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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Gerry Nolan
Dr. Gerry Nolan has been a professional educator since 1979. Gerry has served as a teacher, coach, curriculum director, building principal, district superintendent, university adjunct faculty and school board chairman. Dr. Nolan was the 2017 Southwest Montana Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Nolan earned a bachelor’s degree in Education at Winona State University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Wyoming, and a doctorate at Cardinal Stritch University. Dr. Nolan has shared the message of the importance of love in promoting full and healthy human development from Wisconsin to California. He is the author of Loving Teachers: Wisdom, Beauty, and Blessings.
Dr. Gerry Nolan has been a professional educator since 1979. Gerry has served as a teacher, coach, curriculum director, building principal, district superintendent, university adjunct faculty and school board chairman. Dr. Nolan was the 2017 Southwest Montana Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Nolan earned a bachelor’s degree in Education at Winona State University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Wyoming, and a doctorate at Cardinal Stritch University. Dr. Nolan has shared the message of the importance of love in promoting full and healthy human development from Wisconsin to California. He is the author of Loving Teachers: Wisdom, Beauty, and Blessings.
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.
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.