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Hometown: Helena, MT

Major: School Counseling MA

What inspired you to pursue a career as a school counselor?

• "My passion of working in public schools guiding and helping Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ believe they can become anything and everything they want to all while supporting the mental health of Montana Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. My own personal journey has led me to follow my dreams and purpose of supporting Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and staff every single day."

Hometown: Great Falls, MT

Major: Elementary Education

Minor: Dance

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "I decided to pursue a career in teaching because I want to better care for our younger generations, both so they receive the education they deserve and to positively effect the trajectory of our nation."

Hometown: Havre, MT

Major: Music Education, Horn Performance, and Theatre Education

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "Growing up I was surrounded by teachers who were passionate about learning and supportive of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥’ dreams. This taught me that there is high value in education and inspired me to pass along my love of performing arts the way they did."

Hometown: Chester, MT

Major: School Counseling MA

What inspired you to pursue a career as a school counselor? 

• "My passion for becoming a school counselor grew from my work in the classroom, where I saw firsthand how much Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ benefit from feeling seen and supported. I've always been drawn to helping Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who struggle with learning challenges, confidence or emotional regulation. I want to create a welcoming space where every student feels heard and empowered to grow. School counseling will finally give me the opportunity to support Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well."

Hometown: Silverdale, WA

Major: Elementary Education

Minor: Ecological Restoration

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "I fell in love with learning by an early age that was reinforced with many amazing primary teachers. I hope to instill that love of learning to my future Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to push them to reach new highs in elementary and beyond!"

Hometown: Shelby, MT

Major: K-12 Music Education

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "The teachers who have guided me through my education, my passion for music, and my love of helping others."

Hometown: Grand Junction, CO

Major: Music Education

Minor: Theatre Education

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "I had some really amazing teachers growing up, and I want to be able to impact my future Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in the same way my teachers did for me."

Hometown: Corvallis, MT

Major: Music Education

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "Within music teaching, there's often a philosophy of your Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ being 'your kids'. I often heard this from directors, from my own school and others; how they were happy to see 'their kids' grow and learn, becoming better musicians. It wasn't something I really understood until I reached college, and found that I wanted to be able to say 'that's one of my kids up on stage.' The idea that I can work with Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and inspire them to pursue music, whether as a hobby or a passion, is of utmost value to me. I was supported by my teachers to be myself and play to my abilities, and I want to provide that to my own Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in return. Those Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ will do something amazing, and I'll have the honor of saying they were 'my kids'."

Hometown: West Yellowstone

Major: Music Education

Hometown: Big Sky, MT

Major: Mathematics Education

Minor: German Education

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "I was inspired to become a teacher through my last job, where training and working with younger folks was the best part of my day. I was working in construction in Big Sky, Montana. Deciding on a career change, teaching felt like an organic and natural extension of what I enjoyed most about my previous job. Being a Learning Assistant for Probability and Linear Math inspired me to decide on Mathematics as the area that I want to teach, and growing up speaking German with my family informed my decision on my minor in German Education."

Hometown: Anchorage, AK

Major: Music Education and Trombone Performance

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "I was inspired to pursue a career in Music Education because I feel a responsibility to share with others the passion that has changed my life."

Hometown: Stanford, MT

Major: School Counseling MA

What inspired you to pursue a career as a school counselor? 

• "I have had the pleasure of working in a K-12 public education setting for the past seven years as a school secretary. My passion has always been tied to serving others and I love the energy of a school environment. As a school guidance counselor, I want to arm Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with the tools, skills and strategies needed for emotional regulation and to build confidence and resilience. I want to produce a safe and encouraging environment where Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ feel empowered to express themselves and to seek help when they need it. Coming from a small, rural, Class C School, I realize the importance of access to mental healthcare when services are not readily available."

Hometown: Missoula, MT

Major: Science Education

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "My high school science teacher inspired me to become a teacher. She treated every student with respect and made the classroom an engaging place for learning. I want to create the same environment where Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ feel connected, supported, and inspired to reach their goals."

Hometown: Spokane, WA

Major: Art Education and Psychology

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "The actions of my mother and my teachers in high school encouraged me to pursue a career where I could help future generations and make a positive impact. My family also fostered kids and the diversity and array of kids that needed positive help, and a role model inspires me to this day."

Hometown: Billings, MT

Major: Music Education

Minor: Early Childhood Education

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "What truly inspired me to become a teacher is my love for music and the constant support I have received in this field. At my last choir concert in high school, two underclassman girls approached me and told me how much they would miss me. These girls expressed how much they looked up to me, and I will never take that moment for granted. They shared how they relied on me for my encouragement, positive attitude, and willingness to try. These simple words made me realize that I can. I can get that essay done. I can learn to play piano. I can be a leader. I can become an educator. Many people will tell you that you can't or that you are simply not good enough. I want to teach to show kids that they can. They can pass their math class. They can sing a difficult piece. But most importantly, they can be themselves and work to accomplish their dreams."

Hometown: Lewistown, MT

Major: Music Education

Minor: Neuroscience

What inspired you to pursue a career as a teacher? 

• "As a student from a rural community, I have grown up recognizing the importance of a quality education for every child, no matter their background. I would not be where I am today, if it were not for all of the amazing teachers who encouraged me and allowed me to flourish throughout my education. As an educator, I hope to inspire future generations, as I was inspired throughout my life."