Bill would let DOC use nontraditional instructors to expand prison education programs

Representative Fiona Nave, sponsor of House Bill 595, said Montana's correctional education programs need flexibility to recruit instructors for vocational and adult‑education classes. "This bill provides flexibility to the department to use a mix of fully credentialed to non‑credentialed personnel to provide necessary and desired programming and training to its population," Nave said, adding that the change could allow retired tradespeople or community volunteers to teach practical, job‑ready skills.

Travis Anderson, education services bureau chief with the Department of Corrections, testified that the department supports the measure to help fill positions at facilities where certified teachers are difficult to recruit; he said Pine Hills (Miles City) would remain a fully accredited OPI school and would not be affected by the change.

Opponents from the Montana Federation of Public Employees and other educators argued that certified teachers bring vital pedagogy, classroom management and trauma‑informed skills. Amanda Curtis, speaking for educators, warned that inmates are a high‑need population and that reducing certification requirements could harm rehabilitation outcomes.

DOC representatives said screening and prioritization policies already exist (intake assessments, special education supports, prioritization by parole date and ability level) and that the bill simply increases hiring flexibility for classes that do not require fully certified instructors.

Next steps: The bill was presented and supported by DOC officials; committee members asked detailed questions about screening, program prioritization, and protections for learners with special needs.