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The Montana Professional Teaching Foundation
The Montana Professional Teaching Foundation, created in 1996 by MEA-MFT, represents a significant step toward enhancing the teaching profession and promoting quality education in Montana.
While the foundation's activities currently concentrate on the Montana Teacher Forum, Montana Teacher of the Year Program, and National Board Certification Scholarships, there is tremendous potential for growth in projects that fit the foundation's mission.
Programs sponsored by the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation
Montana Teacher Forum
In 1996, the first Montana Teacher Forum took place in Helena, with the theme "The Changing Face of Montana Education." This foundation-sponsored event was a landmark in teacher-inspired school improvement.
The forum was created to bring professional educators together with Montana policy leaders and opinion makers to discuss critical issues in teaching and learning. Discussion focused on school restructuring, the changing role of teachers, and standards for conduct and academic achievement in Montana classrooms.
This new path of excellence continued with the 1997 Montana Teacher Forum, "Pathways to Professionalism," the 1998 Forum "Great Expectations: Standards for Success," 1999 forum "Teachers Helping Teachers: Peer Assistance and Peer Review," and 2000 forum, "It's About Time" - a forum on teaching, learning, and time. Thoughtful and informed dialogue from these forums has resulted in innovative recommendations for quality teaching and learning in Montana.
Each year, the Montana Teacher Forum will continue to recognize the professional expertise of Montana classroom teachers and give professional educators a voice in education issues. The knowledge, experience, and insights teachers have gained as classroom practitioners will help guide education policy. The forum provides an opportunity to share resources, communicate with decision-makers, and promote quality education and professional development.
Montana Teacher of the Year
There is no higher award for a Montana teacher than to be named Teacher of the Year. The Montana Teacher of the Year Program honors the contributions of Montana classroom teachers. It creates a visible and articulate community of award-winning educators who represent the best of the teaching profession.
The Montana Teacher of the Year serves as a spokesperson and advocate for the teaching profession and represents the state in the National Teacher of the Year event.
Robin Zeal of Whitefish is Montana's 2001 Teacher of the Year.
National Board Certification
The foundation provides National Board Certification Subsidy Scholarships and candidate support to encourage Montana teachers to seek advanced credentials from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Cost has been a major obstacle in the past, as teachers must pay $2,300 to take the exam.
Teachers have characterized National Board Certification as the most valuable professional development experience they have ever had. Current research validates that accomplished teaching is the single most important factor in student learning.
Please help us support teaching excellence!
The Montana Professional Teaching Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization. The foundation's nonprofit status allows tax-exempt contributions to support educational activities throughout the state. Corporate and individual contributions, large and small, are welcome.
To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation, please send your check to:
Montana Professional Teaching Foundation
1232 East Sixth Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
Endowment Fund
Contributions made specifically to the foundation's permanent endowment (established with the Montana Community Foundation) will provide a funding base for foundation programs well into the future. The endowment will enable the foundation to become financially self-supporting. When the interest earned on the account is sufficient to support foundation programs, the endowment will then provide a permanent source of income for the foundation.
Donors may wish to make a planned gift to the permanent fund to take advantage of Montana's new charitable tax credit. Please contact the foundation for more information.
Please help the Montana Professional Teaching Foundation make a difference in the lives of teachers and the children they teach. Your tax-deductible contribution will help efforts to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in Montana.
For more information about the foundation, please contact Debbie Hanna, 406-447-1479 or .
Montana Professional Teaching Foundation Board of Directors
Eric Feaver, Board Chair
President, MEA-MFT
Jim McGarvey, Board Vice-Chair
Vice-President, MEA-MFT
Loran Frazier,
Executive Director, School Administrators of Montana
Ray Kuntz
Watkins & Shepard Trucking Co.
Terri Dahl
National Board Certified Teacher
C.M. Russell High School, Great Falls
Linda McCulloch
Superintendent, Office of Public Instruction
Nancy Zadick
President, MT Parent Teacher Association
Robin Zeal*
2001 Teacher of the Year
Don Johnson
Retired Teacher
Lance Melton
Executive Director, Montana School Boards Association
**The 2002 Teacher of the Year, selected in August 2001, will serve on the board for 2001-02.
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