Education

Montana teachers meet in Billings for annual conference

Posted: Oct 18, 2012 10:20 PM by David Jay

BILLINGS - Teachers from all over Montana came to Billings for the annual Educator's Conference.
An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 had an opportunity to listen in on hundreds of sessions at the two-day convention at Skyview High School and Castle Rock Middle School
The Montana Education Association-Montana Federation of Teachers puts on the convention, that is also open to teachers who are not part of the union.
The conference organizers say it's the biggest and broadest professional opportunity for teachers in the northwest.
And teachers say it's an important event for them.
"We're sharing information," said River Newman, a teacher from Boulder. "We're growing. as individuals. It makes us better teachers, makes us more accessible to our students and to be better mentors. Better in whatever we do in the classroom."
"The conferences are vital," said Anne Keith, a Bozeman teacher, who also presented a seminar. "It's a great opportunity for teachers to learn from each other. I think that's how we're going to improve education is to share ideas. Learn from each other what we're doing in our classrooms. Help each other grow and it's a continuous growth model that we keep improving."
Thursday night at the Billings Depot, teachers also honored the Montana Teacher of the Year Eileen Sheehy, a government teacher at Billings West High School.
The Educators' Conference continues Friday at both Skyview and Castle Rock.

Topics: Montana Education Association, Montana Federation of Teachers, Billings, Montana, Skyview High School, Castle Rock Middle School