School Administrators of Montana

SAM Update 7-18-25

Dear SAM Members,

Thank you for staying engaged over the summer months.  We are looking forward to hosting everyone at the SAM summer conference.

 

News on the Impoundment of Title Funds:

While not 100% great news, there has been some movement on the Title Funds. It sounds like the Feds will release the Title IV, Part B, Afterschool (21st Century Grant) on Monday.  This is good news for those school districts and community partners that are relying on this money for afterschool programs at the start of the 2025 school year. 

 

It is hopeful to see at least some motion about the distribution of the Title funds. We appreciate any advocacy that you have done with our congressional representatives.  We do know that their input to the Department of Ed helped to get the ball rolling.  Hopefully we will see the other funds released soon.

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.  Rob
 

Final Call - Register Now for SAM AI 2025!

Now is the perfect time to register for the 2025 SAM AI, scheduled for July 28–30 at the Delta Colonial in Helena.  Don't miss this opportunity to connect and recharge. This year’s program features dynamic keynote speakers, pre-conference workshops, and deep-dive Focus Zone sessions covering hot topics like CTE, accreditation, special education para pathways, Indian Education for All, new leader workshop, and legislative updates. Plus, you’ll connect directly with state leaders and fellow administrators. Start your school year recharged- check out the full schedule here!
Register today:  2025 SAM AI Registration Form
 

Registration is Open for the 2025-26 SAM Leaders Professional Learning Program

 

SAM is proud to continue its long-standing tradition of offering affordable, high-impact professional support through the Leaders Professional Learning Program (LPLP). Whether you’re stepping into a new leadership role or simply seeking the guidance of an experienced mentor, LPLP is designed for you.

Each participant is matched with a knowledgable mentor who provides personalized support through one-on-one conversations and regular check-ins throughout the school year. Leadership can sometimes feel isolating—LPLP offers a trusted partner to help navigate challenges, offer timely advice, or simply serve as a confidential sounding board when you need one most.

Take advantage of this opportunity to grow, reflect, and lead with confidence.

 

Register here:  2025-26 SAM LPLP 1-1 Leadership Coaching & Mentoring Registration Form
 

Now Accepting Nominations for SAM, MASS, and MASSP Awards & Scholarships!

 

Do you know someone making a powerful impact in education? Now’s your chance to shine a spotlight on them! Nominations are open for the following SAM, MASS, and MASSP Awards. Help us recognize outstanding educators and school leaders who are making a meaningful difference for students, staff, and their communities.

 

Who will you nominate to be recognized for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success?  Submit your nominations today and help celebrate the educators who inspire and support great learning every day.

  • SAM:
    • G.V. Erickson Award:  (Deadline  Friday, September 5, 2025) The G.V. Erickson Award is given to a member of the School Administrators of Montana who has made the greatest contribution to the betterment of education in Montana; something that G.V. did throughout his career. This is the most honored award a Montana school administrator Montana can receive.
    • Erdie Memorial Scholarship:  (Deadline  Friday, September 5, 2025) A Dr. Jay Erdie Memorial Mentor Scholarship for $1000 will be awarded annually to a deserving educator. The purpose of the scholarship is to train and mentor new Montana school administrators. The scholarship will be awarded to a school administration candidate who plans to begin and/or complete his/her administrative credentials and intends to work in a Montana school district. Once the candidate has secured a position and notified the SAM office, a trained mentor will be provided through the SAM Leaders Professional Learning Program to assist during his/her first year on the job. 
  • MASS:
    • MASS School Board of the Year:  (Deadline  Friday, September 5, 2025) The purpose of the award is to recognize and focus attention on the dedicated and ethical service rendered by school boards to the children of Montana.  Nominations for the MASS School Board Awards may be submitted by any Montana Superintendent of Schools. The MASS Executive Board recommends that each of the nine regions submit a nomination. Two Outstanding School Boards in Montana may be chosen. The winners will be announced at the annual MCEL meeting in October. 
    • MASS AASA Conference Incentive Award:   (Deadline  Friday, September 5, 2025) The Montana Association of School Superintendents Incentive Award Program is intended to provide an opportunity for up to two MASS members to attend the AASA National Conference on Education (NCE) that will be held in Nashville, February 12 - 14, 2026.
  • MASSP:
    • MASSP Principal of the Year (Deadline Friday, October 3, 2025) - This award recognizes outstanding secondary principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession. An eligible candidate must have been an active principal for at least three consecutive years.
    • MASSP Assistant Principal of the Year (Deadline Friday, October 3, 2025)  - The National Assistant Principal of the Year program recognizes outstanding school leaders who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. These assistant principals are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession. The program honors high school assistant principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of personal excellence; collaborative leadership; curriculum, instruction and assessment; and personalization.
 

National Board Certification Jump Start Coming Soon – Register now

 

National Board Certification allows teachers to demonstrate the highest level of accomplishment in their profession. It is a nationally accepted sign of quality and offers a nationwide standard for evaluating and encouraging quality teaching.

 

Becoming National Board Certified involves an extensive series of performance-based assessments that includes teaching portfolios, student work samples, videos, and analyses of the teacher's classroom teaching and student learning.

 

The Montana Professional Teaching Foundation helps candidates navigate the National Board Certification process.

 

Jump Start is a 3-day comprehensive training designed to provide National Board candidates with important information about the certification process.  Jump Start participants will work with MFPE's team of NBCT Facilitators to review NBC components and assessment requirements. The training includes time for collaboration and gathering resources to get candidates off to great start. This training is open to ALL teachers and will be held August 6-8, 2025 in Helena.

 

For more information: https://www.mfpe.org/benefits-of-membership/professional-development/national-board-certification/