22nd Annual AUGUST INSTITUTE "The future is now; teach for it!"
Presenters
Echo Allison
"Never Fear- Persevere" is a motto Echo Allison has lived while teaching for the past 28 years. She has taught In Hamilton, MT in 2nd & 3rd grade classrooms and as an enrichment specialist in K-8 gifted and talented. She has also served as a co-director in the district's mentor program. Downhill skiing, reading, and spending time with her family are her passions.
"Never Fear- Persevere" is a motto Echo Allison has lived while teaching for the past 28 years. She has taught In Hamilton, MT in 2nd & 3rd grade classrooms and as an enrichment specialist in K-8 gifted and talented. She has also served as a co-director in the district's mentor program. Downhill skiing, reading, and spending time with her family are her passions.
Jenny Bevill
Jenny Bevill earned her BFA from Parsons School of Design and her MA in Art and Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has spent more than 20 years working in public schools, museums, and community centers in New York City including a decade at the Guggenheim Museum. Jenny relocated to Montana in 2014 and joined the staff at the Missoula Art Museum in 2018 where she serves as the Educator and Outreach Specialist. In this role she helps develop interpretive strategy, trains teaching artists and docents, and develops MAM's distance learning platform, Museum as Megaphone. She has been traveling the state leading arts workshops for Humanities Montana since 2016. She has worked with the Montana Arts Council and the Office of Public Instruction designing Learning Hub courses and mentoring teachers through the Montana Teacher Leaders in the Arts Program.
Jenny is passionate about creating shared experiences for children and adults around works of contemporary art. Her work is grounded in creativity research and social-emotional learning and she works with a range of special populations. Her workshops help people unlock their own creativity by silencing their fearful inner critic while cultivating a growth mindset, curiosity, resilience, and other creative behaviors. Follow Jenny's work mentoring teachers on IG @happyheartteachers. When not teaching or making art Jenny is usually playing open mic nights and channeling her inner rock star.
Jenny Bevill earned her BFA from Parsons School of Design and her MA in Art and Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has spent more than 20 years working in public schools, museums, and community centers in New York City including a decade at the Guggenheim Museum. Jenny relocated to Montana in 2014 and joined the staff at the Missoula Art Museum in 2018 where she serves as the Educator and Outreach Specialist. In this role she helps develop interpretive strategy, trains teaching artists and docents, and develops MAM's distance learning platform, Museum as Megaphone. She has been traveling the state leading arts workshops for Humanities Montana since 2016. She has worked with the Montana Arts Council and the Office of Public Instruction designing Learning Hub courses and mentoring teachers through the Montana Teacher Leaders in the Arts Program.
Jenny is passionate about creating shared experiences for children and adults around works of contemporary art. Her work is grounded in creativity research and social-emotional learning and she works with a range of special populations. Her workshops help people unlock their own creativity by silencing their fearful inner critic while cultivating a growth mindset, curiosity, resilience, and other creative behaviors. Follow Jenny's work mentoring teachers on IG @happyheartteachers. When not teaching or making art Jenny is usually playing open mic nights and channeling her inner rock star.
Shanna Burchell
Shanna is a middle school teacher at rural Swan River, a K-8 in Bigfork. She teaches English 6-8, French, social studies, literature, writing. She also works on writing enhancement in the elementary. Shanna is excited about innovative teaching methods and technology, but embraces old school pencil and paper, too.
Shanna is a middle school teacher at rural Swan River, a K-8 in Bigfork. She teaches English 6-8, French, social studies, literature, writing. She also works on writing enhancement in the elementary. Shanna is excited about innovative teaching methods and technology, but embraces old school pencil and paper, too.
Jeff Crews
Jeff Crews, co-founder of Beyond the Chalk, provides transformational learning experiences to teachers and students. His experiences have solidified his belief that we need to teach our next generation of students to think more critically, work more collaboratively, express themselves more creatively, and become more effective communicators. Jeff has a Doctorate of Education, is a Google Certified Innovator, and is a member of the Google Earth Education Experts Team.
Jeff Crews, co-founder of Beyond the Chalk, provides transformational learning experiences to teachers and students. His experiences have solidified his belief that we need to teach our next generation of students to think more critically, work more collaboratively, express themselves more creatively, and become more effective communicators. Jeff has a Doctorate of Education, is a Google Certified Innovator, and is a member of the Google Earth Education Experts Team.
Kathleen Dent
Kathleen is a dedicated K-12 educator, administrator and change agent with over 30 years of experience in strategic and program
planning, implementation of innovative initiatives, personnel development, and building collaborative support structures. She
has been a teacher, gifted education specialist, administrator and curriculum coordinator.
She has developed collaborative partnerships with state agencies, grant agencies, private consultants, organizations and University
faculty to co-create innovative teaching and learning experiences.
Kathleen is currently working with school districts on implementing effective teaching practice and performance appraisal systems.
She is also co-owner of an educational technology start-up small business called Inspired Classroom. Inspired Classroom is an
interactive distance learning company bringing world class collaborative experiences into the classroom—in real time. We
connect the best organization experts and role models with students and educators who hunger for authentic learning opportunities.
Classrooms partnered with organizations through Inspired Classroom’s distance learning and green screen technology warp time and space for discussions, problem solving projects, and connections.
Kathleen enjoys world travel, especially visiting her two grown children and their families. She also immerses herself in many of the outdoor recreational opportunities that the Montana lifestyle offers such as kayaking, hiking, skiing, sailing, and biathlon.
Kathleen is a dedicated K-12 educator, administrator and change agent with over 30 years of experience in strategic and program
planning, implementation of innovative initiatives, personnel development, and building collaborative support structures. She
has been a teacher, gifted education specialist, administrator and curriculum coordinator.
She has developed collaborative partnerships with state agencies, grant agencies, private consultants, organizations and University
faculty to co-create innovative teaching and learning experiences.
Kathleen is currently working with school districts on implementing effective teaching practice and performance appraisal systems.
She is also co-owner of an educational technology start-up small business called Inspired Classroom. Inspired Classroom is an
interactive distance learning company bringing world class collaborative experiences into the classroom—in real time. We
connect the best organization experts and role models with students and educators who hunger for authentic learning opportunities.
Classrooms partnered with organizations through Inspired Classroom’s distance learning and green screen technology warp time and space for discussions, problem solving projects, and connections.
Kathleen enjoys world travel, especially visiting her two grown children and their families. She also immerses herself in many of the outdoor recreational opportunities that the Montana lifestyle offers such as kayaking, hiking, skiing, sailing, and biathlon.
Alli DePuy
Alli has extensive experience as an educator, program coordinator, technology specialist, and curriculum developer. Her passion is connecting students, experts, and content specialists with real-world experiences . She is co-owner of an educational technology start-up small business called Inspired Classroom. Inspired Classroom is an interactive distance learning company bringing world-class collaborative experiences into the classroom—in real time. We connect the best organization experts and role models with students and educators who hunger for authentic learning opportunities.
Alli has extensive experience as an educator, program coordinator, technology specialist, and curriculum developer. Her passion is connecting students, experts, and content specialists with real-world experiences . She is co-owner of an educational technology start-up small business called Inspired Classroom. Inspired Classroom is an interactive distance learning company bringing world-class collaborative experiences into the classroom—in real time. We connect the best organization experts and role models with students and educators who hunger for authentic learning opportunities.
Shelley Emslie
Shelley Emslie is an enthusiastic and passionate person who has been teaching at Swan River School in Bigfork, Montana for twenty-two years. She teaches 5th grade and is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, as well as a Board member for NCCCE. She has never let her two-stoplight-town impede her innovation; rather, it fuels her desire to bring meaningful technology to her students and ignite their curiosity. She elevates her lessons by differentiating curriculum and bringing new perspectives into the classroom using GSuite tools, as well as some incredible web based programs, and apps.
Shelley Emslie is an enthusiastic and passionate person who has been teaching at Swan River School in Bigfork, Montana for twenty-two years. She teaches 5th grade and is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, as well as a Board member for NCCCE. She has never let her two-stoplight-town impede her innovation; rather, it fuels her desire to bring meaningful technology to her students and ignite their curiosity. She elevates her lessons by differentiating curriculum and bringing new perspectives into the classroom using GSuite tools, as well as some incredible web based programs, and apps.
Craig Falcon
Craig Falcon a member of the Blackfeet tribe and the White Clay tribe. He is a cultural education consultant, producer, director, actor, writer and traditionalist. He has taught in K-12, University, The Smithsonian and the film industry across the U.S and Canada. His presentations are very interactive, that include Blackfeet language sessions, games and a true look at indigenous history from a indigenous perspective. His research in cultures across the U.S and Canada has brought his skills into the film industry. Academy award winning film The Revenant, HBOs Lewis and Clark, Winter Count. Documentaries include “Our Last Refuge, the Badger Two Medicine Story, Healing the Warrior's Heart, the adventures of Danny and Dingo and suicide prevention commercials for Samsha.
Craig Falcon a member of the Blackfeet tribe and the White Clay tribe. He is a cultural education consultant, producer, director, actor, writer and traditionalist. He has taught in K-12, University, The Smithsonian and the film industry across the U.S and Canada. His presentations are very interactive, that include Blackfeet language sessions, games and a true look at indigenous history from a indigenous perspective. His research in cultures across the U.S and Canada has brought his skills into the film industry. Academy award winning film The Revenant, HBOs Lewis and Clark, Winter Count. Documentaries include “Our Last Refuge, the Badger Two Medicine Story, Healing the Warrior's Heart, the adventures of Danny and Dingo and suicide prevention commercials for Samsha.
Garth Flint
I am the CS/Programming teacher at Loyola Sacred Heart High School in Missoula. I have been teaching CS/programming since 1982. Over the years I have found free solutions for teaching every computer course I offer. The courses I offer are from beginning programming to dual-credit university courses in programming and game design. Computers, monitors, software, everything can be found for free.
I am the CS/Programming teacher at Loyola Sacred Heart High School in Missoula. I have been teaching CS/programming since 1982. Over the years I have found free solutions for teaching every computer course I offer. The courses I offer are from beginning programming to dual-credit university courses in programming and game design. Computers, monitors, software, everything can be found for free.
Nikki Geiszler
Nikki Geiszler has been the Programs Director for the Montana World Affairs Council for the last three years. Originally from Florida, Nikki attended the University of Florida, earning a B.A. in Anthropology and Classical Studies. She moved to the great state of Montana in 2013 to pursue her masters at the University of Montana in Anthropology. During her time at the Montana World Affairs Council, she has worked to expand the participation in the youth programming for both Academic WorldQuest and Council in the Classroom. In 2018, she traveled nearly 2,000 miles across the state to meet with superintendents, principals, and teachers to promote the free youth programming the Council provides visiting 24 schools in one week. She looks forward to many more years at the Council to provide worthy global education programs to all Montana students.
Nikki Geiszler has been the Programs Director for the Montana World Affairs Council for the last three years. Originally from Florida, Nikki attended the University of Florida, earning a B.A. in Anthropology and Classical Studies. She moved to the great state of Montana in 2013 to pursue her masters at the University of Montana in Anthropology. During her time at the Montana World Affairs Council, she has worked to expand the participation in the youth programming for both Academic WorldQuest and Council in the Classroom. In 2018, she traveled nearly 2,000 miles across the state to meet with superintendents, principals, and teachers to promote the free youth programming the Council provides visiting 24 schools in one week. She looks forward to many more years at the Council to provide worthy global education programs to all Montana students.
Kay Grissom-Kiely
Kay Grissom-Kiely works as the Curator of Education at the Missoula Art Museum (MAM). Prior to this position, she worked at the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, the Montana Arts Council, homeWORD, and as co-editor for the St. James Guide to Latin American Art and as the development director and grant writer/researcher at MAM. While in Chicago, she worked as Director of Education at the Hyde Park Art Center and has been committed to arts education throughout her career. She has an extensive background in art history and arts education, with a master’s degree in art history, theory, and criticism in modern and contemporary art from the
School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she focused on contemporary women artists of Cuba, and a bachelor’s degree in art and art history from DePauw University. While in Chicago, she worked at Marwen and Gallery 37, both inner-city arts organizations that provide free art programming to youth. She completed a curatorial internship for the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, as well as internships in museum education at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art in Indianapolis. Kay brings experience designing and implementing teen mentorship programs in the arts, curriculum-based arts integrated programs, job-training programs in the arts, after-school art programs, and other interpretive programs from institutions with nationally recognized
museum and arts education programs.
Kay Grissom-Kiely works as the Curator of Education at the Missoula Art Museum (MAM). Prior to this position, she worked at the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, the Montana Arts Council, homeWORD, and as co-editor for the St. James Guide to Latin American Art and as the development director and grant writer/researcher at MAM. While in Chicago, she worked as Director of Education at the Hyde Park Art Center and has been committed to arts education throughout her career. She has an extensive background in art history and arts education, with a master’s degree in art history, theory, and criticism in modern and contemporary art from the
School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she focused on contemporary women artists of Cuba, and a bachelor’s degree in art and art history from DePauw University. While in Chicago, she worked at Marwen and Gallery 37, both inner-city arts organizations that provide free art programming to youth. She completed a curatorial internship for the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, as well as internships in museum education at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art in Indianapolis. Kay brings experience designing and implementing teen mentorship programs in the arts, curriculum-based arts integrated programs, job-training programs in the arts, after-school art programs, and other interpretive programs from institutions with nationally recognized
museum and arts education programs.
Deanna Horsens
Deanna Horsens is a third grade teacher, Google for Education Certified Trainer, and G Suite Admin at Florence-Carlton K-12 Schools. She serves on the district technology committee and enthusiastically leads the GAfE program. Mrs. Horsens is a featured educational technology presenter for conferences across the state of Montana and provides on site professional development. She strives to motivate, empower, and encourage fellow teachers. She is thrilled to share entertaining stories of success, some epic fails, and her teacher-created materials with you.
Deanna Horsens is a third grade teacher, Google for Education Certified Trainer, and G Suite Admin at Florence-Carlton K-12 Schools. She serves on the district technology committee and enthusiastically leads the GAfE program. Mrs. Horsens is a featured educational technology presenter for conferences across the state of Montana and provides on site professional development. She strives to motivate, empower, and encourage fellow teachers. She is thrilled to share entertaining stories of success, some epic fails, and her teacher-created materials with you.
Aubrey Howell
Aubrey Howell is the Flathead Program Manager for Tamarack Grief Resource Center where she coordinates and facilitates bereavement camps, community workshops, and support groups for adults and children experiencing grief and trauma. Aubrey attended the University of Montana and has her Bachelor of Social Work. She has a specialized interest in compassionate peer support for those grieving a death by suicide and focuses on postvention activities as a critical part of suicide prevention efforts in her work at TGRC. As a certified QPR gatekeeper and SOS trainer, Aubrey leads suicide prevention workshops for all ages across Western Montana.
Aubrey Howell is the Flathead Program Manager for Tamarack Grief Resource Center where she coordinates and facilitates bereavement camps, community workshops, and support groups for adults and children experiencing grief and trauma. Aubrey attended the University of Montana and has her Bachelor of Social Work. She has a specialized interest in compassionate peer support for those grieving a death by suicide and focuses on postvention activities as a critical part of suicide prevention efforts in her work at TGRC. As a certified QPR gatekeeper and SOS trainer, Aubrey leads suicide prevention workshops for all ages across Western Montana.
Jess Matthaie
Jess Matthiae owns and operates Peaceful Heart LLC in Missoula designed to share yoga, mindfulness and emotional literacy with kids and adults. It is comprised of a yoga and mindfulness inspired preschool during the school year and summer camps during the summer. Jess teaches classes for families, kids and educators at the studio and around town in schools and businesses. Jess is originally from Missoula and is happy to call it home once again.
Jess Matthiae owns and operates Peaceful Heart LLC in Missoula designed to share yoga, mindfulness and emotional literacy with kids and adults. It is comprised of a yoga and mindfulness inspired preschool during the school year and summer camps during the summer. Jess teaches classes for families, kids and educators at the studio and around town in schools and businesses. Jess is originally from Missoula and is happy to call it home once again.
Dean Phillips
Dean, co-founder of Beyond The Chalk, is a licensed educator in the state of Montana, has had teaching and leadership experiences in all levels of education. He completed his undergraduate degrees in History and broad-field Social Studies at Washington State University where he also obtained his teaching credentials. Dean also completed his Masters Degree in Education, with an emphasis in emerging technologies and technology integration from Walden University.
Dean began his career as a middle school teacher where he continually offered his students the opportunities to learn from their environment, experiences, and real world applications of content. He created problem based lessons where his students constructed bird houses, launching machines, Rube Goldberg experiments, and even a mousetrap car competition. He also teamed with other nearby teachers and implemented an Outdoor Education program where fifth through eighth grade students spent five days in Montana’s great outdoors, learning from professionals and experts in their working environments. He was always on the cutting edge of technology as an educator, finding ways to fund classroom technology. He implemented a 1:1 program in his classroom,(before it was called 1:1), using Palm handheld devices. It is here that Dean was recognized for his ability to integrate technology effectively into classroom environments.
From his teaching experiences, Dean was recognized as an educational leader and has served on many state wide boards including the Montana Middle School Advisory Board, as well as the Montana Small Schools Alliance Curriculum Development Committee. He was recruited to become one of five regional technology integration specialists working with multiple school districts in Montana and worked in this capacity for three years. Dean also has had the opportunity to share his skills and knowledge with pre-service teachers at Montana State University. Dean also teaches various classes through Montana State Extended University, offering the opportunity for teachers who are in the classroom to continue to earn credits and engage in relevant and exciting discussions about class topics and exciting changes occurring in education.
Dean currently works as a professional speaker, technology integration specialist, and an educational coach and advisor for districts across the country. He is a Google Certified Teacher, a Google Authorized Education Trainer, and Google Geo Certified Teacher, a member of Google Geo for Higher Education, and currently sits on the Google Geo Advisory Board.
Dean, co-founder of Beyond The Chalk, is a licensed educator in the state of Montana, has had teaching and leadership experiences in all levels of education. He completed his undergraduate degrees in History and broad-field Social Studies at Washington State University where he also obtained his teaching credentials. Dean also completed his Masters Degree in Education, with an emphasis in emerging technologies and technology integration from Walden University.
Dean began his career as a middle school teacher where he continually offered his students the opportunities to learn from their environment, experiences, and real world applications of content. He created problem based lessons where his students constructed bird houses, launching machines, Rube Goldberg experiments, and even a mousetrap car competition. He also teamed with other nearby teachers and implemented an Outdoor Education program where fifth through eighth grade students spent five days in Montana’s great outdoors, learning from professionals and experts in their working environments. He was always on the cutting edge of technology as an educator, finding ways to fund classroom technology. He implemented a 1:1 program in his classroom,(before it was called 1:1), using Palm handheld devices. It is here that Dean was recognized for his ability to integrate technology effectively into classroom environments.
From his teaching experiences, Dean was recognized as an educational leader and has served on many state wide boards including the Montana Middle School Advisory Board, as well as the Montana Small Schools Alliance Curriculum Development Committee. He was recruited to become one of five regional technology integration specialists working with multiple school districts in Montana and worked in this capacity for three years. Dean also has had the opportunity to share his skills and knowledge with pre-service teachers at Montana State University. Dean also teaches various classes through Montana State Extended University, offering the opportunity for teachers who are in the classroom to continue to earn credits and engage in relevant and exciting discussions about class topics and exciting changes occurring in education.
Dean currently works as a professional speaker, technology integration specialist, and an educational coach and advisor for districts across the country. He is a Google Certified Teacher, a Google Authorized Education Trainer, and Google Geo Certified Teacher, a member of Google Geo for Higher Education, and currently sits on the Google Geo Advisory Board.
McKenna Robertson
McKenna Robertson is the Program Outreach Assistant for Tamarack Grief Resource Center where she facilitates bereavement camps, support groups, community workshops, and suicide prevention trainings. She brings her passion for building community to her work with those who have experienced grief and trauma. McKenna has over 7 years of experience working with youth in school and camp settings. Trained in SOS and QPR, McKenna works closely with schools across western Montana to provide classroom guidance activities and suicide prevention workshops for students, staff, and community members.
McKenna Robertson is the Program Outreach Assistant for Tamarack Grief Resource Center where she facilitates bereavement camps, support groups, community workshops, and suicide prevention trainings. She brings her passion for building community to her work with those who have experienced grief and trauma. McKenna has over 7 years of experience working with youth in school and camp settings. Trained in SOS and QPR, McKenna works closely with schools across western Montana to provide classroom guidance activities and suicide prevention workshops for students, staff, and community members.
Ezra Shearer
Ezra Shearer has been teaching social studies at Sentinel High School in Missoula, Montana, since January 2011. He earned a B.A. in History (2006) and M.Ed in Secondary Education (2010) at “The Harvard on the Hocking,” Ohio University. At Sentinel, Mr. Shearer has strives to promote global citizenship and critical analysis of complicated issues. Teaching assignments have included World History, Government, and Geography, and the introduction of AP Seminar, AP World History and AP Geography to Sentinel High School. Outside of the classroom, he has advised the Model UN program and debate team. Recently, he has completed the National Geographic Certified Educator program and has served as a United States Institute of Peace teaching fellow for the 2017-2018 school year. This will be his 5th year presenting at the institute.
Ezra Shearer has been teaching social studies at Sentinel High School in Missoula, Montana, since January 2011. He earned a B.A. in History (2006) and M.Ed in Secondary Education (2010) at “The Harvard on the Hocking,” Ohio University. At Sentinel, Mr. Shearer has strives to promote global citizenship and critical analysis of complicated issues. Teaching assignments have included World History, Government, and Geography, and the introduction of AP Seminar, AP World History and AP Geography to Sentinel High School. Outside of the classroom, he has advised the Model UN program and debate team. Recently, he has completed the National Geographic Certified Educator program and has served as a United States Institute of Peace teaching fellow for the 2017-2018 school year. This will be his 5th year presenting at the institute.
Julia Sherman
Julia Sherman graduated with a BA in Communication Studies and a certificate in African-American Studies from the University of Montana, where she was awarded the Richard Drake Writing Award for her research on the development of visual media and film and its impact on social movements in the 1960’s. A historian at heart, Julia has been deply embedded in the film industry for the past six years, working with Tribeca Film Institute;s filmmaker department and then Big Sky Film Institute in a variety of positions, from Operations to Associate Programmer. Her work on film projects around Montana keep her rooted in Missoula as does her own passion for developing programs that encourage students to harness the potential of visual media as an educational tool.
Julia Sherman graduated with a BA in Communication Studies and a certificate in African-American Studies from the University of Montana, where she was awarded the Richard Drake Writing Award for her research on the development of visual media and film and its impact on social movements in the 1960’s. A historian at heart, Julia has been deply embedded in the film industry for the past six years, working with Tribeca Film Institute;s filmmaker department and then Big Sky Film Institute in a variety of positions, from Operations to Associate Programmer. Her work on film projects around Montana keep her rooted in Missoula as does her own passion for developing programs that encourage students to harness the potential of visual media as an educational tool.
Bill Stockton
Bill Stockton has been a teacher in western Montana for the past 10+ years. He currently is teaching at Arlee High School and for Montana Digital Academy. His course load covers, biology, AP biology, wildlife biology, principles of health science, earth science, physics, and chemistry, He currently has teaching endorsements in biology and broadfield sciences and is working towards his class 4a endorsement in health occupations education. Bill has taught and coached students of all ages and has more recently began helping Montana teachers focus on integrating the new science standards into their classrooms.
Bill lives in Lolo, Montana with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. He enjoys hiking, boating, attending and playing sports, traveling, and attending concerts with his friends and family.
Bill Stockton has been a teacher in western Montana for the past 10+ years. He currently is teaching at Arlee High School and for Montana Digital Academy. His course load covers, biology, AP biology, wildlife biology, principles of health science, earth science, physics, and chemistry, He currently has teaching endorsements in biology and broadfield sciences and is working towards his class 4a endorsement in health occupations education. Bill has taught and coached students of all ages and has more recently began helping Montana teachers focus on integrating the new science standards into their classrooms.
Bill lives in Lolo, Montana with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. He enjoys hiking, boating, attending and playing sports, traveling, and attending concerts with his friends and family.