Montana School Jobs: Rural Communities Struggle

The school in Grass Range, Mont., is looking for two new teachers: one to teach agriculture, and one to teach math. These positions come with affordable housing and a modest salary of $30,000 a year. The class sizes are small — very small. The school has a population of 82 students, kindergarten through twelfth grade, with a graduating class of eight this year.

The school’s small staff assume multiple roles, often teaching across several age groups while also coaching sports and leading student organizations like the Future Farmers of America. The school and its teachers are treasured by the families of Grass Range. In fact, in many ways, the school is the anchor of the community. The town is composed of a few homes and businesses nestled in the center of several sprawling cattle ranches. Because of its remoteness, local citizens are eager to both attract new teachers and to retain their graduates. There is a palpable sense of community throughout the small town; residents each know one another by their given names.

About the Author

Jerry Hendrix

Jerry Hendrix is a retired Navy captain and a senior fellow at the Sagamore Institute.

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The school in Grass Range, Mont., is looking for two new teachers: one to teach agriculture, and one to teach math. These positions come with affordable housing and a modest salary of $30,000 a year. The class sizes are small — very small. The school has a population of 82 students, kindergarten through twelfth grade, with a graduating class of eight this year.

The school’s small staff assume multiple roles, often teaching across several age groups while also coaching sports and leading student organizations like the Future Farmers of America. The school and its teachers are treasured by the families of Grass Range. In fact, in many ways, the school is the anchor of the community. The town is composed of a few homes and businesses nestled in the center of several sprawling cattle ranches. Because of its remoteness, local citizens are eager to both attract new teachers and to retain their graduates. There is a palpable sense of community throughout the small town; residents each know one another by their given names.