February 2022
This newsletter contains news and information of interest about
Montana Rural Teacher Project. Thanks for staying informed.
How Are Our MRTP Graduates Doing?
Our first cohort graduated May 2021, began teaching Fall 2021, and has now completed their first semester of teaching. We are exticed to highlight how our graduates are faring in their communities. This month we showcase Christopher Shoup.

"Shoup" is at Heart Butte School teaching high school US Civics, Geography, and World History. As a teacher on the Blackfeet Reservation, he tries to incorporate as much of the Blackfeet language as he can into his classroom discussions and assignments. An example is his Geography class where he asks students to use Blackfeet words for the cardinal directions. One of Shoup's favorite memories thus far is overhearing his students discussing a concept from his class outside of the classroom.

Though the first year of teaching can be challenging, Shoup says, “as hard as the hardest days are, they’re always so worth it when I see a kid make a breakthrough on something on which they’re working.”


Our MRTP participants are happy to be in the classroom and contributing to the community. Those contributions include benefits from a great new teacher who is supported with two years of MRTP-provided mentoring as well as support for school leaders through SAM and trustees through MTSBA.

Third Annual Giving Day
Giving Day is a way to help support and bring to life many different projects at MSU. The Inclusive Community Camp is designed for K-8 students including students with disabilities to participate in an inclusive setting during an active, engaging camp experience.

Our MRTP participants gain experience interacting with children of different abilities through their work with the camp. The Inclusive Community Camp provides the perfect opportunity for our teacher candidates to practice skills learned in coursework while serving and engaging the community.

Please consider supporting the Inclusive Community Camp during Giving Day through donation or sharing the donation page within your community.

From noon Thursday, February 17th to 5pm Friday, February 18th
If you have any questions about ICC or Giving Day feel free to contact
Are You Looking to Hire Next Year?

The Teach Montana Educators' Fair is coming up. Don't miss the opportunity to meet with dozens of graduating students who are ready to launch their teaching careers.

Sign up as an Employer here to feature your school and find your next teacher! The fair will have both virtual and in person options this year.

The virtual fair will take place Monday, March 7th from 10am-2pm.

The in person date and time is TBA.