MT OPI Press

Superintendent Hedalen Launches Modernized Teacher Learning Hub

Superintendent Hedalen announces that Montana's modernized Teacher Learning Hub is now live, providing educators centralized searchable access to professional development units required for teacher licensure. The system is designed to reduce barriers for Montana educators seeking approved professional learning aligned with state requirements. OPI will also update the Professional Development Unit Provider System later this year, requiring currently approved providers to reapply through standardized forms.

Superintendent Hedalen Celebrates CTE Month with Focus on Career Readiness

Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen issued a press release celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February 2026. The announcement highlights CTE enrollment figures, with over 36,000 of Montana's 45,000 high school students enrolled in CTE courses, and references legislative efforts from the 2025 session including House Bill 357 expanding CTE funding in middle schools and House Bill 252 supporting work-based learning and industry credentials.

Superintendent Celebrates Career and Technical Education Partnerships in Billings

Superintendent Susie Hedalen of the Montana Office of Public Instruction visited Billings Career Center and Billings Clinic to celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, observing students in medical training, skilled trades, and workforce development programs. The visits highlighted partnerships between schools and healthcare industry leaders to create pathways from classroom learning to employment.

Superintendent Hedalen Secures Federal Ed-Flex Waivers for Montana

The Montana Office of Public Instruction announces that Superintendent Susie Hedalen has secured federal Ed-Flex waivers from the U.S. Department of Education. The waivers, authorized under the Educational Flexibility Partnership Act by Secretary Linda McMahon, allow the state to waive certain federal statutory and regulatory requirements for local school districts. Affected formula funds include Title I, Parts A and C; Title II, Part A; and Title IV, Part A. Applications from school districts are due to the OPI by June 1, 2026.

Superintendent Hedalen and onX Announce Youth Outdoor Recreation Partnership

The Montana Office of Public Instruction announced a partnership with onX, a Montana-based outdoor mapping company, to promote youth outdoor recreation through hunter education. Students ages 12-17 who complete a certified hunter safety course are eligible for a free one-year onX Hunt Premium subscription. The initiative aims to promote firearm safety, conservation principles, and responsible outdoor practices among Montana youth.