The 2019-2020 MHS Teacher Leader in History Fellows include eight returning elementary and middle school teachers and six high school teachers. These teachers are all experienced Montana history classroom teachers. They have also received additional training on available Montana history resources and best practices in history education. The Teacher Leaders in Montana History are ready to lead by providing one-on-one mentorship and by offering presentations at regional workshops or in-school or in-district PIR trainings within their own districts and in neighboring districts. Possible presentation topics include "An Overview of Montana Historical Society Resources," "Using Visual Thinking Strategies," "Hands-on History Footlockers," "Bringing the Montana Historical Society Museum Exhibits into Your Classroom," "Art and History: Charlie Russell and/or Plains Indian Pictographic Art," "Teaching with Primary Sources," "Historical Thinking," "Engaging Students with National History Day" and more.
Looking for a presenter? Contact a nearby Teacher Leader in History directly, or contact Martha Kohl at the Montana Historical Society for a recommendation of who will best fit your needs.
Deb McLaughlin
9-12 Montana and world history, Native American studies
Belgrade, MT, Gallatin County
dmclaughlin@bsd44.org
406-579-0973
Areas of special interest: Paleo Indians/ Anzick Site, Open Range, Homesteading
Cynthia Wilondek
10-11 World and US history
Bigfork, MT, Flathead County
cwilondek@bigfork.k12.mt.us
406.837.7400 Extension #4237
Areas of special interest: Visual Thinking Strategies, Primary Sources in the Classroom, Adding Montana History to an American History classroom
Michael Herdina
Grades and Subjects Taught
Conrad, MT, Pondera County
mtnhdcoordinator@gmail.com
Area of special interest: National History Day
Elysia Bain
9-12 US and world history, government
Ashland, MT, Rosebud County
e-bain@hotmail.com
406-784-4564
Areas of special interest:
Visual Thinking Strategies, incorporating Montana History into World History, IEFA, Montana Memory Project, MHS resources.
Kari Blaylock
11-12 grade US history, government, American West
Columbus, MT, Stillwater County
kblaylock@columbus.k12.mt.us
406-322-5373, ext. 149
Areas of special interest: integrating Montana history into US History and Government, using Virtual Thinking Strategies, and adapting materials for struggling learners.
Laura Monasmith
8-12 US, Montana and world history, government, Hi-Set
Miles City, MT, Custer County
lmonasmith@mt.gov
406-874-8899
Area of special interest: government