Montana History Teacher of the Year Nominations Open Now

For many students across the state of Montana, at some point they will probably be taking a class on state history.  Right alongside that of U.S. history, Civics and probably a government class thrown in at some point.

via GIPHY

Each year, the Montana Historical Society honors one of those teachers that has shown excellence in teaching the history of Montana to their students.  To determine who that will be in 2026, the MHS is asking for public input on their favorite teacher of the class.

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Montana History Teacher of the Year Nominations Open Now

Nominations are now open across the state for the 37th annual presentation of the "Montana Statehood Centennial Bell Award" for a schoolteacher.  The nomination window will only be open until April 13, 2026.

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Since this is an even year, the award will be presented to a teacher with a classroom in grades 7-12.  It alternates each year, with odd years covering grades 4-6.  The award was created by Great Falls, Montana broadcasting legend Norma Ashby to honor the state's history in teaching.

Once Nominated, Teachers Invited to Submit Brief Application - See Deadlines

When a teacher is nominated for the award, the Montana Historical Society invites them to submit a brief application with details on "how they engage students, how their course recognizes cultural diversity, and anything else they would like to share about their class or methods".  The teacher application will be due by May 10, 2026.

To make a nomination of a Montana History teacher for the Centennial Bell Award, visit the MHS website here.  The winner of this year's award will receive "a plaque and a cash prize of more than $3,000 to be used for classroom materials, field trips, speakers, and other learning enhancements" at the presentation in November in a ceremony at the Montana State Capitol.