College of Education - University of Montana

We’re proud to celebrate four of our students, Janessa Williams, Hailey Camp, BreeAnna Polk, and Brooke McWilliams, who each received scholarships from the Montana Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.)! 👏🏼

P.E.O. has empowered women through education for more than 155 years, offering financial and professional support that truly makes a difference. Our students shared how meaningful this experience has been and want others to know about this opportunity.

On the day Natalie Renk learned she was receiving scholarship support to attend UM, she withdrew her applications to other schools. She knew she had found the right place to launch her academic journey and begin building her career as an educator.

Natalie, from Helena, received a Dennis and Phyllis Washington Presidential Leadership Scholarship and graduated with degrees in theater and English education this spring. This fall, Natalie is teaching English in Deer Lodge, MT.

In this Q&A, she reflects on the ways scholarship support empowered her to serve the Missoula community while pursuing her goal of becoming a high school teacher: https://bit.ly/renk25.

College of Education - University of Montana

Last month, we were delighted to welcome award-winning educator & NYT bestselling author Ron Clark for his keynote, Reboot, Reset, and Elevate! He shared practical strategies to better support students, adapt to new challenges, and amplify educators’ impact, leaving more than 300 attendees feeling motivated and inspired. 🌟

Following the keynote, guests had the opportunity to meet Mr. Clark during a book signing. 📚 We’re grateful to the many Montana school districts, educators, administrators, students, and community members who joined us and helped make this event such a success.

This was all made possible through the generous support of the Wes Moholt Lecture Series.

Student Spotlight: Summer Adventures Edition☀️

Meet Emily Jehle, a music education major, and one of our College's proud Phyllis J. Washington Scholars!

This summer, Emily spent three weeks in China through the Mansfield Center’s cultural exchange program, where she immersed herself in new foods, sights, and traditions.

After returning home, she took on a new challenge as a park ranger in Yellowstone National Park, working as one of the park’s fee clerks.

Calling all educators! Feeling overwhelmed by stress and looking for tools to manage it? The Happiness for Educators course is here to help.

This online course explores evidence-based strategies that you can use for yourself and your students. From exploring scientific research to practicing happiness interventions, you'll gain small but powerful tools shown to improve hope, physical health, and emotional well-being.

Register by the September 15 start date: https://www.campusce.net/umextended/course/course.aspx?C=712&pc=13&mc=&sc

Student Spotlight: Summer Adventures Edition☀️

Meet Eleeyse Greenlaw, an elementary education major with a minor in ecological restoration. She is also one of our College’s proud Phyllis J. Washington Scholars!

This summer, Eleeyse split her time between working at a daycare/summer camp and leading the way as a Freshman Wilderness Experience Leader through UM’s Outdoor Program.

As a canoe guide on the Missouri River, she spent five days leading 13 incoming freshmen on an unforgettable adventure into college life (and the outdoors)! 🛶

So good to see our students back on campus!🤩 Here’s to a great semester, Grizzlies!

Another Big Sky Experience College Afternoon in the books! We loved welcoming the newest Grizzlies (and future educators 🌟) to campus yesterday. Seeing their excitement and potential reminds us why this community is so special. Here’s to the start of an amazing journey at UM and in the College of Education! 🐻

Have a kiddo between ages 4.5–6? 🌟 The University of Montana’s Learning and Belonging (LAB) School has Transitional Kindergarten openings for Fall! To enroll or schedule a tour, call 406-243-4262, email [email protected], or visit the LAB School website: https://www.ecemontana.org/labschool

This summer, the University of Montana launched its first-ever school safety course for pre-professional and practicing educators — a long-time vision of the Montana Safe Schools Center.

Designed to be a comprehensive “one-stop shop” for school safety, the course equips educators with tools to address trauma, behavior management, crisis response, and educator wellness. With expert-led instruction and flexible credit options, it’s already making an impact.

As one participant shared: “After engaging with the course content, I feel capable, informed, and empowered to discuss school safety and emergency preparedness in my district.”

Learn more about how UM is shaping safer school communities across Montana: https://missoulian.com/opinion/column/article_a00ea6df-2b31-4aef-a75c-c9f5df8e8d96.html

Even in the heart of summer, our building has been a hub of creativity, learning, and connection. From the IGNITE Arts Integration Conference for educators, to the UM/MSA String Camp, to the Missoula Writing Collaborative’s Words with Wings summer program, our spaces have been alive with learners of all ages. We’re proud to support programs that foster growth, imagination, and community all year round. ☀️

See you in just three weeks for the fall semester, Grizzlies! 🐻