School Administrators of Montana

SAM Update 10-24-25

Dear SAM Members,

Happy Fall! Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful fall weather.  

We have created another way to digest the valuable information in our SAM update - The SAM Weekly Podcast.  Crunched for time?  Too many emails?  Looking for something to listen to on your drive home from work?  Check out the SAM Podcast on youtube!
 

Save the Date:  SAM November 13 Webinar

Join us for the next SAM Webinar on Nov. 13 - The STARS Act, Future Ready Incentive:  PK-12 supports available to maximize incentive payments.  Representatives from OCHE, DLI, and OPI will share updates on their progress in developing guidelines for the STARS incentive payments available to both elementary and high school districts.

We will explore resources available to Montana schools through the Montana Digital Academy and Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN). Aligned with Montana’s initiatives, CEN’s P-20 model creates a seamless, career-connected pathway from Pre-K to the workforce—empowering and transforming rural communities.

You’ll discover how the model:

  • Embeds high-quality instruction and experiential, project-based learning from the earliest grades
  • Builds seamless pathways from PK–12 to postsecondary, including dual-credit and CTE programs, associate degrees, and industry certifications
  • Connects education and workforce development, aligning learning with regional workforce needs
  • Strengthens rural communities by ending generational poverty through education and opportunity

Join this webinar to learn how to plan strategically and maximize your district’s future-ready incentive payments.

Call for Presenters and Award Nominations: 2026 Montana Principals Conference

We're getting ready for the 2026 Montana Principals Conference January 25-27 in Bozeman!  Room blocks are open and registration will launch soon.  We invite you to get involved—submit a presentation proposal or nominate a deserving colleague for recognition.  

Share your Expertise with your peers and consider presenting a breakout session at the conference!
Presentations must focus on one of the following areas:  

  • Leadership - Brave on the Frontier: Courageous Leadership in Shifting Times
  • Advocacy - From Grit to Policy: Turning Belief into Bootstraps Change
  • Innovation - From Campfire Sparks to Wildfire Change
  • Curriculum & Instruction - Beyond the Fence Line: Teaching That Lasts a Lifetime
  • School Culture - Keeping Joy in the Saddle: Sustaining Purpose on the Trail

Please complete the form to be considered as a conference breakout session presenter. Click here to complete the Call for Presenters application.

Celebrate Montana’s Education Leaders - Award/Scholarship Deadline is December 5!
Nominations and applications are now open for MASSP and MAEMSP awards and scholarships! Whether you’re nominating a colleague for their dedication or encouraging an aspiring leader to apply for a scholarship, your nomination helps shine a light on those shaping the future of Montana’s schools. Don’t wait—submit your nominations and applications by Friday, December 5, 2025. Awards will be presented at the 2026 Montana Principals Conference January 25-27 in Bozeman. Review all details and access the nomination/application forms HERE!

Opportunities from Education Partners

Discovery Education Offers Teacher PD 

Discovery Education Experience is an award-winning K-12 platform that supports all teachers, in all grade levels, in all subject areas! Are you looking for resources for any of the following?

  • Special Education & Multi Age Classrooms – differentiation, alignment to goals, individual or small group work
  • Careers and CTE – bring REAL people with REAL careers to your classroom via virtual means, or support a virtual career fair
  • Indian Education for All – resources to bring your IEFA standards to life
  • Emergency Authorization Teachers – resources for teachers who are learning new content, standards, and grade levels
  • Second Language support – providing over 130 different languages for students to have their work translated 
  • Low level reader support – providing text to be read to students and providing support for reading
  • International Teachers – needing support with standards, English immersion, and content
  • Substitute teacher resources – support for teachers who are gone for a day, week, or longer

Discovery Education is working with all districts across the state to provide the best pricing possible. Join the districts across Montana that are utilizing Experience every day, to bring learning to life! Be a partner with us! For more information, contact Allison Nys: anys@discoveryed.com or register for one of her Introductory sessions found here.