Education & Workforce Development

Montana K-12 Educator Needs Assessment Survey Report

A 2024 statewide needs assessment conducted by Montana State University’s Science Math Resource Center surveyed Montana K-12 educators about their professional development interests, barriers, and resource needs. The report found that teachers across subjects and grade levels are highly interested in STEM-focused professional development, particularly topics such as place-based learning, educational technologies, engineering design, inquiry-based teaching, and connections between classroom learning and real-world careers. Educators also expressed strong interest in engaging directly with researchers, accessing authentic research datasets, and bringing current scientific research into their classrooms.

The survey identified several barriers to participation in professional development, including limited funding, lack of substitute teachers, time constraints, and geographic distance, especially for educators in rural communities. Despite these challenges, teachers overwhelmingly recognized the value of STEM learning and expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect with emerging research and local industry partners.

These findings align closely with the goals of SMART FIRES. Through teacher workshops, classroom resources, researcher-educator partnerships, youth outreach programs, and access to real-world fire, smoke, sensor, and environmental data, SMART FIRES helps address many of the needs identified by Montana educators. The report specifically highlights interest in research areas that overlap with SMART FIRES, including prescribed fire, wildfire smoke, sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and the use of authentic scientific datasets in K-12 education. By connecting educators with current Montana research and providing place-based learning opportunities, SMART FIRES supports both STEM education and community resilience across the state.