ensure a strong pool.

Q: What are the school year and daily schedules like?
A: The school year typically runs from late August to late May/early June. The daily schedule is standard: ~7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, with planning periods and duties. Great Falls schools often have a "late start" Wednesday for teacher professional development.

Q: Is it easy to transition from a private school to a public school in Great Falls?
A: Yes, but you'll need to ensure your license is fully compliant with state requirements. Private school experience is valued, but you must pass the Praxis exams and complete the OPI application. Many private school teachers in the area take a year to sub and get licensed before applying to GFPS.

Q: What's the social scene like for a young teacher?
A: It's what you make of it. There's a strong community of educators through the Great Falls Education Association. For nightlife, you'll find local breweries (like The Mighty Mo Brew Pub), coffee shops, and seasons for events like the Western Art Week. It's not a clubbing city, but it has a warm, friendly social fabric. Many young teachers form tight friend groups through work and outdoor activities.

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Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national averages, Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) for licensing, Great Falls Public Schools salary schedule, Zillow/rental market data for Great Falls, MT. All salary figures and local data are based on the provided parameters and current market observations as of 2023.