Cosmetology Teacher Training in Montana

Browse our directory of cosmetology teacher schools in Montana, or skip ahead to learn about the state's teacher licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Cosmetology Teacher in Montana

What makes a good cosmetologist? Is it a great personality, excellent cosmetology skills, or perseverance? All of these traits are important, but one thing is clear: a great cosmetology career starts with the right education.

If you're a licensed cosmetologist who's ready to take the next step in your career, learn about cosmetology instructor training in Montana.

State License Requirements

To become a cosmetology instructor, you must meet a set of qualifications laid out by the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. You must have a valid cosmetology license and at least one year of full-time cosmetology experience. Once you've met these requirements, you can complete a training program of at least 650 hours to apply for licensure. If you have 2 Years of Continuous Work Experience, then you have 3 Years to Complete Your Teacher Methodology Coursework to become an instructor.

Education Details

In your training program, you should learn a variety of skills that allow you to better serve the cosmetology students of Montana. Upon graduation, you should be able to give students an effective theoretical and practical education, give students the background they need to pass their cosmetology board exams, properly assess students, and offer constructive feedback to your students. To properly prepare for a career in salon management, you must get practice in a cosmetology school setting. You may sit in on classes to see how effective instructors work, teach courses, and observe students. This helps you become comfortable in an educational setting and develop your teaching skills.

License Renewal

In Montana, you will not earn an official cosmetology instructor license to teach in this state. To qualify, you must earn your standard cosmetology license from the state, plus accumulate 650 hours of teacher training hours, and one year of work experience. Instructors are required to take 60 continuing education units every two years to stay legal. The renewal process is every two years, with a deadline of March 1^st. The fee for renewal is $80, which will be paid through the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

Montana Teacher Training Careers

If you have been waiting for the perfect time to start a career as a cosmetology instructor, this is your sign - now is the time! People are going back to school in droves, hoping to learn marketable skills and begin exciting new careers. This increases the demand for instructors that can help guide the next generation of cosmetologists. O*Net predicts a 9% increase in jobs for vocational instructors, including cosmetology instructors. This is in line with job growth expected around the country (O*Net, 2012). One major benefit of working in Montana is the competitive range of salaries reported by cosmetology and other vocational instructors. According to O*Net, the average salary for a cosmetology instructor is $57,600 per year. This is nearly $10,000 higher than the national average of $48,300 per year (O*Net, 2013). If you take on more classes or work as a cosmetologist on the side, you may be able to have a positive impact on your earning potential.

Education is a calling, not just a career. If you're ready to dedicate your career to the future cosmetologists of Montana, you have the opportunity to help students find their passion and develop their skills. Cosmetology instructors can have a huge impact on students. The methods you use to teach may shape the way in which students provide services to customers and develop their career. Though your schedule may revolve around the courses that you are assigned, you may have to work a variety of hours to meet the needs of your students. Students may need extra tutoring before and after class. You may also participate in student associations or events to provide extra support to students. One of the benefits of working in cosmetology instruction is the chance you have to improve the beauty industry of Montana. As your students progress through their courses, they'll begin working with customers and using their skills in the salon chair. It's up to you to encourage them, correct them when necessary, and guide them to success in their chosen career. However, this also allows you to keep working with customers, which is likely part of why you chose a cosmetology career in the first place! You can enjoy everything you love about being a cosmetologist while taking the next step in your career.

Contact the Montana State Board of Cosmetology