State of Montana Newsroom
Arntzen Encourages Montanans to Nominate Teacher of the Year Candidates Before May 14th Deadline
HELENA – Montana Superintendent of Schools Elsie Arntzen today reiterated her call for all Montanans to submit nominations for the 2022 Montana Teacher of the Year Award. The award recognizes teachers who elevate student success by empowering classroom innovation and enhancing pathways to teacher leadership. This is the final week for nominations, which are due this Friday, May 14th.
“As a 23-year teacher in Billings Public Schools, I understand how difficult – and yet, rewarding – it can be to lead a classroom,” Arntzen said. “We honor and celebrate our teachers and all that they do to help our Montana students succeed. Teachers don’t enter the profession for the recognition, but it is important that we say ‘thank you’ and applaud their outstanding work, and your nominations for 2022 Teacher of the Year are one simple way to accomplish that.”
The OPI encourages all media organizations to promote this call for nominations by directing their audiences to opi.mt.gov and searching “Teacher of the Year.” A direct link to the website may be found here.
Members of the public can fill out a simple form to nominate a teacher. Teachers can self-nominate by filling out an application. All current and actively teaching Montanans who are making a positive difference in the lives of students are encouraged to apply. If nominated, the OPI will reach out to the nominated teacher and ask them to fill out an application.
Nomination forms are due back to the OPI by May 14th and completed teacher applications are due by June 18th. They can also be emailed to MTTOY@mt.gov.
BACKGROUND: Montana’s program is part of the National Teacher of the Year Program conducted by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), of which Montana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction is a member.
The 2022 Montana Teacher of the Year will go on to represent Montana in the national program. The Montana Teacher of the Year is selected by a statewide committee of diverse education, business, government, tribal, and community stakeholders. The winner will be announced during a celebration in October. Kristi Borge from Polaris is currently representing Montana as the 2021 Montana Teacher of the Year.
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Contact:
Chris Averill, Communications Director, 406-444-3449