Discusses bill to raise teacher pay, promotes policies for “cell phone-free” schools

Helena, MT -- During a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Greg Gianforte on March 27th, praised the history of Montana’s investments in education over the last four years and discussed support for a bill to raise starting teacher pay and increase funding for programs benefiting Montana students.

“Key to our conservative vision is ensuring young Montanans get the best education possible, and over the course of the last few years we’ve made a lot of progress,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As a son and a father of teachers, I’m well aware that teaching is one of the most noble professions. That’s why our focus has been targeted on investing in our classrooms – where our teachers teach, and our kids learn.”

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.

Discussing a bill that builds on the progress of the previous investments to raise starting teacher pay, the governor highlighted the STARS Act, or the Student and Teacher Advancement for Results and Success Act, carried by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, in House Bill 252.

“For too long, Montana teachers – especially those just beginning their careers – have not been compensated properly for their work. Over the last four years, we’ve worked together to change that, to boost starting teacher pay by establishing the TEACH Act. The program is working, and we can, and should, do more,” the governor said.

Since taking office, Gov. Gianforte has expanded educational opportunities through the Montana Digital Academy and increased funding for STEM and career and technical education all while empowering parents to pursue the education that best meets the needs of their child.

Another priority for the governor is to encourage Montana superintendents and school board trustees to adopt policies to limit learning distractions in the classroom and improve student academic performance by establishing "cell phone-free” schools. In August 2024, the governor led the first effort from a statewide official in Montana to reduce cell phone-driven distractions in learning environments.

“Students of all grade levels should be focused on learning when they’re in the classroom. Too often, however, social media and constant notifications tear at their attention. Ultimately, students in our classrooms should be focused on their teachers – not on TikTok,” Gov. Gianforte said during March 27th’s press conference.

In his budget, the governor provided $1 million of one-time-only incentives for school districts to adopt “cell phone-free” policies statewide.

Watch the governor’s press conference here.