Superintendent Arntzen Announces 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year

• Brian O'Leary
• September 25 2024

POWER - Superintendent Elsie Arntzen, along with Power School students, teachers, administrators, and representatives celebrated the 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year, Dawn Sievers. Dawn teaches 7^th-12^th grade Spanish and Art and 7^th grade English at Power Schools. Mrs. Sievers obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in Spanish and Art Teaching from the University of Great Falls and attended the Montana Writing Program at the University of Montana. She will go on to represent Montana in the National Teacher of the Year competition.

“It is always an honor to present the Montana Teacher of the Year award, congratulations Mrs. Dawn Sievers,” said State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Dawn reflects the dedication and passion that all Montana teachers have for their students. She will be a great representative for Montana teachers and school on the national level. Join me in celebrating Dawn, she has made us all Montana proud.”

Mrs. Sievers was unanimously selected after a highly competitive process. On September 20, the selection committee interviewed four finalists:

• Dawn Sievers from Power
• Jennifer Fleek Airne from Billings
• Jordan Capp from Missoula
• Megan Brenna from Livingston

The selection committee was made up of representatives from the Office of Public Instruction, the Governor’s Office, the School Administrators of Montana, the Montana Board of Public Instruction, the Montana Advisory Council on Indian Education, and the 2024 Montana Teacher of the Year, Kevin Kicking Woman.

“Receiving this award today is one of my highest honors in my 28 years of teaching.” said 2025 Montana Teacher of the Year Dawn Sievers. “This is also one of the greatest responsibilities, to be the voice of Montana teachers and students in the coming year.”

“Dawn Sievers is an incredible and humble teacher,” said Power Schools Superintendent Nichole Pieper. “She recognizes the importance of collaboration in a school. Dawn is able to go above and beyond for students because every teacher in our building is there for each other and the students. Dawn excels at coaching students in their learning journeys. She does not stop until every student is successful in art, Spanish, and English through hands-on learning experiences. She defines our mission statement, Small School, Big Education.”

Visit OPI’s website for more information about the Montana Teacher of the Year Program: http://opi.mt.gov/Educators/Teaching-Learning/Montana-Teacher-of-the-Year.