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We know you have heard this time and time again, but this year has been challenging in many ways. The world of education has not stopped learning, though, as referenced in “The 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2020.” We have also noticed how social and emotional learning and whole-child education has taken center stage. As described in the Edutopia article “How to Maslow Before Bloom, All Day Long,” social and emotional needs are key; not only for your students, but for you, your colleagues, and your own family, as well.
We hope you will take some time for rest and rejuvenation over the winter break. Perhaps you can enjoy free admission for teachers at ZooMontana over winter break! Or, maybe you can spend some time applying for the 2021 Fund for Teachers grant. Whatever you choose to do, please know that we genuinely appreciate all the work you have done to keep your students safe, healthy and learning, and we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Winter break is the perfect time to nominate an excellent teacher for the 2020-2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). We all know some amazing teachers, and we encourage you to consider nominating them as a “thank you” for all that they do each and every day in their classrooms and for their students. Teaching is challenging, especially this year, and we hope that you can encourage your nominees to consider completing an application to be recognized for their work. You are welcome to submit multiple nominations. Remember, nominations close March 1, 2021!
Do you know a student who could use $1,000 to help pay for their education? The Reach Higher Montana Scholarship program deadline to apply is January 15, 2021.
This year, Reach Higher MT will award 81 scholarships – 30 awards for Class of 2021 graduating high school seniors, and 50 awards for students currently attending a Montana college or university for use in the 2021-2022 academic year. In addition, one $1,000 scholarship is earmarked for a current college student who has, or is currently, serving in the military.
More information on eligibility, videos, and helpful tips when applying can be found on the Reach Higher MT website.
Standards, Instruction and Professional Learning Contacts
Colet Bartow, Senior Manager, Teaching and Learning Department, 406-444-3583
Stephanie Swigart, English Language Arts Coordinator, 406-444-0736
Michelle McCarthy, Science Coordinator, 406-444-3537
Marisa Graybill, Mathematics Coordinator, 406-444-0706
Terri Barclay, Montana Comprehensive Literacy Project Manager, 406-444-0753
Carli Cockrell, Professional Learning Coordinator, 406-444-0769
Jessica Bryant, Teacher Learning Hub Coordinator, 406-444-3557
Allyson Briese, Teacher Learning Hub Content Specialist, 406-444-0716
Marjorie O'Rourke, Professional Learning Data & Information Specialist, 406-444-3538
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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