Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and Montana Teachers of the Year Remind Montanans to Nominate 2024 Teacher of the Year Candidates

• Brian O'Leary
• May 03 2023

HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and Teachers of the Year Dylan Huisken, Linda Rost, Kristi Borge, Bill Stockton, and Catherine Matthews, are reminding all Montanans to nominate 2024 Montana Teacher of the Year candidates by May 12, 2023. The Montana Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who elevate student success, empower innovation, and enhance teacher leadership.

All Montanans are encouraged to fill out the simple nomination form before May 12, 2023. Teachers may self-nominate through the form as well. All nominated teachers will be contacted and asked to fill out an application. Applications can be sent to MTTOY@mt.gov.

“The Teacher of the Year program recognizes the dedication our Montana teachers have to their students and their community,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Every Montana teacher deserves appreciation for inspiring learning in each of our children. There is no better way to understand the importance of being nominated than to hear from our past and present Teachers of the Year.”

“Being nominated for Teacher of the Year means someone saw your most authentic moments as an educator and thought you deserved recognition,” said 2019 Teacher of the Year Dylan Huisken. “Applying doesn't mean you think you're the best. Rather, it can be an opportunity to reflect on your ‘why,’ a chance to bring your authenticity to the table to advocate for teachers and students across our state and country." 

“There is probably no better way to honor the teaching profession than to nominate a teacher for Teacher of the Year,” said 2020 Teacher of the Year Linda Rost. “We all know incredible teachers. For a teacher to receive the nomination notification is an honor in itself. Then, going through the application process is a very rewarding and reflective experience. Do it right now. Nominate a teacher for this award and commit with me to nominating someone every year.”

“The Montana Teacher of the Year program is crucial to elevating the voices of educators in our state,” said 2021 Teacher of the Year Kristi Borge. “Finalists and winners join a lifelong professional development network that enables growth, connection, and peer relationships that are vital to empowering and representing all teachers.”

“Being announced as the 2022 Montana Teacher of the Year was a transformative experience,” said 2022 Teacher of the Year Bill Stockton. “It provided me with an avenue that allowed for my voice to be elevated in educational matters. The importance of teacher leadership and having our voices uplifted legitimizes our profession and allows us to become the best advocates for our students and communities. I encourage everyone to nominate a teacher they respect and know will be an advocate for the public school teachers and students around our state.”

“The Montana Teacher of the Year Program is an incredible opportunity for our teachers to be recognized and celebrated by their community and State, and in doing so, bring awareness to the exceptional and passionate educators in our wonderful state and the children and families who deserve them,” said 2023 Teacher of the Year Catherine Matthews. “Through this process teachers are seen and heard and create friendships and Professional Learning Communities that allow for amazing professional development opportunities and growth. This week is “Teacher Appreciation Week” …what better time to nominate a teacher who has touched your life or the life of someone you love. When we celebrate one teacher’s work, we elevate the work of all teachers. I am so thankful that I was given this opportunity and am excited knowing that another teacher will be given the gift of this recognition in the fall. Please consider nominating a teacher and celebrate along with us!”

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 2024 Montana Teacher of the Year will go on to represent Montana in the National Teacher of the Year program next year.

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