Nominations for the Centennial Bell Award (for best 4th-6th grade teacher of Montana History) Due March 25, 2015

Do you know a great fourth, fifth, or sixth grade teacher who has done an exemplary job teaching Montana history during the 2014-15 school year? Please nominate him or her for the 26th Montana Statehood Centennial Bell Award.

To nominate a 4th-6th grade Montana history teacher, email Norma Ashby at ashby7@q.com. Please include the following information.

• Your name:
• Your email:
• 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 25, 2015.

Nominated teachers will be asked to submit two letters of support (one from a student, the other from their principal, superintendent, other administrator, or fellow teacher) and a one-to-two page statement detailing the following:

1. Why they enjoy teaching Montana history
2. How they engage their students in learning
3. How their Montana history course recognizes Montana’s cultural diversity
4. 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 25. They will have until May 4 to submit their material.

The Winner of the Centennial Statehood Bell Award and his or her class will be honored at a ceremony in the state capitol on November 6, 2015. 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. A portion may also be used for bus mileage.

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 numbered years to a 4th-6th grade Montana history teacher and in even numbered years to a 7th-12th grade Montana history teacher.

Please contact Norma Ashby with any questions about the award or the nomination process: 406-453-7078 or ashby7@q.com, and thank you for your help in honoring the very best teachers of Montana history in the state.

P.S. There's still a little time to apply to become an NEH Summer Scholar and attend the Richest Hills or one of the myriad of other fantastic workshops being offered for teachers around the country. But not much. The deadline to apply is March 2.