Nominations wanted for Montana History Teacher of the Year (grades 7-12)

GREAT FALLS - Do you know a 7th-12th grade teacher who has done an exemplary job teaching Montana history during the 2015-2016 school year? If so, you are asked to nominate him or her for the 27th annual Montana Statehood Centennial Bell Award, which honors the Montana history teacher of the year. Nominated teachers will be asked to submit two letters of support (one from their principal, superintendent, other administrator, or fellow teacher), and one from a student, and a one-to-two page statement detailing the following:  why they enjoy teaching Montana history; how they engage their students in learning; how their Montana history course recognizes cultural diversity; and anything else they’d like to share about their class or methods. Nominees will receive more instructions on how to submit this material after March 24, 2016. They will have until May 4, 2016, to submit their material. The winner and his or her class will be honored at a ceremony in the state Capitol on Monday, November 7, 2016. The winner will receive a plaque and $2,500 toward library and classroom materials, field trips,, speakers and anything else that will enhance learning in the classroom. This program is sponsored by the Montana Television Network, the Montana History Foundation and the Sons & Daughters of Montana Pioneers in cooperation with the Montana Historical Society.  The award is given in odd years to a 4th-5th grade Montana history teacher and in even numbered years to a 7th-12th grade Montana history teacher. To nominate a teacher or for more information, please email award coordinator Norma Ashby at ashby7@q.com and include the following information: your name, your email address, nominee’s name, nominee’s email, grade level, school name, school address, school phone number, principal’s name, principal’s email. Nominations are due by March 24, 2016.