Jenifer Powell, a former seventh-grade social studies teacher at Corvallis Middle School, has been named the 2024 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year for her exceptional dedication to teaching Montana history. To celebrate her achievement, Powell and her former students will attend a ceremony in Helena on Nov. 8, Statehood Day.
Powell, known for her ability to create an engaging learning environment for her students, will receive $4,250 from program sponsors for her prize. The ceremony, held at the Montana State Capitol near the Centennial Bell, will include Powell’s students ringing the bell at 10:40 a.m., the exact minute Montana became a state in 1889. They will also perform the Montana state song and recite the preamble to the 1972 Montana constitution.
Powell’s prize money will be used to enhance learning experiences at Corvallis schools, including field trips, supplies, and guest speakers. Known for her hands-on teaching approach, Powell engaged her students in activities such as simulating mining gold during the gold rush and learning about early native cultures through trade simulations.
The Centennial Bell Award Ceremony, established in 1990 by Norma Ashby-Smith, aims to promote awareness of Montana’s birthday by honoring exceptional history teachers. The program rotates between honoring teachers at the 7th-12th grade level and the 4th-6th grade level on alternate years. Powell’s recognition as the 2024 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year highlights her commitment to teaching Montana history and inspiring her students.
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Photo credit news.mt.gov