The Education Program at Montana Western is the oldest in the state. It’s also one of the very best.
Dynamic teachers who graduate from Montana Western get great jobs in schools all over the state and across the nation.
Students start out with plenty of hands-on field experiences in a wide variety of classrooms. Small classes are the rule, where students learn best. Learning is intensified in a one-of-a-kind, block schedule system called Experience One. Active, engaged faculty members assure that students experience an outstanding Teacher Education Program.
The new Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Model Classroom helps prepare teachers who can teach today’s students. Recent accreditation with CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) means Montana Western’s teachers are prepared with 21st-century skills.
Laura Straus specializes in literacy education, with an emphasis on reading engagement and motivation to read. Straus is active in several state and national level literacy education professional organizations.
Dr. Katrina Kennett is deeply interested in how pre-service teachers integrate authentic literacy practices and contemporary technology tools into their instruction. Her research focuses on how teachers plan for student learning and she coaches in-service teachers as they design sustained opportunities for student inquiry in their curriculum. Katrina coordinates – and teaches in – the Rural Fridays program at UMW. She also serves as a university supervisor for student teachers and is the Division Chair for Education.
Shay Kidd loves teaching education courses and specifically those focused on mathematics education. Helping prepare future mathematics teachers at all levels helps to feed into his research interest of learning progression in mathematics.
“I love learning about education, and the block schedule allows us to have enough time to focus on the material and have immersive conversations.”
-Ethan Shrader, English Secondary Education
“The Education Department has helped me realize my potential as a future educator through well-taught, engaging, and enjoyable classes.”
-Kaylee Clemmons, English and Secondary Education
“The department provides us with immersive educational experiences, including working with students at rural schools.”
-Joey Paulsonmorgan, Elementary Education
“We learn how to apply the educational theories the faculty teach us to real-world situations.”
-Cassandra Punohu, Secondary Education
“The instructors make one-on-one connections with the students.”
-Kirsten Greil, Elementary Education
“The Education department has helped me to determine my true passion and goals for my future career.”
-Miranda Martinez, Secondary Education and Social Sciences
